Laying the foundations for sexuality education
Schools can develop a whole school approach to sexuality education to ensure that the needs of the whole school community are met including students, staff and families.
Policy development steps and strategies
Before a sexuality education program commences, teachers should become familiar with policies related to sexuality education and work within these recommendations. Policies that will relate to sexuality education will include student protection, anti-discrimination, gender equity, sexual harassment and any policies related to community involvement within the school. Familiarity with these policies is important, as they will provide guidance to implement and manage a sexuality education program by clarifying roles and expectations and create a supportive environment for the whole school community.
The following steps (Figure 1) can be used as a process to guide the development or revision of a sexuality education policy. In keeping with the health promoting schools approach, this process strongly encourages members of the school community to be involved in creating or revising a sexuality education policy.
Figure 1: Overview of steps to develop a written policy and other supporting documents
Adapted from Queensland Health and Education Queensland. (2006). A toolbox for creating helthy places to learn, work and play – How to develop and revise policy. Retrieved on 22 January, 2009 from www.health.qld.gov.au/healthyschools/documents/29340.pdf
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