Support and resource sexuality and gender education
Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Design inclusive school-wide systems and processes’
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On this page:
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Go to top of current page: Support and resource sexuality and gender education
Go to top of current page: Support and resource sexuality and gender education
Align policies to sexuality education guidelines
Align policies to sexuality education guidelines
Sexuality education encourages students to explore their own values, develop communication skills, and nurture a positive view of their own bodies and sexuality.
![10930 [Sexuality-education-in-NZC.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Sexuality-education-in-NZC__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Identify areas for discussion
Identify areas for discussion
Create opportunities for students to investigate and explore:
- healthy relationships in multiple contexts
- expressing feelings and emotions
- supporting the wellbeing of friends and peers
- communication
- questioning messages related to gender, sexuality, and diversity
- identity and beliefs
- rights and responsibilities
- future dreams and goals
- physical and emotional development
- sexual and gender diversity
- human reproduction
- human rights
- consent
- choice and agency in relationships
- access to support and health care
- questioning and discussing gender and sexual stereotypes and norms, i.e. heteronormativity (assumptions of a monosexual heterosexual society)
- risks and issues in online and social media environments.
Offer as a subject option at all levels
Offer as a subject option at all levels
Develop a school-wide, shared approach when considering how sexuality can be taught across and within a range of subject areas.
To support gender and sexuality diverse students, ensure that health is a subject option at all levels in the school, especially at senior levels when relationships are more likely.
It is recommended that all students engage in sexuality education in years 11-13. This should not be limited to students completing NCEA courses and standards in health education.
Develop community consultation cycle
Develop community consultation cycle
Consult with your community at least once every two years about how to teach sexuality education.
![10931 [Parents-at-a-school-morning-tea.png]](https://inclusive-live-storagestack-assetstorages3bucket-3uty0hejzw6u.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/public/inclusive-education/example-images/Parents-at-a-school-morning-tea__ScaleMaxWidthWzEwODZd.png)
Review current approach
Review current approach
Common characteristics of successful sexuality education programmes include:
- respect for the diverse values and beliefs of students and of the community
- recognition of the physical, social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of sexuality
- inclusion of students’ perspectives and requests
- regular planning and review of sexuality programmes
- consultation with students about content and approach
- up-to-date resources that are appropriate and modified to meet the needs of students
- committed, confident teachers who are provided with LGBTQIA+ professional development opportunities
- respect for different cultural perspectives
- the use of assessment data, including student self-assessment, to review programme implementation
- an environment where students feel safe to ask questions
- an environment where there is a good rapport between teachers and students
- a strong culture of school-wide respect
- access to effective support networks for students.
Source: Health and Physical Education Online (opens in a new tab/window)
Useful resources
Useful resources
Sexuality education: Information for parents, families, and whānau
Read time: 4 min
This pamphlet summarises key points about current sexuality education in New Zealand schools.
Next steps
More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Design inclusive school-wide systems and processes”:
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Current page Support and resource sexuality and gender education
Return to the guide “Supporting LGBTQIA+ students”
How to use this site
Guide to Index of the guide: LGBTQIA+ students
Understand:
Strategies for action:
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Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversityShow suggestions for Build knowledge of sex, gender, and sexuality diversity
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Design inclusive school-wide systems and processesShow suggestions for Design inclusive school-wide systems and processes
- Engage with community
- Develop inclusive policies and systems
- Create safe, inclusive environments with students
- Provide support systems
- Support and resource sexuality and gender education
- Provide professional learning
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Address immediate environmental, physical and social needsShow suggestions for Address immediate environmental, physical and social needs
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Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculumShow suggestions for Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculum
