Sexuality Education in Singapore Schools

1992

MOE developed some general guidelines on the teaching of Human Sexuality in secondary schools.^[1]

prior Oct 2000

Health Education in the upper primary levels^[1]
Science, Civics and Moral Education, and Pastoral Care curriculum in the secondary and JC/CI levels.^[1]

16 Oct 2000^[1]

Launch of sexuality education framework and the Growing Years series The Growing Years series provides schools with teaching resources on sexuality issues, and helps to present sexuality education in a more holistic manner to students at the four critical growth stages: upper primary (11-12 years of age), lower secondary (13-14 years), upper secondary (15-16 years) and post-secondary (17-18 years) stages. Each series consists of a VCD, a CD-ROM and a Teachers Resource book. The lower secondary series is now ready; the upper primary series and the upper secondary series will be developed in 2001, and the post-secondary series in 2002.

The Framework sets out clearly three goals for sexuality education:

to provide accurate and adequate knowledge about human sexuality and the consequences of sexual activity, so that pupils are able to make carefully considered, informed decisions;
to impart personal and interpersonal skills in problem solving, decision making and effective communication, so that pupils are able to build responsible and rewarding relationships; and
to inculcate positive values and attitudes of sexuality, in line with the national value of the family as the basic unit of society.

The Framework also delineates four broad themes or components for a balanced and comprehensive sexuality education programme. These are:

human development, which deals with the physiological changes during adolescence and the psychological impact of these changes;
interpersonal relationships, which covers skills and values for forming healthy relationships with members of the opposite sex;
sexual health and behaviour, which deals with issues such as the consequences of sexual behaviour; and
society and culture, which looks at the social and cultural influences on the way our young learn about and express their sexuality.

Our approach is to teach responsible behaviour and correct values, based on respect for the individual and adherence to our core family values, without being moralistic. Where the law covers some specific areas, students will be informed of the law and consequences of its infringement. Where there is an issue of choice, students will be encouraged to discuss the various options and to consult their parents, guardians or some other adult in whom they can trust to arrive at a decision.

With guidance and care, the tripartite efforts of school, home and community will enable our pupils to develop a clear understanding of human sexuality, acquire good personal and social skills, imbibe the right values and attitudes towards sexuality, and be circumspect in their sexual behaviour. They will better understand themselves and learn to manage and balance their personal needs. They will grow to become more confident, self-disciplined and responsible individuals. We cannot afford to give them less.

2007

The ministry of education decided in 2007 that students should know about the repercussions of unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Previously, the key message was abstinence.^[2]

2009^[3]

MOEs guidelines for sexuality education are:

Parents bear the main responsibility for the sexuality education of their children;
Sexuality education is premised on the importance of the heterosexual married family as the basic unit of society;
The teaching of facts is integrated with the teaching of values, which reflect that of the mainstream society;
Students will be taught to understand and respect the attitudes, values and beliefs regarding sexuality in the context of Singapores multi-religious and multi-racial society;
Specially selected and trained teachers are to teach the Growing Years package; and
Relevant resources in the community will be brought in to complement school resources for sexuality education.

The three goals of sexuality education are:

Provide accurate and adequate knowledge on human sexuality and the consequences of sexual activity so that pupils are able to make informed decisions;
Impart intra- and inter-personal skills of problem-solving, decision-making and effective communication so that pupils are able to build responsible and rewarding relationships; and
Inculcate positive values and attitudes of sexuality so that pupils develop a respect for themselves and others as sexual beings, premised on the heterosexual married family as the basic unit of society.

Sexuality Education in schools is taught in both the formal curriculum and co-curricular programmes. These are covered under the four main themes of Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and, Societal Influences:

Human Development: the onset of puberty and its psychological and emotional impact
Interpersonal Relationships: the skills and values for healthy relationships with members of the opposite sex
Sexual Health and Behaviour: expressions of sexuality and their consequences
Societal Influences: social influences and impact of legal positions on sexual identity and sexual expressions

[1] Speech by Dr Aline Wong, Senior Minister of State for Education, for launching the growing years series, 16 Oct 2000
[2] Why sex education is needed, Amelia Tan, The Straits Times 21 May 2009
[3] ITT No: MOE000ETT09000272 Tender Ref No: MOE000/2009/GB/001 Part 3
REQUIREMENT SPECIFICATIONS 24/09/2009

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