AQW 10278/22-27


Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry


Tabled Date: 17/04/2024
Answered On Date: 19/04/2024
Priority Written: No


Question:
To ask the Minister of Education (i) for an update on the creation of provisions for Relationship and Sexuality Education as referenced by the Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023; and (ii) to detail the level of importance given to addressing misogyny, consent and the development of toxic attitudes towards women.


Answer:
Relationships and Sexuality Education in the Northern Ireland Curriculum is not new; there were requirements for schools to deliver RSE before the introduction of the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 and before the Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023 which were made by the Secretary of State and came into force on 1 July 2023.
From 1 July 2023, comprehensive, age-appropriate and scientifically accurate education about sexual and reproductive health and rights covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion became a mandatory element of Learning for Life and Work at key stages 3 and 4. Schools have therefore been required to provide that education from the start of the current school year.
My Department issued guidance to schools on 1 January 2024 on this change and from that date made provision by Regulations for the circumstances in which a parent can request a pupil be excused from the new education or specified elements of it.
The design of our curriculum means that schools have flexibility around what they teach and the resources they can use. This means that teaching can be tailored to discuss issues such as misogyny, consent and attitudes to women at a time when they are important to pupils and are part of wider debate in society.
My officials have also established as task and finish group to consider the findings of the Education and Training Inspectorate’s Evaluation of the Preventative Curriculum in Schools and Education Other Than At School EOTAS) Centres. The report found that some sensitive topics were not covered sufficiently or at all in some schools. I will consider whether it is appropriate to issue further guidance to schools in response to that report.
Officials are also engaged with the Executive Office on its Strategy for Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. Schools are very well placed to lead the way in attitudinal and behavioural change, with a whole school environment which equips and supports the empowerment of future generations to develop healthy, respectful relationships and gender equality. Addressing the root causes of violence against women and girls will be a central part of achieving this outcome.