Education in a Loreto School strives for the all round development of the student, promotes Christian Values, attitudes and principles. It affirms the personal worth and dignity of each student, fosters awareness of the responsibility to work for peace, justice and unity in society. The school endeavours to encourage excellence in all areas of the student’s life, in an atmosphere of interest, concern and friendship for each person.
Our Relationship and Sexuality Education Programme is based on respect for self and respect for others. The policy aims to enable young people to develop attitudes and values towards their sexuality in a moral, spiritual and social framework.
· The programme
is taught formally as part of the Religion Course within the school.
· At First
Year level there is some cross-curricular co-operation.
· On occasion
visiting speakers who have a particular expertise will be invited to address
students.
· This Policy
will be distributed initially to parents of existing students and then annually
to parents of incoming First Years.
· An updated
version of the Policy will be available in the school office.
· It is
the right of a parent to withdraw their child from any part of the programme
being taught. Parents must notify the Principal in advance of what
areas of the programme from which they wish to withdraw their child.
· Participating
teachers will meet annually at the end of each academic year to review the
programme and parents are welcome to submit their views to the
Principal for inclusion in this review.
The sexuality aspects are integrated into an overall Relationship Programme in the context of the Religion Course. The following pages give an outline of the programme and some of the handouts used in class. Parents are directed to their daughter’s Religion Book for more examples of the resources to be utilised in class.
First Year |
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| Units of Work: | Development of the female reproductive organs/system. Self worth/esteem and responsible sexual behaviour. What is AIDS? - Definitions. Cross-Curricular Approach involving Science, Home Economics and Religion Departments. |
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| Speaker: | Representative from “The Always and Tampax Education Service” | |
| Resource Texts: | Resource Book for Relationships and Sexuality Programme: Department of Education & Science |
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| Sample Handouts: | Crossword Puzzle. Menstruation postbag. 16 Magic Square Puzzle. AIDS pre-test. |
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Second Year |
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| Units of Work: | Male & Female reproductive organs/system. Conception/Contraception. Development of life within the womb. Birth. Relationships & Individual Rights (harassment/assault) The transmission of HIV/AIDS. |
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| Text Book: | Community of Hope | |
| Speaker: | Garda; Doctor; Rape Crisis Centre. | |
| Resource Material: | Resource Book for Relationships and Sexuality Programme: Department
of Education & Science Everywoman Medical Guide: Octopus Books & Notes on the Development of the Foetus. Everywoman: D. L. Jones Growing Up: Osborne Publications How we grow up: Health Education Council, British Publication. Questionnaire & Evaluation sheets. |
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| Sample Handouts: | AIDS is a difficult disease to catch How can AIDS be caught? Spreading AIDS How to avoid getting AIDS AIDS Transmission worksheet. |
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Third Year |
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| Units of Work: | Relationships AIDS stories |
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| Speaker: | Representative from “The Always and Tampax Education Service” A local doctor Response/Accord |
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| Resource Text: | Resource Book for Relationships and Sexuality Programme: Department of Education & Science |
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| Sample Handouts: | Who Will Mind The Children? (Irish Times Nov. 30th 1992) | |
| Sample Videos: | Inside Story: Aids in the Family Check-Up: AIDS in Uganda (1992) An Early Frost (film) Tuesday File: Two families’ stories. They Call Me Mammy, now. Common Threads - Stories from the Quilt & Handout. |
| Fertility Awareness Family Planning Values and Relationships Personal Integrity Responsible Parenthood Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexual Harassment Gender Orientation Gender Discrimination and Pornography Personal Rights and Personal Safety Making, Keeping and Ending Relationships Love is... Commitment and Marriage |
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| Text Books: | The Challenge of God | |
Please note that Resource Materials will be updated as
suitable resources become available. |
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