Sex education - what is covered, and when?

[AngiBolen]

DC's go to a Catholic primary. When DS1 attended, condoms, periods, ect were covered in Y5. I mentioned to the deputy head, that I didn't mind these subjects being taught, but I would like to know in advance, what was being covered. (Taking away the surprise presentation DS1 gave me in the supermarket on sanitary protection, and his "yeah, duh!" attitude when I decided to tell him about condoms when he was in Y6.

DC2 is now in Y5, and is generally more clued up about things than DS1. I asked him today if they had covered condoms yet at school, and he told me his teacher says they don't need to talk about condoms because they are a catholic school. (So someone must have mentioned them at some point!)

What can I expect my DC to be taught at school? I will be filling them in on what they don't know, or think they know from the playground. I will also be asking the school about their U-turn in the last 4 years on condom knowledge.

Surprised a primary school were teaching about condoms - are you sure this is right?
To be honest I would 'fill in' your kids on everything you think they need to know, not just what the school dont cover. You have no idea what the quality of SRE will be so dont rely on them.

Most schools have the policy that you are told before SRE takes place as you have the right to withdraw their children. This notification should tell you whats covered.

IME primary schools cover
puberty
sex and sexual reproduction (to different degrees, some schools for some reason think it is acceptable to talk vaguely about sperm and eggs without explaining how they get there and leaving children baffled)
changing emotions and relationships around puberty

Yes, I was surprised primary was teaching about condoms. I bought it up with the Y6 teacher (who was new that year) and the deputy head. The Y6 teacher said, "Oh no, nothing will be taught about condoms"....while at the same time the deputy head was nodding and saying "Yes they were taught that in Y5. DS1 wouldn't have learned about condoms from anywhere else. (DS2 on the other hand has a plethora of more mature friends -DC of my friends- willing to offer their wisdom. )

DS2 tells me they have be told about reproduction through plants...he muttered about stamen. Which sounds a bit lame.

So should I ask to see the SRE policy to know what is covered?

Certainly. It might also give management a bit of a kick up the bum as it sounds like the staff aren't completely together on what they're teaching.

Reproduction in plants is in the science curriculum and taught in schools across the country, even those that completely avoid SRE. Its imensely dull imho! Good quality should also teach human reproduction through its SRE and science program.

We do lots of work on puberty in Y4, as well as how a baby is made, including the mechanics of sex.
In Y6 children learn, among other things, that 2 people may choose to have sex as part of a loving relationship and not just to make a baby. At this point they also learn a bit about contraception.

prettydaisies your SRE sounds fantastic - would you consider PMing me some details?

You might be interested in this statement about what a good SRE and PSHE curriculum could look like in each Key Stage. It's by the FPA in consultation with several other expert bodies.

Here's an article from the BBC news website arguing for more sex education at both primary and secondary in order to cut down on sexual exploitation. www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-22366107

Wouldn't children not having computers in their rooms do a better job?