Children in Wales will have universal access to the full curriculum
Mynediad cyffredinol i blant Cymru at y cwricwlwm llawn
Education Minister confirms decision on religion, relationships and sexuality education and announces plans for ‘sensitive and careful implementation’.
Parents will not be able to prevent their children from learning about religion, relationships and sexuality in the new Curriculum.
Education Minister Kirsty Williams made the announcement today (Tuesday, January 21) emphasising the need for ‘careful and sensitive implementation’ of the decision.
Education Minister Kirsty Williams said:
“Our responsibility as a government is to ensure that young people, through public education, have access to learning that supports them to discuss and understand their rights and the rights of others.
“It is essential that all young people are provided with access to information that keeps them safe from harm.
“Today’s decision ensures that all pupils will learn about issues such as online safety and healthy relationships.”
The announcement was made following an eight-week Welsh Government consultation on ensuring access to the full curriculum, including the teaching of Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) and Religious Education (RE).
“I recognise this is a sensitive matter and the consultation responses reflected a wide range of views.
“There is clearly a need for us to work with communities and all interested parties in developing the learning and teaching for RSE and RE - this work will be vital to enable everyone to have trust in how the change is implemented.”
The Minister outlined plans for implementation which include the creation of clear guidance, resources and professional learning for schools and the creation of a Faith/BAME Community Involvement Group to hold its first meeting this February.
The group will engage in the development of RSE guidance, develop a shared understanding of the new curriculum and address concerns raised by faith and community groups during the consultation.
The Minister continued:
“It is vital that we continue to work with communities across Wales to ensure parents have the right to develop, care for and guide their children into adulthood while allowing our schools to provide a broad and balanced education.
“We will build on the community engagement which accompanied the consultation with a long term investment in listening to our communities and finding ways to address the issues which concern them."
The Minister also confirmed plans to establish a new RSE Working Group that will oversee the refinement of the new RSE statutory guidance to form part of the new curriculum guidance.
The Minister added:
“I want to take the opportunity in 2021 to test the approach for RSE prior to it being made statutory in the new curriculum.
“This will provide valuable intelligence to inform the refinement of our approach and will also enable learners, parents and carers and communities to see it working in practice and to feedback their views.”
Further details on this approach will be announced over the coming weeks.
The consultation also showed support for renaming the subject ‘Religious Education’.
The most popular choice from respondents was ‘Religion, Values and Ethics’ and, as a result, the Minister confirmed the subject name would change when the new curriculum comes into effect.
Notes to editors
Background information
|
Examples of how RSE learning will be taught at different age ranges: Ages 5 to 7 RSE lessons will always be appropriate to the age and the developmental stage of the learner. Learning at this age will reflect the existing Foundation Phase, establishing the need for positive and safe relationships and friendships. For example, children will learn about relationships with family, people that care for them, kindness and caring friendships and how to keep safe. Learning at this age will not include romantic relationships. Ages 7 to 11 Delivery of RSE at this age will continue to support learners’ rights to enjoy equitable, safe, healthy and fulfilling relationships throughout their lives. For example, learners will learn about gender equality, the importance of healthy, respectful relationships and staying safe online. Secondary school learners (ages 11 – 16) Between the age of 11 and 16, RSE will build on the child’s teaching at primary school. For example, young people will learn about the human body and how it changes over time, including people’s feelings about their bodies and their sexual and reproductive capacities and functions. Lessons will cover a range of other important issues, such as the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, violence, staying safe online, gender equality, sex, sexuality, consent, rights and equity. At the appropriate stage, the focus of the lessons will move to sexual health to equip young people with the knowledge they need to make safe, informed and healthy choices as they progress into and through adult life. |