Sexuality education program for special schools
In light of research conducted around sexuality education, Sexual Health Victoria has developed a suite of comprehensive sessions that align with the Victorian Curriculum levels (including A-D) and incorporate best teaching practice. The following menu has been designed to allow schools to put to together a session/s that best suits their own timetable and students’ needs.
It is recommended that:
- the maximum number of students in a session is 26-27
- sessions are preferably 1 hour in duration
- students are grouped together based upon their cognitive ability
Each session will include information, activities, values clarification and an opportunity for students to ask questions. We offer extension activities that can be used by classroom teachers to consolidate learning.
Mild intellectual disability – working towards independent living
Sexual Health Victoria recommends covering the following topics:
- Reproductive anatomy
- Pregnancy and birth
- Sexual decision making
- Contraception and STIs
- Public and private
- Using a condom correctly
- Appropriate/Inappropriate behaviour and touch.
Sessions and learning outcomes
Each session is one hour.
1. Anatomy and human development
Learning intentions:
- Identify the names and functions of key organs contained in the male and female reproductive systems and the part they play in reproduction (conception, pregnancy and birth)
- Explore strategies for managing menstruation
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of public and private as they relate to body parts, place and behaviour
2. Respectful relationships
Learning intentions:
- Identify ways to begin and end relationships respectfully
- Define the factors that make a relationship healthy or unhealthy
- Define sexuality, gender, orientation, sex and identity
- Explore the concepts of love, crushes, sexual attraction and sexual feelings
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of public and private talk
3. Sex, the law and consent
Learning intentions:
- Examine the laws surrounding young people and sex
- Clarify the issues surrounding consent
- Develop strategies for giving and receiving consent
4. Contraception, STIs and safer sex
Learning intentions:
- Identify safer sex practices
- Become informed about the latest contraception options, methods of STI prevention and available health services
Mild intellectual disability – under 14 years old
Sexual Health Victoria recommends covering the following topics:
- Reproductive anatomy
- Pregnancy and birth
- Puberty
- Public and private
- Dating and socialising.
Sessions and learning outcomes
Each session is one hour.
1. Anatomy and human development
Learning intentions:
- Identify the names and functions of key organs contained in the male and female reproductive systems and the part they play in reproduction (conception, pregnancy and birth)
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of public and private as they relate to body parts, place and behaviour
2. Public and private
Learning intentions:
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of public and private as they relate to body parts, rooms in the home, school, public places and behaviour
3. Puberty
Learning intentions:
- Develop an understanding of the physical, social and emotional changes experienced during puberty
- Develop strategies to manage these changes (including menstruation, erections and wet dreams)
4. Respectful relationships
Learning intentions:
- Define the factors that make a relationship healthy or unhealthy
- Identify ways to begin and end relationships respectfully
- Define sexuality, gender, orientation, sex and identity
- Explore the concepts of love, crushes, sexual attraction and sexual feelings
Moderate intellectual disability – under 14 years old
Sexual Health Victoria recommends covering the following topics:
- Reproductive anatomy
- Pregnancy and birth
- Puberty
- Public and Private.
Sessions and learning outcomes
Each session is one hour.
1. Anatomy and reproduction
Learning intentions:
- Identify the names and functions of key organs contained in the male and female reproductive systems and the part they play in reproduction (conception, pregnancy and birth)
2. Public and private
Learning intentions:
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of public and private as they relate to body parts, rooms in the home, school, public places, behaviour and talk
3. Puberty
Learning intentions:
- Develop an understanding of the physical, social and emotional changes experienced during puberty
4. Managing puberty changes
Learning intentions:
- Develop strategies to manage the physical changes of puberty (including menstruation, erections, shaving and wet dreams)
Moderate intellectual disability – over 14 years old
Sexual Health Victoria recommends covering the following topics:
- Reproductive anatomy
- Relationships and dating
- Sexual decision making
- Contraception and STIs
- Using a condom correctly
- Public and private.
Sessions and learning outcomes
Each session is one hour.
1. Anatomy and human development
Learning intentions:
- Identify the names and functions of key organs contained in the male and female reproductive systems and the part they play in reproduction (conception, pregnancy and birth)
- Explore strategies for managing menstruation
2. Public and private
Learning intentions:
- Develop an understanding of the concepts of public and private as they relate to body parts, rooms in the home, school, public places, behaviour and talk
3. Respectful relationships
Learning intentions:
- Define the factors that make a relationship healthy or unhealthy
- Define sexuality, gender, orientation, sex and identity
- Explore the concepts of love, crushes, sexual attraction, sexual feelings and dating
- Examine the laws surrounding young people and sex and consent
- Develop strategies for giving and receiving consent
4. Contraception
Learning intentions:
- Identify safer sex practices
- Become informed about the latest contraception options
- Become informed about available health services and how to access these
5. STIs and safer sex
Learning intentions:
- Become informed about STIs and their prevention
- Learn to use a condom correctly
- Become informed of STI testing services and how to access these
Cost
$200 (GST free) per hour
(Optional) Information session for parents and carers
(held prior to FPV school sessions)
This information session is run prior to students’ education sessions and offers parents and carers an insight into relationships and sexuality education, its importance in the curriculum and how to support their children on their own physical, emotional and social journeys.
Learning Intentions
Participants will:
- Explore the importance of evidence based, age and developmentally appropriate relationships and sexuality education.
- Identify links to the guidelines and principles of the Victorian Government in relation to health and education.
- Explore the FPV student education program.
- Identify methods of engaging in conversations with their child around relationships, reproductive and sexual health.
- Develop strategies for effectively answering their child’s questions.
- Be provided with an opportunity to ask questions regarding the program.
Cost
- $230 (GST free) per hour
- $345 (GST free) for 1.5 hours
- $460 (GST free) for 2 hours