Date
15 March 2024

Plan sexuality and gender education years 9-13

Suggestion for implementing the strategy ‘Developing an inclusive classroom and curriculum’

Explore Te Whare Tapa Whā

Explore Te Whare Tapa Whā

Sexuality education is based on the concept of hauora. This approach recognises that sexuality has social, physical mental and emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

These aspects are interrelated.

Focus areas years 9-10

Focus areas years 9-10

Ensure programmes affirm sexuality and gender diversity and identify and respect the diverse values and beliefs of students and the community.

Students in years 9-10 will learn about:

  • intimate relationships and positive sexual health
  • managing their own sexual health and accessing health care
  • conception, contraception and sexually transmissible infections
  • the physical and emotional effects of sexual identity, sexual attraction, and sexual maturation
  • identifying skills for positive and supportive intimate relationships
  • human rights, consent, and the importance of choice and agency in relationships
  • strategies to support positive engagement in online and social media environments
  • strategies for seeking help and support.

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (opens in a new tab/window)

Focus areas years 11-13

Focus areas years 11-13

Ensure programmes affirm sexual, sexuality, and gender diversity and identify and respect the diverse values and beliefs of students and the community.

Students in years 11-13 will learn to:

  • critically analyse a wide range of issues relating to gender, sexuality, and sexual health
  • explore social pressure, social norms, gender identity and cultural issues relating to sexual health
  • evaluate community agencies
  • evaluate policies on sexuality and sexual health
  • critically analyse issues of safety and risk
  • research positive sexual health practices
  • affirm diversity, human rights, and sexuality across the school
  • advocate for access to support and health care.

Source: Ministry of Education | Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga (opens in a new tab/window)

Prioritise access for students in years 11-13

Prioritise access for students in years 11-13

Support equitable access to knowledge.

It is recommended that all students engage in sexuality education in years 11-13.

This should not be limited to students completing NCEA courses and standards in health education.

Ministry of Education

Useful resources

Useful resources

Sexuality Education2

Relationships and sexuality education

Read time: 10 min

A guide for teachers, leaders and boards of trustees.

Visit website

Next steps

More suggestions for implementing the strategy “Develop an inclusive classroom and curriculum”:

Return to the guide “Supporting LGBTIQA+ students”

Guide to Index of the guide: LGBTIQA+ students

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