- Written by Claire Graham
- BBC News NI
Primary schools in Northern Ireland have been given guidance on how to run lessons on sex education.
Under new regulations introduced last year, they must be taught about access to abortion and prevention of early pregnancy.
The Department for Education (DoE) has held a public consultation on the circumstances under which students can be expelled from school.
We received a total of 13,461 responses and over 25,000 comments.
Before the new policy, schools in Northern Ireland were required to teach Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE), but the curriculum was determined by each school based on its philosophy. .
But the move by NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris means that after the primary election pupils will have to be taught about issues such as how to prevent pregnancy, the legal right to abortion in Northern Ireland and how to access related services. means.
What does the guidance say?
The guidance states that students in Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 may be exempt if their parents make a written request to the school who believe their education is against their wishes.
If a parent requests that their Year 12 child be removed from part or a specific element of the program, they must ensure that the student does not object to being exempted.
The guidance also points out the social and emotional impact of being excluded and the potential for children to hear their peers’ versions of what has been taught and discussed.
However, it should be noted that the negative effects may be lessened if parents offer to provide their child with certain education at home instead.
The guidance further states that changes to the curriculum by the Northern Ireland Secretariat will prevent teachers and students from discussing or commenting on moral, ethical or spiritual issues that may arise in relation to issues such as abortion. He points out that it does not prevent this.
A Department for Education spokesperson said the guidance follows the wording of the regulations put forward by Mr Heaton-Harris and that the powers to exempt pupils from receiving the education they require are not the same as in other parts of England.
BBC News NI understands that in England principals can override parents’ wishes if they deem it necessary.
What did my parents say?
The Department for Education also published a number of comments made in the consultation.
One parent said: “It’s extremely important to teach students accurate and relevant information on these topics.
“I believe students absolutely should know how to prevent early pregnancy and access abortion.”
One school leader said, “Kids are just kids, and they should be kids.
“Given that they can’t vote until they reach a certain age, why should what they’re taught about such issues be any different?”
The largest number of responses came from parents at 47.16%, followed by the general public at 32.48%.
Education authorities will provide training to teachers and governors’ boards on the new requirements. CCEA also plans to release documents to help address sensitive issues regarding students.
There is also guidance on external providers who can assist with RSE.
Teachers need to co-design and participate in those lessons. The guidance states that external providers should not replace education, but should enhance or complement it.
Schools also need to be satisfied with the quality of what is brought into the classroom.
Dr Graham Gault, director of the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) in Northern Ireland, said the department was working “extremely well” with unions in developing the guidance.
But he added that “the evidence is clear” in terms of how easy and viable it is for parents and young people to decide not to attend lessons.
He told BBC Radio Ulster’s Evening Extra program: “Over time there will be areas where the guidance needs improvement and I hope the department remains open to considering that as time goes on. “I’m working on it,” he said.
The Northern Ireland Office has been asked to respond.