Statement of evidence

The most effective sexuality and sexual health education uses a whole-school learning approach. When school leaders and teachers adopt such an approach, they view student learning in the context of the whole experience of being at school, that is, in the classroom, in the school environment, in the way a school responds to critical incidents and in the kinds of partnerships a school forms with the local community.

Effective delivery of sexuality and sexual health education should be supported by a whole-school approach to health, safety and wellbeing. Every member of the school community plays an important role in the promotion of health, safety and wellbeing in the school and wider community. Health, safety and wellbeing should be promoted through the whole-school environment, including curriculum programs, policy, partnerships and school ethos.

Leadership and responsibility for health, safety and wellbeing should be encouraged and guided by all levels within the school community – executive, teachers, other staff, students and parents and carers. This will facilitate the delivery of effective sexuality and sexual health programs that provides a protective and enabling environment for students. This environment should promote choice, respect and responsibility in a non-judgmental manner.

Monitoring and support are vital. Successful implementation of sexuality and sexual health education rely on the full support of the school community with adequate time, resourcing and support given to planning, delivery and evaluation of programs.