Statement of evidence

Effective programs should involve progressive learning that is reinforced over the years of schooling and beyond.

International research reveals that sexuality and sexual health education, in a developmentally appropriate form, should begin at an early age. In the primary school years, sexuality education lays the foundations by learning the correct names for parts of the body, changes related to puberty, understanding principles of human reproduction, exploring family and interpersonal relationships, learning about safety, and developing confidence. These can then be built upon gradually, in line with the age and development of a child.

Teachers are guided by the age appropriate content within the NSW syllabus documents to meet the learning and support needs of students in their class.

Effective sexuality and sexual health education in schools should provide young people with age-appropriate, culturally relevant and scientifically accurate information. This learning includes structured opportunities for children and young people to explore their attitudes and values, and to practise their decision-making, assertiveness and other life skills needed to make informed choices about their relationships and sexual lives