Education
Panel calls for overhaul of sex education
A PANEL report published today has made recommendations for a major overhaul of sex and relationships education (SRE) in Wales.
The Sex and Relationships Education Expert Panel, chaired by Professor Emma Renold of Cardiff University’s School of Social Sciences, was established in March 2017 by Cabinet Secretary for Education, Kirsty Williams to help inform the development of high quality SRE in the new curriculum in Wales.
The panel were asked to identify issues and opportunities which could inform decisions around supporting the teaching profession to deliver high quality SRE in schools more effectively.In the report published today, the panel have described SRE in Wales as being in need of significant reform if it is to meet the needs of children and young people. Drawing upon the available research in Wales, international research and Estyn’s (2017) recent thematic review on Healthy Relationships, there were found to be significant gaps between the lived experiences of children and young people and the SRE they receive in school. While there is some promising practice, especially when schools collaborate with SRE experts and external service providers, the quality and quantity of SRE provision was found to vary widely.
Findings concluded that SRE in Wales has too strong a focus on biology, with not enough attention given to rights, gender equity, emotions and relationships. There is a lack of focus on minority gender and sexual identities and relationships, and lack of awareness and education on violence against girls and women, domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The panel have recommended that the Welsh Government make SRE statutoryin the new curriculum due to be finalised in 2020, with statutory guidance being essential for ensuring that children and young people in Wales have access to high quality SRE. The report sets out how this guidance should be underpinned by core principles and themes that ensure a needs-led, relevant and engaging SRE for all.
The panel have also recommended a name change to Sexuality and Relationships Education, drawing on the World Health Organisation’s definition of ‘sexuality’, with an emphasis on rights, health, and equality. This more expansive definition will also enable teachers to develop an SRE programme of learning that connects with the full curriculum, from the humanities and expressive arts to sciences and technology.
Also identified was an urgent needto establish training for teachers and other professionals involved in SRE provision, including initial teacher education, in-service training and peer education, as well as having a specialist trained SRE lead in every school and local authority, with curriculum time equitable with other curriculum subjects. Currently there are only a handful of school teachers across Wales who are extensively trained in SRE areas.
Kirsty Williams, Cabinet Secretary for Education, said: “Creating an education system which helps all our young people become adults who are healthy, confident individuals is a key part of our National Mission. We can only do this by assisting teachers to gain the knowledge, confidence and skills they need to develop the physical, emotional and mental health of their pupils.
“I would like to thank Professor Renold and the members of the expert panel for their hard work researching and producing this report. The recommendations will assist the Pioneer Schools in exploring curriculum structures and wider whole school approaches around Sex and Relationships Education.
“I will now consider the report and will publish my response early in the New Year.”
Panel Chair Professor Renold added: “If our recommendations are approved and implemented, we are confident, that over time, Wales can become a beacon of excellence for high quality SRE provision in schools with an emphasis on rights, equity, inclusivity, protection and empowerment. This report, and its extensive evidence paper is an important starting point in outlining what is needed to begin that process. There is, however, some intensive short-term and long-term investment, planning and work-force capacity building ahead if Wales is to provide children and young people with high quality SRE.
“Chairing the panel was a truly collaborative process. I was impressed by the ways in which different sectors, groups and individuals worked together, across diverse yet inter-connected fields to exploit the potential of what SRE could become as the new curriculum takes shape. It certainly makes for a very promising future for high quality SRE in Wales as the infra-structure for a whole school approach to SRE evolves.”
Welsh Liberal Democrat equalities campaigner Cadan ap Tomos said: “I know from my own experience, and from listening to young people right across Wales, that the provision of sex and relationships education isn’t fit for the 21st Century.
“This report is an excellent blueprint on the changes we desperately need to make on how SRE is delivered in our schools, and Kirsty Williams deserves a lot of credit for recognising more needs to be done and for establishing this expert panel.
“The Welsh Government needs to accept the recommendations in this report so that all young people are armed with the knowledge they need to practice safe sex and take part in healthy, respectful relationships.”
Education
Milford Haven School first to achieve gold in carer’s scheme
MILFORD HAVEN SCHOOL have been recognised for their commitment to and support for young carers and is the first school to achieve the top level award.
The school have achieved the Investors in Carers Gold Level award for its work for learners and staff who are carers.
The scheme is delivered by Hywel Dda University Health Board and supported by local authority and third sector partners in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.
The Investors in Carers initiative was originally designed to help health facilities such as GP practices, areas within hospitals and other organisations focus on and improve their carer awareness.
This scheme has now extended to many other teams, services, and organisations. It is a scheme that provides a foundation for helping to identify and support unpaid carers of all ages.
Milford Haven School was assessed against the six themes within the scheme: Carer Lead, Staff training, Identification, Information and Support for carers and Evaluation.
Janette Reynolds, Assistant Head Teacher said: “We are incredibly honoured to receive the Gold Investors in Carers Award, it is a testament to our commitment to supporting and recognizing the invaluable contributions of carers within our community. It was about developing a culture that respects, empowers, and advocates for the wellbeing of carers at Milford Haven School.
“We will continue to strive towards providing the best possible support, ensuring carers feel valued and equipped to balance their responsibilities.”
Pembrokeshire County Council Carers Champion, Councillor Mike James said: “This is absolutely fantastic news. Everyone at Milford Haven School should be extremely proud of their hard work and commitment that has led to them becoming the first school in Pembrokeshire to receive the Gold Investors in Carers award.
“The award recognises the awareness and support for carers provided by the school and this is to be congratulated.”
A carer is someone, of any age, who provides unpaid support to family or friends who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a relative, partner or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or has mental health or substance misuse problems. Anyone can become a carer; in most cases becoming a carer is not out of choice, it just happens.
For more information about the Investors in Carers scheme or for useful advice for carers, please visit: www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/carers
Education
Kurtz calls for better conditions for supply teachers
WEST WALES members of the National Education Union visited the Senedd on Wednesday to campaign for increased rights for those working as supply teachers employed through teaching agencies.
Commenting following the visit, Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Member of the Welsh Parliament, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “It does not seem right that those opting to work as supply teachers are not afforded the same rights, pay and conditions as their full time, local authority employed counterparts.
“The flexibility that supply teachers offer our schools is essential to pupils being able to maintain a good level of education, covering staff sickness and training absences.
“My concern is that with the education line in the Welsh Government’s supplementary budget for 2024/25 showing a cut, the Cabinet Secretary has no intention of addressing these concerns.
“If we fail to demonstrate the value we place on the whole teaching workforce, we run the very real risk of being unable to improve the educational outcomes of pupils in Wales.”
Education
Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA to host open evening at Dewi Campus this week
IN ST DAVID’S Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA will hold an Open Evening on Thursday, October 24 at its Dewi Campus in Millard Park, St Davids, Haverfordwest.
The event, scheduled from 5:00pm to 7:30pm, invites prospective students and their families to learn more about the school’s offerings.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the campus, meet with staff, and discover the school’s emphasis on achievement, inclusion, and respect. This event is designed to provide a comprehensive insight into the academic and extracurricular opportunities available at Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA.
Prospective families can expect a warm welcome from the staff and a chance to engage with current students, gaining a firsthand understanding of the school’s community and values.
For more information, please contact Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi VA at [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1437 809200.
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