Possible introduction of sex education meets with mixed reaction

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 22, 30 October 1984, Page 14

Possible introduction of sex education meets with mixed reaction

The possible introduction of sex education into the school syllabus has been met with mixed reactions from Raetihi Primary School Headmaster, Mr Ken Holmes. Mr Holmes sees intermediate and secondary schools as being most affected by the move and does not think the topic will come up that often in primary schools. When it does, however, new policy would encourage teachers to discuss inquiries dealing with sex openly and in context with the situation, and Mr Holmes says some teachers will not find this easy. "Some will not feel competent enough," he says.

"While there are teachers with a lot of experience with children and ones who are parents themselves, there are also young first year teachers who may feel quite embarassed." He does feel, however, that if a child makes a genuine inquiry in class about a topic to do with sex, that the new policy could make things easier for some teachers in the classroom. "Although the teacher will probably still need to refer the question back to the parent," he says. Mr Holmes says it is an area that must be treated very carefully and teachers must know what they can and cannot do. "There will have to be teacher training courses, the same as for any other subject," he says. "Parents too must be consulted and those who are anti sex education have a right to be heard. They must have an avenue to express their concern." Mr Holmes says it should be discussed at school committee level and all views should be presented to the Minister of Education. The topic has not yet been discussed at any level at Raetihi Primary School and Mr Holmes does not see it as a priority for study yet, as he has received no official statement from the Minister. Margaret Baker