Family Education

FAMILY EDUCATION

MOE SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

Sexuality Education is a process of gaining knowledge and forming attitudes, beliefs and values regarding human sexuality.

MOE Sexuality Education covers the following areas:

Physical: Physical changes during sexual maturity.
Emotional: Sexual attitudes and feelings towards self and others.
Social: Sexual norms and behaviour, and the legal, cultural and societal implications.
Ethical: Values and moral systems related to sexuality.


The 6 guiding principles of MOE's Sexuality Education are: * Parents play the primary role in educating their children and are responsible for teaching and transmitting values on sex and sexuality. * Our educators will impart knowledge, skills and values that reflect Singapore's mainstream society so that students will make informed and responsible decisions on sexuality matters. * Aligned with our national values of encouraging heterosexual married couples to have healthy relationships with each other, and to build stable nuclear family units with extended family support. * Only specially selected and trained teachers will teach Sexuality Education in our schools. * Students and teachers are to respect the different attitudes, values and beliefs that different communities may have. * Relevant community resources that are aligned and approved by MOE may be used to supplement schools' programmes.	The MOE Sexuality Education curriculum is organised around 5 themes: 1 . Human development: the onset of puberty and its psychological and emotional impact. 2 . Interpersonal relationships: the skills and values for healthy and rewarding relationships with friends and family, including the opposite sex. 3 . Sexual health: information and attitudes to promote sexual health and avoid unwanted consequences of sexual behaviour. 4 . Sexual behaviour: expressions of sexuality and their effects. 5 . Culture, society and law: societal, cultural and legal influences on sexual identity and sexual expressions.

The 6 guiding principles of MOE's Sexuality Education are:

* Parents play the primary role in educating their children and are responsible for teaching and transmitting values on sex and sexuality.

* Our educators will impart knowledge, skills and values that reflect Singapore's mainstream society so that students will make informed and responsible decisions on sexuality matters.

* Aligned with our national values of encouraging heterosexual married couples to have healthy relationships with each other, and to build stable nuclear family units with extended family support.

* Only specially selected and trained teachers will teach Sexuality Education in our schools.

* Students and teachers are to respect the different attitudes, values and beliefs that different communities may have.

* Relevant community resources that are aligned and approved by MOE may be used to supplement schools' programmes.

The MOE Sexuality Education curriculum is organised around 5 themes:

1 . Human development: the onset of puberty and its psychological and emotional impact.

2 . Interpersonal relationships: the skills and values for healthy and rewarding relationships with friends and family, including the opposite sex.

3 . Sexual health: information and attitudes to promote sexual health and avoid unwanted consequences of sexual behaviour.

4 . Sexual behaviour: expressions of sexuality and their effects.

5 . Culture, society and law: societal, cultural and legal influences on sexual identity and sexual expressions.

Overview of NorthLight School Family Education

In NorthLight School, SEd is conducted during Family Education lessons which are part of the Northlight Programme. The customised school curriculum incorporates the Growing Years curriculum as well as eTeens talks and classroom based learning (Year 3) This allows us to take a holistic approach which aligns to our students’ profile. Our lessons are founded on 5 broad based themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health, Sexual Behaviour and Culture, Society and Law.

1. The goals of Sexuality Education are to:

To help students make wise, responsible and informed decisions through the provision of accurate, current and age-appropriate knowledge on human sexuality and the consequences of sexual activity;
To help students know themselves and build healthy and rewarding relationships through the acquisition of social and emotional skills of self-awareness, management of their thoughts, feelings and behaviours, development of empathy for others, possession of effective communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills; and
To help students develop a moral compass, respect for themselves and for others as sexual beings, premised on the family as the basic unit of society, through the inculcation of positive mainstream values and attitudes about sexuality.

2. The key messages of Sexuality Education are:

Love and respect yourself as you love and respect others;
Build positive relationships based on love and respect (which are the foundation for strong families);
Make responsible decisions for yourself, your family and society; and
Abstinence before marriage is the best protection against STIs/HIV and unintended pregnancies. Casual sex can harm and hurt you and your loved ones.

You may click here for more information on MOE Sexuality Education.

Overview of NorthLight School’s Sexuality Education Programme for 2024

3. Sexuality Education is delivered in a holistic manner through the school curriculum. The content for Sexuality Education is grouped into five main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health, Sexual Behaviour, and, Culture, Society and Law. You may click here for more information on the scope of Sexuality Education in the school curriculum.

4. The NorthLight Programme Family Education incorporates topics on sexuality.

Growing Years (GY) Programme:

“The Teenage Years (2nd Edition)” (Lower Sec) Teaching & Learning resource package
“Sense & Sexuality (2nd Edition)” (Upper Sec) Teaching & Learning resource package

5. The values and attitudes of our youth towards sexuality are increasingly shaped by their peers, exposure to the media, popular culture and the internet. Adolescence is a complex stage in life as the adolescent attempts to find his/her own identity and often struggles with new social relationships. The period of middle adolescence (generally from 15 – 17 years old) can be a turbulent period for adolescents. The gap between physical and emotional/cognitive maturity may result in a tendency to act on impulse, experiment with various activities (including sexual activities), sometimes without understanding the unpleasant consequences that may arise from such experimentation. The need for peer acceptance can be overwhelmingly strong, and hinder one’s ability to act responsibly. Given the pressures faced by the middle adolescent from within themselves and from peers, it is important to build a strong sense of self-worth, personal conviction and an understanding of the possible consequences of sexual behaviour.

6. Through “The Teenage Years” and “Sense & Sexuality” packages, students will have the opportunity to develop a positive self-esteem, develop their character, and expand their understanding and repertoire of skills to deal with various issues related to sexuality, which are of prime concern at this age.

At NorthLight School, the following lessons from the Growing Years Programme will be taught in 2024:

Year 1

LESSON	DURATION	Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:	TIME PERIOD
Lesson 1: Puberty	1 hour	* recognise the physical development during puberty in boys and girls * recognize the emotional changes at puberty * identify ways to cope with their physical & emotional changes	Term 1 or 3
Lesson 2: Personal Hygiene	1 hour	* understand the importance of personal hygiene * demonstrate the ability to maintain personal hygiene
Lesson 3: The Real Self	1 hour	* understand how one’s perception of his body is linked to personal experiences and the sources of information that are taken in * understand the influence of media on body image * understand that physical features are only one aspect of our person and identity
Lesson 4: Eating Disorders	1 hour	* recognise that one’s self-perception is influenced by his perception of his body * learn about eating disorders e.g. anorexia, bulimia * learn ways to develop healthy/positive perception of one’s body
Lesson 5: Uniquely Me	1 hour	* develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of themselves
Lesson 6: Healthy Relationships	1 hour	* define what constitute a healthy relationship * explain the need to maintain healthy relationships in the family * take steps to build healthy relationships with members of the family
Lesson 7: Being Aware Being Safe	1 hour	* reflect on the reasons for people to use social networking sites to make friends or to engage their existing friends * learn about the dangers of making friends over social networking platforms
Lesson 8: Media Truths & Lies	1 hour	* express their views about information from the internet and be aware of the potential/ possible dangers of it * recognize that one does not need to rely on the internet, particularly online chat portals, to make friends

LESSON	DURATION	Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:	TIME PERIOD
Lesson 9: Love vs Infatuation	1 hour	* understand that infatuation is temporary and a normal part of growing up * appreciate different kinds of love and crushes * demonstrate appropriate ways of showing affection towards friends, teachers and other adults	Term 2 or 4
Lesson 10: True Love	1 hour	* understand what commitment and true love is
Lesson 11: The Dating Game	1 hour	* recognise the importance of developing a friendship before committing to a romantic relationship * recognise what dating involves * recognize why it is not recommended that we go steady at a young age
Lesson 12: Breaking Up is Not Easy	1 hour	* identify why relationships break down * identify the emotions that accompany the breakdown of a relationship * know healthy ways of coping with rejections and breakups * recognise the need to be respectful and responsible in ending a relationship * know ways to seek support when going through a breakdown of relationship and offer support for those going through the same
Lesson 13: Temptation	1 hour	* recognize the sources of temptation and situations that can lead to pre-marital sex * resist pressure to engage in sexual activities
Lesson 14: Responsible Me, Safe Me	1 hour	* know what is considered pornographic material on the Internet under the Internet code of practice * know what masturbation is * understand the unhealthy consequences of excessive masturbation * know some ways to cope with the feelings and urge to masturbate
Lesson 15: Must It Be As Expected	1 hour	* know the influence of family, culture and society on one’s perception of his gender role * understand societal expectations of gender roles * recognize that societal expectations should not restrain personal development
Lesson 16: At the Crossroads	1 hour	* demonstrate healthy attitudes towards human sexuality * accept one’s uniqueness as a male or female * define what sexual orientation (heterosexuality and homosexuality) is * recognize the need to treat people with respect regardless of their sexual orientation

Year 2

LESSON	DURATION	Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:	TIME PERIOD
Lesson 1: Online Encounters	1 hour	* express their views about information from the internet and be aware of the potential/ possible dangers of it	Term 1 or 3
Lesson 2: A Touchy Issue	1 hour	* recognise how new media has shaped public perception of acceptability of public display of affection * know that certain public displays of affection are not considered appropriate behaviour in our society
Lesson 3: Touching Others	1 hour	* develop healthy attitudes towards one’s body * recognize acceptable and unacceptable ways of touching others
Lesson 4: Sexual Abuse	1 hour	* explain what constitutes a sexual act * recognize what sexual abuse is and the different types of sexual abuse * know the physiological, psychological and social impact of sexual abuse on the individual * recognise the provision of Singapore laws that serves to protect teenagers from sexual perpetrators and persecute those who have committed such crimes * identify sources to seek help and support
Lesson 5: Getting To Know you	1 hour	* recognize what constitutes responsible dating * evaluate if a dating relationship is healthy or unhealthy * demonstrate competencies in managing emotions in dating and romantic relationships
Lesson 6: Moving On – Breaking Up	1 hour	* explain the process of grief and loss that people experience when a relationship breaks down * exercise sensitivity and empathy when communicating break-up * recognise that one can emerge stronger after a break-up
Lesson 7: The Morning After	1 hour	* distinguish between touching and petting * recognize that petting is an act of physical stimulation * realise that petting may be perceived differently by different genders * take actions to avoid the consequences of arousing one’s physical and emotional desires through petting * differentiate what constitutes a sexual act/ sexual relationship * distinguish sex as an expression of love between a married couple and sex to satisfy a physical need

LESSON	DURATION	Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:	TIME PERIOD
Lesson 8: In the Name of the Law	1 hour	* understand why pre-marital and underage sex are punishable by law * reflect on the legal consequences of sexual behavior and include these considerations in their decision-making pertaining to pornography
Lesson 9: Teenage Pregnancy	1 hour	* understand the consequences of teenage pregnancy * identify sources to seek help and support from when faced with teenage pregnancy
Lesson 10: Abortion	1 hour	* explain the process of abortion * recognise the effects of abortion	Term 2 or 4
Lesson 11: Sexual Health	1 hour	* explain the need to take responsibility for their sexual health * recognise the signs and symptoms ofAIDS & STIs and the complications * recognise how STIs/STDs can be transmitted
Lesson 12: Sexual Abstinence	1 hour	* recognise that respect and responsible decision making are important in relationships * recognise the value of sexual abstinence before marriage
Lesson 13: Contraception	1 hour	* state the various contraception methods and describe their side effects * take steps to protect oneself against the potentially harmful consequences of sexual relationships like STDs and adolescent pregnancy
Lesson 14: Exhibitionism	1 hour	* know what exhibitionism is * show an awareness that exhibitionism is punishable by law * know what to do in the presence of an exhibitionist
Lesson 15: Stranger Danger	1 hour	* recognise the danger of meeting online friends, sharing too much personal info online * be aware of the physical boundaries with the adults they know * learn about sexting, sexual grooming, love scams e.g. sextortion

Year 3

LESSON	DURATION	Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:	TIME PERIOD
Lesson 1: Marriage	1 hour	* define what cohabitation is and evaluate the consequences of cohabitation * recognize that commitment is a necessary ingredient for success in a marriage * identify responsibilities involved and the challenges faced in a marriage * evaluate the consequences of divorce on the family members	Term 2 or 4
Lesson 2: Love Conquers All	1 hour	* reflect on the qualities of a healthy romantic relationship
Lesson 3: Family	1 hour	* distinguish differences in family types and the structural roles of family members * understand that each family performs the same basic functions of providing love, protection, guidance and support
Lesson 4: eTeens Lesson 1 – Decision Making	1 hour	* understand there are consequences in any decision one makes regarding sexual intercourse * understand that one needs correct and accurate information to make the right decisions regarding one’s sexual health * learn to make decisions that will reduce the risk to their sexual health.
Lesson 5: eTeens Lesson 2 – Assertiveness	1 hour	* understand what assertive behaviour is * practise responding to persuasion assertively
Lesson 6: eTeens Lesson 3 – Negotiation	1 hour	* practise negotiating one’s way out of a negative situation
Lesson 7: eTeens Lesson 4 – Is It Safe	1 hour	* learn risk reduction for STIs/HIV and assess situations to aid the control of impulses in sexual behaviour
Lesson 8: Online Self-Disclosure	1 hour	* recognize the potential/ possible dangers of online self-disclosure

Year 4

LESSON	DURATION	Lesson Objectives At the end of the lesson, students will be able to:	TIME PERIOD
Lesson 1: Being Safe	1 hour	* learn about stranger danger, and the pros & cons of making friends over social networking platforms * recognise the inappropriate touch from ‘familiar’ adults and about ‘crossing boundaries’	Term 1 & 2 or 3
Lesson 2: Respecting Others	1 hour	* learn what sexual expletives really mean * learn that hurling vulagarites, calling names or labelling others inappropriately as gay, lesbian, isolating others based on appearance or behaviour traits are acts of discrimination and bullying
Lesson 3: PorNOgraphy	1 hour	* recognise how how peer pressure can influence decision-making * learn how to resist peer pressure and temptations to watch porn or commit sexual acts
Lesson 4: The Dating Game	1 hour	* evaluate one’s readiness for a romantic relationship, leading to marriage * recognise that intimacy in a relationship need not be limited to physical intimacy * recognise that break ups can allow one to understand oneself better
Lesson 5: Family	1 hour	* recognize and the importance of not stereotyping according to gender in the family * learn about imperfections in family and how to accept differences and get along with family members

eTeens Programme:

7. eTeens is a programme developed by Health Promotion Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, for Secondary 3 students to provide them with accurate information on STIs, HIV and protection from a health perspective. eTeens is conducted in two segments – a mass talk segment and a classroom-based programme.

8. Students are taught skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation to say “no” to sex and negative peer pressure. They also learn that the impact of STIs/HIV extends beyond themselves and involves their family. Abstinence and upholding family values are the key messages. The desired outcome of the eTeens programme is that students are empowered to make wise, informed and sensible decisions.

At NorthLight School, the eTeens programme will be implemented as follows in 2023:

Topics/Lessons	Programme Learning Objectives	Time Period
Mass Talk by HPB appointed vendor	* Awareness of the different STIs and HIV/AIDS * Modes of transmission * Modes of protection, specifically on how the condom is used * Consequences and impact of STIs/HIV	Term 3
Classroom-based Lesson	* Learn to negotiate their way out of a risky situation by applying skills of assertiveness and responsible decision-making	Term 2 or 4

Information for Parents

9. Parents may opt their children out of Growing Years, eTeens and/or supplementary sexuality education programmes by MOE-approved external providers.

10. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Growing Years (GY) programme need to complete an opt-out form. This form is downloadable here . A hardcopy or softcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office by 12 January 2024.

11. Parents who wish to opt their children out of the eTeens programme need to complete an opt-out form. This form is downloadable here. A hardcopy or softcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the school office by 12 January 2024.

12. Parents an contact the school at 6929 6290 or nls@moe.edu.sg for discussion or to seek clarification about the school’s sexuality education programme.

Back to Top