Cape Town – The sexuality education programme, especially for Grade 7 pupils, has raised concern among some Western Cape parents.
And, according to a recent letter to schools from the Western Cape Education Department, a number of teachers are also grappling with it.
“The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has received a few concerns raised by parents regarding the sexuality education programme, especially as it is offered in Grade 7.In addition, a number of teachers have also expressed their lack of confidence to teach the topic,” the letter stated.
It said sexuality education was a highly sensitive topic in the senior phase (Grades 7 to 9) and was addressed in the life orientation and natural sciences curricula.
The department was unable to answer questions last week on what exactly the concerns were but the letter indicated that it was committed to addressing “the fears of teachers, parents and the general public”.
“A partnership has been established between the WCED and the Department of Obstetrics at the University of Cape Town to develop a teacher-training course to help teachers to teach sexuality education in a responsible and medically correct manner.”
The department indicated that it would also make support material, including workbooks, available for Grade 7 to 9 pupils.
Pupils in these grades would also receive bookmarks with “key messages” related to sexual health as well as useful contact numbers.
“The WCED is hopeful that these resources will help build confidence in teachers to teach the subject matter and also help young adults make responsible decisions about their bodies and lives.”
Jonavon Rustin, the provincial secretary of the SA Democratic Teachers Union, said the union welcomed the training for teachers.
“It is always good to empower teachers to be more confident to teach a subject.
“We welcome this attempt to assist teachers to present this part of the curriculum.”
Cape Argus