Relationships and sexuality education (RSE)

Relationships and sexuality education (RSE) is fundamental for ākonga to develop a positive self-identity, healthy relationships, and critical thinking skills. This webinar with Dr Tracy Clelland explores the importance of RSE in primary and secondary schools. Tracy discusses current research, the importance of the new RSE guide, and what schools can do to develop classroom RSE programmes that better meet the needs of ākonga. Using the voices of young people, Tracy also offers insight into how schools can take a whole school approach to promote wellbeing through RSE.

Young people are growing up in a changing world, and learning about relationships and gender, sex, sexualities, and online safety is more important than ever. Recent research highlights how important it is for RSE to start at the junior primary school level. Starting early sets the foundations for healthy relationships, media literacy skills, appreciation of sexual diversity and inclusion, and child abuse prevention. Young people are calling for better RSE, specifically consent and relationships education, and in 2020 the MoE released the new guidelines for schools.