Northern Ireland Humanists is celebrating the overhaul of the Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) curriculum announced today by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris MP. Heaton-Harris announced that from 1 July, the law will change ‘to make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, a compulsory component of curriculum for adolescents.’ This includes key topics like abortion, contraception, conesent, and teenage pregnancy.
The previous RSE curriculum was subject to interpretation by individual schools based on their ‘ethos’ or set of guiding beliefs. The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations, and Assessment (CCEA) had previously issued guidance on teaching RSE, covering vital topics like consent, contraception, healthy relationships, and LGBT matters. However, this guidance was not obligatory, and the provision for it to be taught in ‘harmony with the ethos of the school’ often led to the exclusion of key topics or their representation from a religious perspective.
The new legislation aims to rectify these concerns, making sure that RSE is taught from a neutral, evidence-based standpoint and that no young person is left with an unbalanced understanding of these critical life topics. It sees Northern Ireland’s curriculum leapfrog laws elsewhere in the UK, introducing an inclusive, comprehensive, and age-appropriate approach to RSE. The new law will be supported by guidance to be introduced by 1 January.
The law came about as it was mandated by the UK Parliament in a law it passed in 2019, that also led to the introduction of abortion and same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator commented:
‘These changes to the RSE curriculum are a massive step forward. Adolescents in Northern Ireland deserve access to age-appropriate, comprehensive, and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights. We are heartened by the UK Government’s move. With this progressive step, we can begin to see a future where young people are equipped with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate their lives.
‘We now look forward to working to see the new law and guidance through to implementation.’
Notes:
For further comment or information, media should contact Northern Ireland Humanists Coordinator Boyd Sleator at boyd@humanists.uk or phone 07918 975795.
Read the statement by the Chris Heaton-Harris MP here.
Read the NIO press release – New requirements for Relationship and Sexuality Education curriculum in Northern Ireland
Read our news article about our first ever guide to navigate religion in Northern Ireland schools.
Read our news article about recent laws to improve education in Northern Ireland.
Read more about our work on Relationship and Sexuality Education.
Northern Ireland Humanists is part of Humanists UK, working with the Humanist Association of Ireland. Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 110,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.