Catholic schools’ position clarified on sexuality education

The position of Catholic schools was clarified in a recent New Zealand Catholic Education Office newsletter, after it was noted that some schools had been confused by media statements on the subject.

National Centre for Religious Studies director Colin MacLeod said “Catholic schools have always approached human sexuality education from a distinct position which incorporates Catholic teaching in this area”.

“The framing document for Catholic schools is He Mea Hanga Mīharo ki tō te Atua Āhua – Wonderfully Made in God’s Image,” Mr MacLeod wrote. The resource for human sexuality education in Aotearoa Catholic schools was published in 2021.

“Recent government and media statements regarding ‘relationships and sexuality education guidelines being withdrawn’ do not affect Catholic schools because we have always had our own guidelines, which include specific [Professional Learning and Development] via the Having Life to the Full course, and the above-mentioned framing document,” Mr MacLeod wrote.

“Schools, therefore, may have confidence to continue doing what is expected of them by the NZ Catholic bishops, and may be assured that should there be a Ministry of Education directive which specifically impacts on NZ Catholic schools in this area, NCRS will respond in a timely and appropriate manner.”

The Government has started consulting on a new draft curriculum for relationships and sexuality education (RSE) in schools.

A new draft framework will feed into the wider compulsory curriculum.

Education Minister Erica Stanford said that group that put this together were an expert writing group in the Ministry of Education.

There had been no political influence on the process, she said.

“This is an independent group that sits within the ministry that have put this out for consultation, and now we will hear back from the sector about whether or not there are things that are missing, things that should be put back in, things that should be taken out, things that should be moved around. That’s exactly what this [consultation] is for.”

The consultation documents said they focused on “making sure the content is age-appropriate, evidence-informed, and clear about what is covered in RSE at each age, from Year 0 through to Year 13”.

FULL STORY

NZCEO eNewsletter (Kōtui – School and Policy Updates)

Consultation starts on new RSE curriculum (Radio New Zealand)

Education Minister seeks to standardise sex-ed (Newstalk ZB)