APIS: Integrated schools must be free to teach sexuality in line with beliefs

The Association of Proprietors of Integrated Schools (APIS) stated this in a submission to the Ministry of Education (MoE) consultation on a new draft relationships and sexuality education (RSE) framework. The draft framework sets out the proposed teaching to be covered in RSE each year.

The MoE says the intention of this framework is that it will be incorporated into the health and physical learning area, and will be required learning in 2027.

“APIS has made a submission emphasising that, should the RSE be implemented into the health and physical education curriculum in 2027, that state integrated schools must still maintain the ability to interpret the content of the RSE through their particular special character lens,” said APIS chief executive Dr Kevin Shore in an e-newsletter.

“We have asked the MoE to consider a statement to that effect be placed within the curriculum document, even though we have had assurance from one of the MoE curriculum managers that state integrated schools’ ability to interpret the curriculum within their special character will continue to be upheld.

“This is a key right that sits beside the very reason we exist and must be protected,” Dr Shore wrote.

He acknowledged that “our proprietors may have a range of positions in terms of how they would interpret their beliefs and philosophies within the RSE”.

“The RSE itself has many positive aspects that should be recognised, but there may be issues of concern that proprietors and schools want to raise about the draft RSE,” Dr Shore wrote.

He encouraged stakeholders to provide feedback to the Ministry.

“I am confident that state integrated schools will continue to engage with the RSE, interpret it within their beliefs and values, and provide relationship and sexuality education in support of each student’s ongoing spiritual, physical and emotional well-being,” he said.

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