Delay sex education was allowed by the United Kingdom government to schools in England just recently after much argument. The schedule was reset for summer 2021 due to the pandemic which has disrupted many schools. Therefore, learning institutions were allowed to postpone learning of new relationships and sex education (RSE) curriculum as declared by the Education Department.
As of September, lessons related to relationships should be mandatory in primary institutions across England cities and that of sex education is considered mandatory across institutions of higher learning. With this new development, the mandate was rescheduled for implementation to summer of 2021.
Delay in sex education allows time for preparations
The delay in sex education in the new curriculum in schools has been helpful as they’ll have extra time to prepare for the successful delivery of the latest curriculum. It`s going to be helpful to most of the parents as they’ll be fully engaged on their strategies and get informed despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
Learning institutions pertaining to health matters across the cities in England were regarded as mandatory can be delayed to September.
Learning institutions that are ready and equipped towards successful delivery are therefore motivated to commence classes as of September 1 to avoid the delay sex education set by the new curriculum.
There has also been a recommendation that learning institutions should take a “phased approach” when necessary during the introduction of the lessons to make sure that learning starts immediately to solve the move to delay sex education. Lessons about mental health should be prioritized.
The original schedule, which was revised, was from September relationships education is set to become compulsory in England’s state primary schools, and relationships and sex education will be compulsory in secondary schools.
Guardians conflicted about LGBQ+ relationships
In 2019, Birmingham primary schools experienced demonstrations from guardians who did not support the idea of teaching kids on LGBQ+ relationships in schools.
NEU teaching unions’ joint secretary Mary Bousted, implied:
It`s rather disheartening for the changes that were procrastinated among many other difficulties experienced in our learning institution. Nonetheless, we have faith, that extra time will be utilized in supporting development of the new curriculum, following the guidelines issued by the DFE.
James Bowen, director of policies at the student’s union, implied that:
Implementation of the latest curriculum on matters regarding current relationships has been forthcoming and it’s in the best interests of the students and should be executed with immediate effect. All of which are the vital points that are necessary for the successful delivery of the latest curriculum; we are also pleased that there will be ample time for the learning institutions to organize.
Training ready for effective learning
Coronavirus pandemic has forced many learning institutions to fail in carrying out all the arrangements, members training, and also engagement with families regarding to the preparation of teaching coming September.
The director of policy at the Association of Universities, Julie Mc Culloh, said:
This flexibility is thoughtful especially due to circumstances, that took too much preparation time since March. This will then ensure that the necessary material and training ready for effective learning.
Lucy Emmerson, director of the Sex Education Forum makes this affirmation:
Children and young people need improved learning about their bodies, growing up, friendship and intimate relationships on and offline: any delay in delivering RSE must be short-lived.
