Sexuality education (SEd) aims to help our young understand the physiological, social and emotional changes they experience as they mature, develop healthy relationships with the opposite sex and to teach them how to make responsible choices. It is premised on the importance of the heterosexual married family as the basic unit of society, and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues.

The goals of SEd are to:

provide accurate and adequate knowledge on human sexuality and the consequences of sexual activity so that pupils are able to make informed decisions;

impart intra- and inter-personal skills of problem-solving, decision-making and effective communication so that pupils are able to build responsible and rewarding relationships; and

inculcate positive values and attitudes of sexuality so that pupils develop a respect for themselves and others as sexual beings, in line with the national value of the family as the basic unit of society.

The key messages of SEd are:

Build healthy futures for yourself, family and society.

Healthy relationships based on love and respect are the foundation for strong families.

Casual sex can lead to unwanted pregnancies, STIs/HIV and AIDS which can harm and hurt your loved ones.

You may click here for more information on MOE Sexuality Education.

Sexuality education in schools is taught in both the formal curriculum and co-curricular programmes. These are covered under four main themes: Human Development, Interpersonal Relationships, Sexual Health and Behaviour, and, Societal Influences.

The values and attitudes of our youth towards sexuality are increasingly being shaped by their peers, exposure to the media, popular culture and the internet. Adolescence is a complex stage in life as the adolescent attempts to find his/her own identity and often struggles with new social relationships. The period of middle adolescence (generally from 15 – 17 years old) can be a turbulent period for adolescents. The gap between physical and emotional/cognitive maturity may result in a tendency to act on impulse, experiment with various activities (including sexual activities), sometimes without understanding the unpleasant consequences that may arise from such experimentation. The need for peer acceptance can be overwhelmingly strong, and hinder one’s ability to act responsibly.  Given the pressures faced by the middle adolescent from within themselves and from peers, it is important to build a strong sense of self-worth, personal convictions and an understanding of the possible consequences of sexual behaviour.

Through "The Teenage Years" and "Sense & Sexuality", secondary students will have opportunity to develop a positive self esteem, build their character, expand their understanding and repertoire of skills to deal with various issues related to sexuality, which are of prime concern at this age.

Breaking Down Barriers () is a programme developed by Health Promotion Board, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education for Secondary 3 students. The programme was introduced to secondary schools in 2007 to give students accurate information on STIs, HIV and contraception from a health perspective. BDB is conducted in two segments—a mass talk segment and a class-based programme.

Students are taught skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and negotiation to say no to sex and negative peer pressure. They also learn that the impact of STI/HIV extends beyond themselves and involves their family. Abstinence and upholding family values are the key messages.

Parents may opt their children out of Growing Years, Breaking Down Barriers and/or Sexuality Education programmes by external providers.

Parents who wish to opt their children out of the whole or part of the Growing Years (GY) Series need to complete an opt-out form which is downloadable from this website.  A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the High School Reception Office.

Parents who wish to opt their children out of the Breaking Down Barriers (BDB) programme need to complete an opt-out form which is downloadable from this website.  A hardcopy of the form, duly completed and signed, is to be submitted to the High School Reception Office.

Parents can attend the sexuality education programmes by external providers (if any) with their children if they wish to. Parents should contact the school to make the necessary arrangements.

Parents can contact the school at 6466 5912 for discussion or seek clarifications about the school’s sexuality education programme.