Relationships, sexual health and parenthood education (RSHPE) forms a key element of personal, social and health education in schools and is an important part of children and young people’s preparation for life, both as they are growing up and as adults. The overarching aim of the relationships and sexual health programme is to assist children and young people to make and respectful decisions that will promote positive sexual health and wellbeing for themselves and others.

Primary Stages

Primary 1-3 (Early/First Levels)

Theme 1    Uniqueness of the body.
Theme 2    Awareness of the way bodies grow and change.
Theme 3    Where living things come from.
Theme 4    Family and other special people who care for me.
Theme 5    Recognising and expressing feelings.
Theme 6    Respect and care for self and others.
Theme 7    Ways of Keeping Safe.
Theme 8    Bullying.

Primary 4-5 (First/Second Levels)

Theme 1    Exploring changes in the body.
Theme 2    How human life begins.
Theme 3    Expressing and dealing with feelings and emotions.
Theme 4    Being part of a family.
Theme 5    Friendships.
Theme 6    Dealing with bullying situations including cyber bullying and keeping safe online.

Primary 6-7 (Second Level)

Theme 1    Physical and emotional changes at puberty.
Theme 2    Body image and self worth.
Theme 3    Understanding developing sexuality and dealing with sexual feelings.
Theme 4    Developing awareness of gender identity.
Theme 5    Changing nature of friendship.
Theme 6    Menstruation, pregnancy and birth.
Theme 7    Being part of a family and the importance of respect within families.