Gullane Primary School
Health & Wellbeing Outcomes
A Guide to Sex
Education for Parents
Updated 09-10
Handbooks – Sex Education Guide for Parents – April 2009
Introduction
The purpose of this leaflet is to inform you about the
Scottish Government guidance on sex education and
Gullane Primary School’s teaching of this area of the
curriculum.
It will also try to answer any questions you may have
concerning the teaching of sex education.
It will address such questions as:
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what is sex education?
what are children being taught, when and by whom?
what partnership can we as a school and parents forge?
what to do if you have concerns?
What is Sex Education?
Sex education is very much an integral part of Gullane
Primary School’s Health Education Programme.
It is more than just a matter of learning about how the
human body works. It is there to provide accurate and
relevant information about the physical and emotional
changes that our children will experience, as well as
establish an awareness of the importance of stable family
life and relationships, including the responsibilities of
parenthood and marriage.
Sex education will help children to develop a selfawareness and self-esteem and a sense of responsibility
and respect for themselves and others.
Handbooks – Sex Education Guide for Parents – April 2009
What are children being taught, when and by whom?
As our children progress through Gullane Primary they will
have examined a range of related topics in the early and
middle stages of school. These include:
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keeping safe
where living things come from
being part of a family
awareness of the way bodies grow and change
exploring changes in the human body
Our children will continue to build on this previous learning
and it is in Primary Six, as part of the topic The Living
Body, that they will examine the following issues:
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physical and emotional changes at puberty
body image and self-worth
understanding of own developing sexuality
developing an awareness of gender identity
changing nature of friendship
dealing with sexual feelings
menstruation, pregnancy and birth
All these issues will be explored by the class teacher who
will ensure our children examine their feelings and
emotions in a responsible way.
In addition, and in order to facilitate an atmosphere where
children feel secure and comfortable, they will be given
the option of discussing these issues with a member of the
teaching staff of the same sex as themselves.
Handbooks – Sex Education Guide for Parents – April 2009
What to do if you have concerns?
It is important that we as a school and parents
continue the ongoing dialogue in order to support
the learning that is planned for our children. If
you have concerns or questions please feel that
you are able to talk with the class teacher
Conclusion
In a society where our children are exposed to
so many conflicting images, messages and
pressures about health, lifestyle and sexuality, it
is essential that we all fulfil our roles in working
to provide our children with the knowledge,
understanding and informed attitudes that will
allow them to grow and make healthy and wise
choices about their lives and relationships.
Maureen R Tremmel
Head Teacher
Handbooks – Sex Education Guide for Parents – April 2009