Information for Parents | Little Island National School

We have included on this page any information that may be useful to parents or to perspective parents. However if you have a specific query, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. You will find all phone and email contact information on the “Contact” page of this website.

Details of the Relationship and Sexuality Programme taught in our school:

Social, Personal and Health education “provides particular opportunities to foster the personal development, health and well-being of the child and to help him/her to create and maintain supportive relationships and become an active and responsible citizen in society”. (SPHE Teacher Guidelines p.2).

Relationships and Sexuality Education is an important part of SPHE Relationships and Sexuality Education aims to help the child to develop health friendships and relationships and to promote an understanding of an a healthy attitude towards human sexuality and
relationships. The themes relating specifically to sexuality are only a small part of the SPHE programme. Perhaps some of the language used in these lessons may be of concern to some parents.
To alleviate any fears you may have, we have compliled a list of specific vocabulary which is used in each of the classes and the objectives they relate to in the SPHE curriculum.

We expect that this factual information is delivered to the children in a sensitive, healthy and relaxed manner, with the view to awaken in each child a sense of wonder of themselves and others.

Infants:

Junior Infants: The theme of new-life is dealt with, which related to nature and family eg. New life in Spring, pets and family (RSE Teaching Materials p. 68-76)

Vocabulary Introduced: born womb

Senior Infants: Taking care of my body – covers personal hygiene and self-awareness (RSE Teaching Materials p. 148 – 156)

Vocabulary Introduced: Penis vagina breasts

As SPHE is spiral in nature, the work in Junior Infants is revisited re: New Life
and expanded (RSE Teaching Materials p. 158 – 167)

Vocabulary Introduced: breast fed little seed – 9 months in womb

Relevant Objectives from SPHE Curriculum :

The child should be enabled to

Develop an awareness of human birth – That a baby grows and is nurtured in the
mother’s womb until ready to be born (SPHE Curriculum – Infants p. 18)
Name parts of the male and female boy, using appropriate anatomical terms (SPHE Curriculum – Infants p. 17)

First and Second Class

First Class: The themes covered include “New Life” and “How my body works” (RSE Teaching materials p. 61-75)

Vocabulary introduced: Urine Urethra

Second Class: Themes explored include “The Wonder of New Life”, “When my Body Needs Special Care” (RSE Teaching Materials p. 152 – 169)

Vocabulary Introduced: vagina anus faeces – defecate

Relevant Objectives from SPHE Curriculum :

The child should be enabled to

To name parts of the male and female body, using appropriate anatomincal terms, and identify some of their functions (SPHE Curriculum 1^stand 2^nd Class P. 27)
Appreciate what is necessary in order to provide and care for new-born babies in both the animal and human world. (SPHE Curriculum – 1^st and 2^nd Class p. 28)

Third and Fourth Class:

Third Class: Preparing for New Life (RSE Teaching Materials p. 70 – 79)

Vocabulary Introduced: Pregnancy umbilical cord navel (belly button) scan fertilised egg perspiration

Fourth Class: Themes include “The Wonder of New Life” and “Growing and Changing” which deal with all stages of pregnancy and birth and encourages children not to take these daily miracles for granted (respect) (RSE Teaching Materials p. 170-181 & 196-205)

Vocabulary Introduced: hormones cells menstruation periods pubic area Pubic hair

Relevant Objectives from SPHE Curriculum:

The child should be enabled to

Discuss the stages and sequence of development of the human baby, from conception to birth (SPHE Curriculum – 3^rd & 4^th Class – p. 41)
Understand the physical changes taking place in both the male and female body. Growing height and weight, increasing strength, growing from boy to man, growing from girl to woman (SPHE Curriculum – 3^rd & 4^th Class p. 39)

Fifth and Sixth Class:

Fifth Class: Themes developed include “My Body Grows and Changes”. “The Wonder of New Life” and “Caring for New Life” (RSE Teaching Materials p. 82 – 92 & 94-112)
Vocabulary Introduced: ovaries fallopian tubes uterus cervix testicles Scrotum sperm production erection wet dreams Conception

Sixth Class: Themes covered include “Growing and Changing” “Relationships
and New Life” and “A Baby is a miracle” (RSE Teaching Materials p. 184 – 197 & 200 – 219)

Vocabulary Introduced: Adolescence responsibilities

Relevant Objectives from SPHE Curriculum :

The child should be enabled to

Identify and discuss the physical and other changes that occur in boys and girls with the onset of puberty and understand that these take place at different rates for everyone

Female

Hormonal changes, changing body shape, Development of breasts , Appearance of pubic hair, Onset of menstruation (periods)

Male

Hormonal changes, physical growth, Enlargement of testicles and penis, Appearance of pubic, underarm and facial hair, Breaking of the voice, beginning of sperm production, Onset of nocturnal emissions (wet dreams)

Understand the reproductive system of both male and female adults(SPHE Curriculum 5^th & 6^thClass – p. 56)
Understand sexual intercourse and birth within the context of a committed loving relationship.
Discuss and explore the responsibilities involved in being a parent and the emotional and physical maturity required to be a parent. Preparing for the birth of the baby , taking care of offspring from birth onwards, emotional, psychological and practical provisions(SPHE Curriculum – 5^th & 6^thClass p. 58)

When referring to a couple engaging in sexual intercourse, the man and woman should be described in the following way: “A man and woman within a committed, loving
relationship such as in marriage”.