Note: This resource has been revised. New guidelines released in 2020 as two documents for Years 1-8 and Years 9-13. See #6821 & #6822. This record is kept for historical purposes. The url goes to the current resource page on the Ministry of Education website.
This guide is a revision of Sexuality Education: A guide for principals, boards of trustees, and teachers (2002). The
guide will assist boards of trustees, principals, and teachers in all New Zealand state and state-integrated schools to comply with the requirements of the Education Act 1989 (as amended in 2001) to consult with the
school community on the way in which the health curriculum should be implemented.
The Health Select Committee report, Inquiry into improving child health outcomes and preventing child abuse with
a focus from preconception until three years of age (November 2013) highlighted the importance of quality sexuality
education programmes for all young people and the need for access to health services. This revision takes into
account that report, along with other interagency work to prevent violence.
The revision also takes account of changing social climates, recent youth health research, and broader understandings about sexuality and sexuality education.(from the Introduction) Record #4734. See also records #4735 and #4736