Sexuality and relationships education in the primary school : a needs analysis

Abstract

There has always been a need for Sexuality and Relationships Education (SRE) and this need has existed for a number of years. However, it can be stressed that SRE is still a sensitive and controversial matter for a large sector of the Maltese society and as a result little, has been done to introduce the subject in primary schools. This study aims to examine the need for a Sexuality and Relationships Education programme for the primary school. This research is sustained with literature that explores the concept of SRE in schools and its introduction and implementation in the primary school. It also refers to young children's concepts of Sexuality addressing also what various researchers and psychologists think regarding this issue. Interviews will help provide a backdrop for the data gathered in the literature review, whilst questionnaires will be used to provide enough feedback from different participants analysing what they know about SRE and if they are in favour of its introduction with their pupils. Lastly, a Focus Group was held in order to discuss the results of the issued survey with a group of teachers and parents, and propose a SRE programme that could be implemented in primary schools. Results together helped provide a clear framework that the need to introduce a Sexuality and Relationships Education programme in the primary schools is very real. Topics and themes are indicated.