5th class programme
The aims of the 5th class programme are:
- To prepare children in a reassuring way for all of the changes they will experience as they face puberty and adolescence
- To encourage healthy, respectful relationships at an age appropriate level
- To enhance the skills necessary for decision making
- To encourage a healthy sense of self and give accurate information on body developments.
This is achieved through:
- Discussing the journey from dependence to independence
- Examining the connection between action and consequence
- Looking at the effect of hormones on emotions
- Examining appropriate ways of expressing emotions
- Looking at the differences and similarities of the expression of emotions between boys and girls
- Encouraging the child to be the best person they can be.
- Encouraging spiritual development by discussing empathy and respect for people irrespective of race, colour, religion or sexuality
- Explaining physical development by using easily understood information given in a sensitive child friendly manner looking at growth, body shape, body hair, sweat production, teenage spots/pimples, genital development, erections, sperm production, breast development, periods – what to expect and how to deal with the practicalities.
Throughout the programme the children are encouraged to ask questions. They are also given the opportunity, at the end of the programme, to submit written question anonymously which will be responded to by the facilitator in the group setting.
6th Class programme
The aims of the 6th class programme are:
- To give clear, correct information about the intellectual, emotional, spiritual and physical changes that occur at the transition from childhood to adolescence
- To assist children build healthy relationships, help the students to develop a healthy positive attitude towards their emerging sexuality and that of their fellow human beings
- To offer assistance with skills that will enable them make informed personal choices.
The programme is divided into 3 modules as follows:
- 1st module: Deals with the journey from childhood to adulthood and is an overview on how their lives are developing at this time. It looks at the pressures and worries that may surround these developments, conflict management and negotiating skills. Issues such as personal safety and the right to say “no” are included in this part of the programme. The use of technology and the internet is an important part of the programme which gives the facilitator the opportunity to highlight possible problems and to encourage discussion which often leads to greater understanding and awareness of their responsibility to themselves and others.
- 2nd module: Deals with emotional and spiritual development. This module examines the effect of hormones on the emotions, mood swings and the appropriate expression of their emotions. Facilitators discuss and promote diversity and encourage respect and understanding.
- 3rd module: Deals with physical development, revisiting the body developments as discussed in 5th class and explaining conception, pregnancy and childbirth.
Again the children are encouraged to ask questions and given the opportunity, at the end of the programme, to submit written questions anonymously which will be responded to by the facilitator.
If it is a Co-Ed school the boys and girls will participate in the programme together as this encourages openness and the opportunity to hear each other. They are given time and choice at the end of the session for questions in a single sex group setting if they feel more at ease.