The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is looking to improve sexuality education through the introduction of scripted lesson plans.
This emerged at a stakeholder meeting hosted by the Department in Durban on 8 June 2015. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 7th SA Aids Conference, taking place from 9-12 June 2015. The pre-conference meeting was aimed at reflecting on the curriculum response to HIV and Aids; the teaching of HIV and sexuality education in schools and to chart a way forward to strengthening sexuality and HIV education in schools.
The meeting brought together DBE officials, teachers, sexuality education experts, academics and other stakeholders to examine the role the curriculum can play in improving sexuality education amongst learners.
Scripted lesson plans are being piloted in selected schools in Gauteng for Grades 7-9 learners, with the aim of expanding the project to other provinces.
Education consultant, Jenny Kinnear, indicated to the meeting that the scripted lesson plans (SLPs) would support the teaching of key concepts and content for sexuality education in the Curriculum and Policy Statements (CAPS).“The SLPs should be aligned to the CAPS curriculum and should be appropriate to language, age and grade level,” said Kinnear. “At the same time they should not compromise the content and knowledge of lessons.”
Delegates were also made aware of opportunities for HIV and sexuality education in teacher training, through the Integrated Strategic Planning Framework for Teacher Education and Development in SA.
Haroon Mahomed from the Teacher and Professional Development Branch of the DBE told delegates that the scale of HIV, STIs and TB necessitates effective interventions and the CAPS Life Orientation curriculum provides for effective sexuality education.
Dr Emma Rooth, of Life Skills Africa reiterated that it is imperative to have a formal subject home for HIV, TB and sexuality education. Dr Rooth recommended to delegates that the content be situated in the Life Orientation curriculum as the subject is an essential part of the holistic education of learners.
