Secondary schools

Sex Education Australia believes in young people

We know that given accurate age-appropriate information, young people make good decisions that help keep them healthy and safe – physically, socially and emotionally. Our secondary programs give students the opportunity to learn in a relaxed and non-judgemental environment and provide clear messaging and strategies to support young people’s developing knowledge base and decision-making skills. 

*Quality sex education at the secondary level has been shown to:

  • delay the first experience of sex until a person is comfortable, more confident and knowledgeable
  • reduce occurrence of STIs
  • reduce unplanned pregnancies
  • reduce coerced or unwanted sexual activity
  • reduce sexual assault
  • increase young people’s confidence and ability to negotiate consensual sexual activity that is mutual, respectful, communicative, safe and pleasurable

 

*UNAIDS (International technical guidance on sexuality education: an evidence-informed approach, 2018, p28)

Two school students chat, one who is white is facing the camera and has short fair hair cut a-symmetrically with a fringe across the forehead. In her arms she carries books and a backpack over one shoulder. She wears a blue school jumper and white collared shirt, with grey skirt. She is talking to another student of indeterminate race, who faces away from the camera. She also wears the same uniform and has long dark hair in a ponytail.

Secondary school programs

Our secondary programs provide young people with information that will help them be healthy, safe, and to behave in respectful, consensual and legal ways, if/when they choose to become sexually active. (We say ‘if/when’ because we know there’s a big range of how people view becoming sexual. Some people choose never to be sexual.) 

We offer secondary schools a range of presentations across various topics. We have experience delivering presentations to students at faith-based schools and from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. We’ve also presented to LGBQ+ students and groups.

At the secondary level, SEA is committed to: 

  • helping young people develop their sexual health knowledge and skills in decision-making
  • providing an inclusive service in communities and schools
  • the idea that sexual activity should be a personal choice, and needs to be healthy, safe, consensual, legal and respectful (and enjoyable for all involved)
  • diversity and respect for all. We have experience in, and understanding of, the different expectations of families and communities and know that different families have different positions when it comes to these topics.

'This was just what our students needed. You were relaxed, unshockable and non-judgemental. Thanks for treating all questions with respect. The Year 9s were so focussed. Great session.'

Year 9 teacher, Fintona