Principles for effective sexuality and sexual health education

The principles for sexuality and sexual health education provide a framework of evidence-based practices and values to support schools with effective sexuality and sexual health education practice. The principles should be used by school staff to inform the planning, implementation and review of school-based sexuality and sexual health education programs, policies and practices.

Reviewing suitability of resources for students and local context

The resource review flowchart (PDF 307 KB) assists teachers in making informed decisions about the suitability of teaching and learning resources for implementation of PDHPE and Life Ready. Guiding questions support teachers and leaders to critically evaluate resources ensuring they are fit for purpose. These decisions are based on the suitability of the materials for the local context and in meeting student needs.

Guidelines for engaging external providers for curriculum delivery

Guidelines to support NSW public schools in meeting curriculum requirements when engaging external providers (DOCX 73 KB).

Communicating with parents and carers

All schools in NSW are required to teach courses of study in accordance with the outcomes of syllabuses developed by NSW Education Standards Authority.

Some aspects of PDHPE may be viewed as sensitive or controversial, such as learning about abuse, child protection, drugs, respectful relationships, sexuality and sexual health.

Principals can use their professional judgement to determine how and when it is appropriate to notify parents or carers about student participation in the delivery of curriculum, school programs and activities, extra-curricular activities and excursions or incursions that address controversial issues.

The NSW Department of Education provides detailed guidance and advice on communicating with parents and carers about controversial issues. ​This includes a series of sample letters and templates which can be accessed and modified by schools and Principals as required. Further, the PDHPE Secondary Curriculum team has prepared a sample PDHPE information letter to communicate with your school community about your teaching and learning programs.

The Controversial issues in schools procedures provides further direction and guidance on managing controversial issues arising in school communities.