From party frocks to invites and Christmas cocktails, we've got everything you need to throw a fabulous party
Sex education that works
Sex education is changing – and it’s about time. The days of embarrassed biology teachers muttering about sexual intercourse are numbered.
A new and more effective sex education programme called A PAUSE (Added Power and Understanding in Sex Education) takes a different approach. Based on extensive research at Exeter University’s Department of Child Health, it doesn’t just focus on the physical aspects of sex, but also addresses the emotional side. So far, around 100 schools have enrolled in this ground-breaking programme.
Social Learning Theory
The A PAUSE programme stems from a psychosocial concept called Social Learning Theory (SLT), which is that we learn behaviour most effectively by copying people we value and respect. Teachers and health professionals deliver the ‘technical’ aspect of the programme, while peers or slightly older teenagers create social norms. This allows the A PAUSE scheme to overcome one of the biggest obstacles to effective sex education – the generation gap.
It can be difficult for adults and young people to appreciate each other’s viewpoint when it comes to the emotional aspects of sex. As one teacher puts it: ‘I don’t think they should be doing it and they don’t think I should be doing it. ’
The idea for peer-led sex education initially came from similar successful programmes in the USA, where escalating teenage pregnancy rates forced sex education experts to change their approach. The ‘just say no’ approach wasn’t working on its own.
A PAUSE takes young people through the biological, emotional and practical aspects of sexual health. Early in secondary school life, teachers and health professionals teach the basic principles of human development, contraception, pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, illustrating issues with ‘real life stories’. Pupils discuss how they would deal with certain situations and decide the best course of action.
1 | 2 | next
printer friendly
send to a friend
Delicious
Digg
reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Horoscopes| Message Boards | Quizzes | Newsletters | Join
iVillage Ltd is a UK company registered in England & Wales (3837269) at 80-110 New Oxford Street, London WC1 1HB
