The outline that follows offers schools a flexible framework within which schools can plan for the SPHE programme most suitable for the students and the school.
The following points should be noted when planning an SPHE programme:
ALLOCATING TIME TO A TOPIC
The topics within each module are outlined and the aims and outcomes indicated. Not every topic would take a whole class period; other topics may require a number of class periods.
ORDERING THE MODULES
Schools or teachers may order the modules according to school or class needs and circumstances. However, it is strongly recommended that the modules on friendship and relationships and sexuality be closely linked.
OVERLAPPING OF AIMS OR TOPICS
Modules may contain topics or aims that are common to other modules in the three-year programme. Such an overlap is essential to an integrated and holistic programme; topics and skills should be revisited often under different headings and from a variety of perspectives within a spiral and developmental programme.
RELATIONSHIPS AND SEXUALITY EDUCATION
Planning for the relationships and sexuality module should be undertaken in the light of school policy in this area.
The Teacher Guidelines for SPHE deal with programme planning in greater detail.