Consultation Central To Health Syllabus (Press, 16 August 1985)

On 16 August 1985, the introduction of a new health programme at Hillmorton High School, the only South Island secondary school testing the syllabus, is drawing attention and controversy. Mrs Maureen Doherty, the programme coordinator, emphasised that schools would complement parents and work collaboratively with them, breaking down barriers between educational institutions and the community. The new syllabus includes units on sex education, which have faced opposition primarily from conservative religious groups. Nine members of Parliament voted against an amendment to the Education Act enabling schools to offer sex education as part of the health programme, provided there is a consensus following consultations with parents. Furthermore, parents retain the right to withdraw their children from these classes. Opposition spokesperson on education, Miss Ruth Richardson, suggested that misinformation has been a driving factor behind the opposition to the bill. Despite the debate, Hillmorton’s sex-education programme has remained consistent over the years, and Mrs Doherty clarified that the new health programme aimed to foster a positive school environment and build self-esteem among students. The syllabus addresses various issues, including puberty, drug and alcohol awareness, and decision-making. While the core sex education components have not changed, the programme aims to adapt the school’s overall climate. The health units are being tailored to meet their community's needs, with an emphasis placed on the importance of parental feedback for any further developments. The health programme also integrates subjects such as life sciences and contemporary studies. These new courses highlight personal development, communication skills, and responsible decision-making, particularly in relation to drug and alcohol awareness. Mrs Robyn Dawson, a science teacher, has been actively involved in developing a unit on drugs and alcohol, including successful after-school sessions for parents to address these issues. Opposition to the health syllabus is notably represented by Mr Neville Rush, director of the Integrity Centre. He argues that the programme represents a broader attempt to undermine traditional moral values associated with the Christian faith, suggesting that the introduction of such education serves to promote a secular humanist agenda that advocates for easier access to abortion, euthanasia, and the decriminalisation of certain behaviours. Mr Rush believes that the Education Amendment Act could lead to introducing various unsuitable materials in schools. Mr Peter Brice, an assistant secretary of the Education Department, responded by stating that any new developments in sex education must undergo the same consultative process and would require amendments to the Education Act before any new content could be included in primary and intermediate education. The ongoing discussions reveal the complexities and tensions surrounding the integration of sex education into school curriculums, reflecting broader societal debates on educational contents and morality.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand