Re: SPHE and RSE Programme
Dear Parent/Guardian, I am writing to inform you about the Social, Personal and Health Education Programme which is a core part of the post primary school curriculum. S.P.H.E. provides a unique and exciting opportunity for students to develop skills and competence, to learn about themselves and others and to make informed decisions about their health, personal lives and social development.
Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) is one module within the S.P.H.E. curriculum. It is a developmental process through which pupils participate in order to cultivate a healthy attitude towards themselves and others, particularly in the area of sexuality and relationships. At least eight timetabled periods will be assigned to Relationships and Sexuality Education. This module will be taught to all year groups from first to sixth year. The RSE classes are scheduled to take place during January and February 2026. However, one fifth year group will commence their classes earlier, in October 2025, due to SPHE and Guidance being timetabled on a half-year rotation.
The aim of SPHE as set out in the NCCA SPHE specification for Junior Cycle is to:
‘’build students’ self-awareness and positive self-worth; to develop the knowledge, understanding, skills, dispositions and values that will enable them to lead fulfilling and healthy lives; empower them to create, nurture and maintain respectful and loving relationships, with self and others; and enhance their capacity to contribute positively to society.’’
A resource booklet from the HSE which is supported by the Department of Education and the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment will be used by the teacher when teaching 1st ,2ndand 3rdyear SPHE. While the Consent Ed programme will be used for all remaining year groups along with material from ‘You’ve Got This’new textbook by Educate.
As you are the primary educators of your daughters, it is important that parents are aware of SPHE and RSE. We also recognise the right of any parent/guardian who so wishes to request that his/her daughter should not participate in the programme. The school will respect this choice. Any parent/guardian who wishes to withdraw his/her daughter must contact the school to make their wishes known. Please feel free to contact the school to discuss this matter if you so wish.
Thank you,
Mairéad Lane – SPHE teacher
Pierce Dargan- Principal
App