Extracts from a random sample of reports below give a small flavour of the SPHE inspection reports in individual schools. The Department of Education and Skills does not inspect all schools in every subject. The overall SPHE Inspection Report was based on 63 of around 720 schools inspected, although the DES has also inspected a small number of other schools.
This project was supported by the Mary Raftery Journalism Fund
Lanesboro Community College, Longford – Inspected October 2010
Lanesboro Community College has a policy for Social Personal and Health Education (SPHE) and Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) which sets these subjects firmly in the context of the school ethos. That ethos encourages "the full and harmonious development of each pupil (social, spiritual, emotional, physical) in an atmosphere of care, respect, trust, love and concern." Senior cycle RSE is currently delivered within the Religious Education (RE) programme.
The religion textbook, which contains chapters dealing with these topics, is used as a teaching resource for RSE. Given the multi-denominational character of the school and the obligation on all schools to develop a policy in regard to RSE and to implement an RSE programme in senior cycle, it is recommended that senior cycle RSE be given a more distinct identity within the school’s curriculum. This would entail developing a discrete stand-alone RSE programme with its own subject plan. The contents of the programme should be communicated in writing to parents in advance of its delivery.
At present, the school’s RSE policy is outlined in two paragraphs of the SPHE/RSE policy document. In accordance with the requirements and recommendations contained in Department circulars M4/95, 0027/2008, 0023/2010 and 0037/2010, it is recommended that the current SPHE/RSE policy be reviewed with a view to articulating the school’s RSE policy in greater detail. The revised policy document should, for example, guide teachers in the treatment of spiritual, moral and ethical issues which may arise when teaching RSE. In accordance with best practice, the revised RSE policy should be developed in collaboration with parents, teachers and students. Detailed guidelines to assist schools in developing a policy for RSE are to be found on the Department’s website, www.education.ie.
At present, the topics to be covered in senior cycle RSE are listed as part of the RE subject plan. In keeping with the recommendation to develop a discrete stand-alone RSE programme, it is recommended that the very good practice evidenced in the junior cycle planning documentation be extended, in order to provide a more detailed plan for RSE in senior cycle. The plan should include reference to appropriate RSE-specific teaching and learning resources, for example the TRUST (Talking Relationships, Understanding Sexuality Teaching Resource) materials.
To comply with Department circulars, it is recommended that the school’s RSE policy be reviewed and articulated in greater detail.
• The practice of teaching boys and girls separately should be avoided in future.
• A discrete stand-alone programme for senior cycle RSE should be developed.
Response to questions from The Irish Times:
1. Do you have an RSE policy? What is your policy on external visitors for SPHE – are parents informed?
Yes; ascertain If Garda vetted and check suitability for age group concerned; parents are informed by letter or homework journal.
2. Can you identify the name of each external organisation (guest speakers, facilitators) that have visited your school as part of the RSE and SPHE programme since 2010?
For RSE Cura – unwanted pregnancy, Aware – mental health, National Society for Autism.
3. What core texts do you use for SPHE?
Question 3: Texts: Minding Me series, Trust Resource, North Western Health Board (Healthy Living), Relationships and Sexuality, (Junior and Senior), b4u decide, (RSE, Dept)
Patrician High School, Monaghan - Inspected in Feb 2011
Provision for senior cycle Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) needs to be reviewed. Some elements typical of a senior cycle RSE programme are delivered as part of Religious Education but in the absence of a coherent programme plan being available, there is an inconsistent approach to programme delivery.
Evidence gathered during the evaluation indicates that the complete range of themes, as recommended in Department of Education and Skills guidelines, is not covered in a coherent manner. School management recognises that an appropriate RSE programme as outlined in Circular Letter 0037/2010 must be developed and implemented. It was apparent during the evaluation that there is a very good level of interest among relevant staff to progress this work.
It is recommended therefore that senior management identifies and appoints a member of staff to act as RSE co-ordinator and establish a core team of relevant staff to plan, document and deliver a broad and balanced RSE programme to senior cycle students. To support this process it is recommended that training in the use of the recently developed TRUST (Talking Relationships Understanding Sexuality Teaching) resource for teaching RSE in senior cycle be accessed.
There is no RSE programme plan for senior cycle. It is recommended that this plan be developed as a matter of priority. A number of guest speakers work with senior cycle students in areas relevant to SPHE.
– No response received to Irish Times questions.
Margaret Aylward Community College, Dublin 9 – Inspected in April 2011
Good quality teaching and learning was evident in the lessons observed. Appropriate provision is made for SPHE but provision of senior cycle Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) needs to be reviewed. Provision of senior cycle RSE should to be reviewed in line with Department circular 37/10 Relationships and Sexuality Education.
• A senior cycle RSE programme plan needs to be documented and implemented with all Leaving Certificate students. Whole-school policies in the areas of substance use, RSE and visiting speakers need to be devised and ratified in line with relevant Department of Educational and Skills’ Circulars.
A broad range of learning experiences is provided through the TY Babies Project. A culture of self-evaluation and reflective practice informs the ongoing development of this programme.
• An interesting range of whole-school activities support students’ social and personal development. These activities should be incorporated into the SPHE and RSE programme plans to ensure that the topics covered in lessons before and after these activities supports student learning. A whole-school policy on the use of visiting speakers should be devised in line with Circular Letter 0023/2010.
– No response received to Irish Times questions
Mohill Community College, Leitrim – Inspected in March 2011
The RSE programme in senior cycle covers all of the themes as recommended in the Interim Curriculum and Guidelines for Post-primary Schools. This is partly delivered by external speakers who include representatives from The Samaritans and Love for Life, and partly by the SPHE teacher in her Religious Education lessons.
It is good to note that students have been provided with opportunities to evaluate all such external inputs and in addition, the teacher has recorded her own personal reflections. These are very good practices. The school is very clear about its procedures regarding visiting speakers. In line with good practice, parents are informed prior to the delivery of the RSE programme.
– No response received to Irish Times questions
Mount St Michael, Cork – Inspected in December 2010
The board of management at Mount Saint Michael Secondary School in Rosscarbery, Co Cork, decided about three years ago to cease teaching RSE in response to parental concerns.
“RSE is not provided for in either junior or senior cycle. This follows from a decision of the board of management. This decision is in need of urgent review. In this regard, the board’s attention is drawn to Circulars 0027/08, M20/96 and M4/95. As a first step in the process of providing RSE, the school is advised to develop an RSE policy. A set of guidelines, a template and a sample policy, which are intended to support schools in the task of developing this policy, are also available on the website of the department.
In tandem with the development of an RSE policy, an RSE programme for both junior and senior cycles will need to be planned and documented. This should be appended to the school’s RSE policy. In relation to senior cycle RSE, management and teachers are referred to the RSE Interim Guidelines. These, along with a number of other valuable resources, can be accessed at www.ecdrumcondra.ie. Teachers charged with the responsibility of delivering the programme will need to attend the relevant training.”
– No response received to Irish Times questions
