Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
On this page
Age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, is now a compulsory component of Key Stages 3 and 4 Learning for Life and Work in the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
The Relationships and Sexuality Education (Northern Ireland) (Amendment) Regulations 2023, passed by the Secretary of State, amend The Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 and The Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007.
This change to the curriculum does not prevent teachers and pupils from discussing and considering moral, ethical and spiritual issues alongside age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate teaching and associated learning resources.
Some of these issues can be emotive, and young people may have strong feelings that reflect their own, their parents’ or their wider family’s views. Perspectives may also reflect the ethnic, cultural and religious characteristics of young people and their families.
Young people develop and mature at different rates. Schools may therefore want to consider, for example, teaching about sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, in the later stages of Key Stage 3. This will ensure that teaching reflects, and is responsive to, pupils’ needs, capabilities and stage of development.
CCEA Resources
We have developed resources to help schools meet the requirements of the 2023 legislation. These resources give pupils opportunities to learn about sexual and reproductive health and rights and address sensitive issues. They are key stage appropriate, use terms that align with the 2023 legislation and help pupils to develop their Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities.
The resources provide guidance on the minimum content that schools should cover and offer schools flexibility in how they approach the topics. All schools can continue to tailor and deliver effective RSE programmes that are in line with their own ethos and RSE policy and meet the wide-ranging needs of their pupils.
On this page, you’ll find links to information and resources on:
Prevention of Early Pregnancy
Key Stage 3: Prevention of Early Pregnancy
In this unit, pupils learn how to prevent early pregnancy and identify how a young person in their area could access safe, suitable and reliable contraception.
Key Stage 4: Prevention of Early Pregnancy
In this unit, pupils learn that by using safe, suitable and reliable contraception, it is possible to minimise the chances of a woman getting pregnant. They explore the range of contraceptive options available and identify how and where to access safe and reliable contraception and support.
Abortion and Access to Abortion in Northern Ireland
Key Stage 3: Abortion and Access to Abortion in Northern Ireland
In this unit, pupils learn that when a woman gets pregnant, there are different possible outcomes, including abortion. They also learn what an abortion is and about types of abortion, changes in Northern Ireland abortion law, the potential emotional impact of abortion and where to access reliable information about services here.
Key Stage 4: Abortion and Access to Abortion in Northern Ireland
In this unit, pupils learn what an abortion is and about abortion legislation in Northern Ireland. They learn how to access age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate information on abortion, and how and where to access services here. Pupils also have opportunities to explore the potential emotional impact of abortion and identify their own feelings, emotions and perspectives.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Unit 1: Understanding Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
In this unit, pupils learn about the symptoms and treatments of different STIs, ways of protecting against infection and where to get help if required.
HIV and AIDS
Unit 2: Understanding HIV and AIDs
In this unit, pupils learn about the history of HIV and AIDS, the treatments currently available and how to overcome the stigma of HIV and AIDS.
Further Reading
This page explains different kinds of STIs, the importance of contraception and where to go for an STI test.
This page explores pregnancy signs, the different options available and worries about pregnancy.
This page looks at abortion rights across the UK, how to get help with decisions and where to go for confidential advice.
This programme aims to support post-primary schools to confidently deliver inclusive RSE and help young people understand healthy behaviours in relationships.