Sexuality and Relationships

This unit examines the sexual health of individuals, groups and populations. It explores the role families play in identity construction and affirmative relationships. Using a socio-biological model, students explore a range of sociocultural, biological, developmental, psychological and legal theories and practices, and their connection to identity and sexuality. Students analyse relationship development, identity formation, same sex attraction and sexual and familial relationships. They investigate harmful discourses, practices and behaviours such as homophobia, bullying and stereotyping that obstruct the development of affirmative relationships. The unit explores in detail issues such as mandatory reporting and the regulatory and legal frameworks related to human sexuality. Students use a development model to explore human reproduction. They examine the sexual health of people across the lifespan, and in particular the sexual health of adolescents and young people. They also investigate sexual practices such as abstinence, sexually transmitted infections and STI prevention. Students are encouraged to think critically and collaboratively in order to discuss ways to support young people struggling with relationships and sexual / gender identification.