Year 9 Relationships and Sexuality Day, April 2019

Dear Year 9 Parents and Guardians,

I am writing to inform you about the “Relationships and Sexuality Day” that we have rescheduled for all Year 9 students. This will now take place on 3rd April at Sha Tin College. As this is a crucial time in the development of these adolescents, we want to make sure that our students are equipped with knowledge and understanding of this subject area.

The students will not be attending their usual timetabled lessons for Periods 1-3 on Wednesday, 3rd April, but instead they will attend a series of workshops led by teachers at Sha Tin College. The workshops will focus on a range of issues connected to relationships and sexuality. For example, we will focus on gender identity, homosexuality and pornography. Year 9 students will be have their usual timetabled lesson for Period 4.

As part of the day we are very fortunate to welcome back Dr Helen Duckworth-Smith, a local health expert. She is a Family Health Physician, member of the Royal College of Physicians/GP’s, with an interest in Adolescent Medicine, and has had four children educated in the ESF.  Her practice (OT&P Medical Practice) has graciously allowed her time away from work to speak with our students, and to answer any questions. There is no cost for our students or the College. Dr Helen spoke to the students in Year 7. This year her presentation will focus on stages of puberty, sexual intercourse, sexually transmitted diseases and consent.

These are obviously sensitive topics to discuss with young people, but please be assured that we as a school will handle this with the utmost care. We have considerable experience of educating young people in these matters and will offer full support to all students as we guide them through this material. We are confident of your support for this aspect of your child’s education. If you have any questions about the day, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Lucie Purves

Head of Middle School