Notice of Motion by Councillor John Joseph Kelly - A Curriculum to Prepare Young People in Sefton for Life
To consider the following Motion submitted by Councillor John Joseph Kelly:
A Curriculum to Prepare Young People in Sefton for Life
This Council believes that as part of the Sefton 2030 Vision young people need to be better prepared for their transition into adulthood to achieve the goals set in this vision. This can be done through existing provision for young people for example, via schools and youth provision.
This Council notes that for the last two years Curriculum for Life has been voted in the top 3 in the annual Make Your Mark Ballot. This ballot asks young people to vote for a topic from a list of 10 issues as part of the National UK Youth Parliament Work. In 2017 out of 5,929 votes cast 1,002 were received for this issue.
There are currently 12 statutory subjects that have to be taught and assessed in schools. Personal, Health, Social and Economic Education (PHSE) is a non-statutory subject. We believe that to give young people the best start in life a Curriculum for Life is an important part to support young people to reach their full potential.
From the Make Your Mark Results and through conversations the Youth Cabinet have had with other young people, we recognise that PHSE education is often squeezed from the curriculum in many schools or taught very irregularly which is not recommended by experts such as the PHSE association.
Sefton Youth Cabinet through consultation with their peers, via school and online, believes there should be 9 key Curriculum for Life topics taught to all young people in Sefton.
Sefton Youth Cabinet has looked closely at these 9 topics and identified the reasons why they are important and should be part of the Curriculum for Life. They chose these topics as they believe these are the skills essential for the transition into adulthood and to fulfil their potential in society. The following 9 Topics appear in no particular order or priority:
1. Media: We believe young people need to be taught the skills that empower and enable them to use the media to inform their views and opinions rather than ‘solely believing what they see and read is correct’. We are also asking for more positive news stories about young people to reach the public domain.
2. Drugs and alcohol: It is currently a difficult time for some young people in relation to understanding drugs and alcohol. Drugs can be widely available. We believe we should be taught about the effects of drugs and alcohol. However, if young people still decide to take them, they should know how to do so in a safe and responsible manner.
3. Sex and Relationships: The potential impact of the lack of a good sex education can be life changing. Young people’s sex education needs to include use of contraceptives, consent, sexuality and gender, healthy relationships and STI’s. We understand this may be difficult in religious schools. However, every young person should know where to attend to receive this ... view the full agenda text for item 80
Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor John Joseph Kelly and seconded by Councillor Lappin:
A Curriculum to Prepare Young People in Sefton for Life
This Council believes that as part of the Sefton 2030 Vision young people need to be better prepared for their transition into adulthood to achieve the goals set in this vision. This can be done through existing provision for young people for example, via schools and youth provision.
This Council notes that for the last two years Curriculum for Life has been voted in the top 3 in the annual Make Your Mark Ballot. This ballot asks young people to vote for a topic from a list of 10 issues as part of the National UK Youth Parliament Work. In 2017 out of 5,929 votes cast 1,002 were received for this issue.
There are currently 12 statutory subjects that have to be taught and assessed in schools. Personal, Health, Social and Economic Education (PHSE) is a non-statutory subject. We believe that to give young people the best start in life a Curriculum for Life is an important part to support young people to reach their full potential.
From the Make Your Mark Results and through conversations the Youth Cabinet have had with other young people, we recognise that PHSE education is often squeezed from the curriculum in many schools or taught very irregularly which is not recommended by experts such as the PHSE association.
Sefton Youth Cabinet through consultation with their peers, via school and online, believes there should be 9 key Curriculum for Life topics taught to all young people in Sefton.
Sefton Youth Cabinet has looked closely at these 9 topics and identified the reasons why they are important and should be part of the Curriculum for Life. They chose these topics as they believe these are the skills essential for the transition into adulthood and to fulfil their potential in society. The following 9 Topics appear in no particular order or priority:
1. Media: We believe young people need to be taught the skills that empower and enable them to use the media to inform their views and opinions rather than ‘solely believing what they see and read is correct’. We are also asking for more positive news stories about young people to reach the public domain.
2. Drugs and alcohol: It is currently a difficult time for some young people in relation to understanding drugs and alcohol. Drugs can be widely available. We believe we should be taught about the effects of drugs and alcohol. However, if young people still decide to take them, they should know how to do so in a safe and responsible manner.
3. Sex and Relationships: The potential impact of the lack of a good sex education can be life changing. Young people’s sex education needs to include use of contraceptives, consent, sexuality and gender, healthy relationships and STI’s. We understand this may be difficult in religious schools. However, every young person should know where to attend to ... view the full minutes text for item 80