schools programmes

ACCORD (NI) – The 'Love Matters' Programme

A Relationship's & Sexuality Education Programme for Post-Primary Schools in N Ireland

In November 2001, as a result of a large number of requests from post-primary Catholic Schools in N Ireland for help and assistance in the delivery of Relationship's and Sexuality Education (RSE) ACCORD NI appointed an Education Officer.  The main responsibilities of the post were:

1. To research the needs of pupils, parents and teachers in the area of RSE.  The report entitled Beliefs, Attitudes and Experiences of Pupils, Parents and teachers about Relationship's and Sexuality Education in Post-Primary Catholic Schools in N Ireland was launched in December 2002 in Belfast.  The report received widespread media coverage and was praised by a number of teachers, health experts and academics as providing an important insight into the knowledge and behaviour of young people in the area of relationship's and sexuality.
   
   
2. To write a book giving factual information and policy guidelines to help with the delivery of RSE in post-primary Catholic Schools.  The teachers resource book Love Rejoices In the Truth was published in December 2002.  This book provides teachers with summary and analysis of the research. It also provides teachers with a prototype policy that explains: the reasons why RSE should be taught in schools; the perimeters of the RSE programme; and an approach to sensitive issues and the practicalities of implementing the programme.  The book contains resource materials for key stage 4 pupils and a key words section that explains some of the most important teachings of the Catholic Church in the area of RSE.  In the forward of the book, Archbishop Sean Brady writes: “This is a very useful resource.  It presents a vast amount of statistical facts and background information helpful in the study of sexuality and relationship's.  It also gives key principles of Catholic moral Teaching that should form the bedrock from which any wholesome education takes place”.
   
   
3. To develop a modern resource, to be used by teachers during RSE lesson s, promoting the Church's understanding of marriage and sexuality.  The resource helps young people to develop the knowledge, skills and qualities to build healthy, safe and fulfilling relationship's throughout their lives.  In June 2005 ACCORD Launched the Love Matters  publication and DVD.  This resource was devised and written for use by post-primary Catholic teachers during RSE lessons.  At present 80% of post-primary Catholic Schools have purchased the ACCORD RSE Love Matters  resource.  The subject becomes compulsory in September 2007.  Furthermore in September 2005 copies of the Love Matters  went to every post-primary school in N Ireland.  ACCORD NI has developed this CD-ROM resource in partnership with CCEA (Council for Curriculum Educational Awards).
   
   
4. To develop training programmes for pupils, teachers and parents in the area of RSE.  ACCORD NI has provided training to over 6000 people in the area of RSE and Personal Development.  Below is a summary of the training programmes.

• workshops to help teachers understand and deliver with Love Matters Resource;
• ­seminars to help teachers develop the area of Pastoral Care in Catholic Schools;
• training programmes for teachers and other profession also who want to help young people build their self-esteem and develop the attitudes, skills and qualities they need to build safe, fulfilling and meaningful relationships;
• ­an Introduction to Basic Counselling Skills (an eight week course for teachers and other professionals who are working with young people);
• training programmes for pupils to help them develop the knowledge, skills and qualities necessary for healthy, safe and meaningful relationships.

For further information contact: ACCORD NI Regional Office, Cana House, 56 Lisburn Road, Belfast. BT9 6AF

Tel No: 028 9023 3002 or email: education@accordni.com

	ACCORD NI - Schools Report - Love Rejoices in the Truth Teachers Resource Book for Catholic Post-Primary Schools [DOWNLOAD]
	ACCORD NI - Schools Report - Beliefs, Attitudes & Experiences Experiences of Pupils, Parents and Teachers about Relationships and Sexuality Education in Post-Primary Catholic Schools in Northern Ireland [DOWNLOAD]