THE Relationships and Sexuality Education programme is a "menu rather than a prescription" and can be adapted by each school to suit its "characteristic spirit", according to the Department of Education.
In the youngest primary classes children will learn about their anatomy and about recognising and evaluating feelings. Pupils between 10 and 12 will learn about sexual intercourse, conception and birth.
Junior cycle students will learn about changes at puberty; sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS; the "consequences and implications of sexual activity"; and homosexuality.
Senior cycle students will learn about family planning, treating women and men equally, rape and sexual abuse, and what constitutes loving relationships, the long term commitment of marriage, and parenting.