Mapping the Development of Sex and Relationships Education in Wales

Title: Mapping the Development of Sex and Relationships Education in Wales 

Funder(s): Departmental Research Awards Scheme (internal) 

Research Team:

Dr Sarah Oerton (Glamorgan)
Dr Anita Naoko Pilgrim (Cardiff) 

Overview

Set against a background of burgeoning underage sexual activity, the spread of sexually transmitted diseases amongst young people, high rates of teenage conceptions, pregnancies and terminations, and the growing use made by young people of social networking sites and internet chat rooms which enable them to access sexually explicit materials in order to learn about sex and sexuality, this project identifies and analyses the major socio-political concerns surrounding Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) with reference to the contemporary Welsh context.  While some recent academic research on SRE in England and Wales has been undertaken, there has been little that addresses the specific situation in Wales in the context of a devolved education system and the more flexible Welsh Personal and Social Education (PSE) curriculum.  Furthermore and as an index of public concern, it is notable that Wales has the highest rates of teenage conceptions of all UK and European countries, with a high concentration in the South Wales area.  Drawing upon network building with policy makers and pilot fieldwork interviews with frontline staff delivering SRE in various settings and across different communities in Wales, this project critically explores the significant challenges and key concerns surrounding SRE policy and practice.  The project provides a critical reflection of what various key players see as the obstacles to effective provision of SRE in Wales, including how it succeeds or fails in meeting the needs of non-homogeneous (for example, those from diverse religious faith backgrounds or those with special needs), socially excluded and/or vulnerable communities of young people, both in and outside schools.