Religious education makes a distinctive contribution to the school curriculum by developing pupils' knowledge and understanding of religion, religious beliefs, practices, language and traditions and their influence on individuals, communities, societies and cultures. It enables pupils to consider and respond to a range of important questions related to their own spiritual development, the development of values and attitudes and fundamental questions concerning the meaning and purpose of life. Sex education Secondary schools must provide sex education for their pupils. It must include teaching about AIDS, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections and be given in such a way as to encourage pupils to have due regard to moral considerations and the value of family life. The detailed content and nature of sex education is for schools to decide.
Parents can choose to withdraw their children from all or part of sex education.
They must also allow officers from the careers service access to pupils at key decision-making points during their education. Schools are encouraged to provide careers education for pupils before year 9 and for those in the sixth form. Careers education contributes to the school curriculum by helping pupils manage progression in their learning and work as they move through school and beyond. Careers education helps pupils to choose and prepare for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in education, training and employment that will contribute to their own fulfilment and to the well-being of others, including the wider society and economy. Pupils can use these skills to manage their self-development and career exploration as well as their career plans, decisions and routes.