Policy

Policy 8425 - Alternative Delivery to Physical & Health Education (K-10)

1. PURPOSE

1.1.

The purpose of this policy is to explain how students and their parents/guardians, in consultation with their school, may arrange for alternative delivery of instruction for topics related to reproduction and sexuality within the Physical and Health Education (PHE) curriculum. This policy does not apply to any other provincial curriculum.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1.

Governed by policy set by the BC Ministry of Education, Physical and Health Education (K-10) is a provincially mandated requirement for all BC students. The goals of this curriculum are for students to make informed healthy decisions, to learn about themselves, to honour the diversity in others, and to help foster positive attitudes and caring behaviours for the development of healthy relationships.

3. DEFINITIONS

3.1.

By definition, sexuality involves many aspects of being human. It encompasses, for example, sexual development (puberty and the factors which influence identity), sexual and reproductive health (preventing unplanned pregnancies and STIs), interpersonal relationships (including healthy friendships), affection (caring behaviours), and body image (self- esteem).

4. POLICY

4.1.	The Board assigns high value and importance to the need for and the goals of PHE. Educators are required to provide students with a well-planned and developmentally age-appropriate sequence of learning experiences in the PHE curriculum. Teaching students about their bodies, safety, and making healthy choices contributes to their physical and emotional well-being.
4.2.	Unique to this curriculum is the opportunity for parents/guardians to request “alternative delivery” of material pertaining only to the direct instruction of reproduction and sexuality.
4.3.	Topics that refer to creating inclusive environments and honouring diversity (including sexual orientation and gender identity) will be integrated through several curriculum areas not related to reproduction and sexuality. Board expectations for addressing these topics are outlined in Policy 9410 - Safe and Caring Schools and the accompanying Procedure 9410.2 - Safe and Caring Schools: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression.

5. REFERENCES AND RELATED DOCUMENTS

5.1.	Policy 9410 - Safe and Caring Schools
5.2.	Procedure 9410.2 - Safe and Caring Schools: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression
5.3.	8425 Appendix I
5.4.	8425 Appendix II

6. AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

6.1.	Superintendent of Schools
6.2.	Director of Instruction, Education Services: Priority Practices

7. HISTORY

Approved:

2023-11-08
(Replaces previous versions)