THE
P RTAL
March 2018
The Department of Education has asked
for people’s views and Joanna Bogle
tells us how LOGS have answered
R ecently, the
Relationships
and Education
Page 4
Department for Education announced
that it wanted to know people’s views on “relationships” and how
these should be taught in Britain’s schools. I am not sure that there is
a very deep desire to on the part of the DofE to know our views: the
announcement was made just before Christmas and the deadline was early
February, making it rather difficult for voluntary groups to have much time for preparation or discussion.
na
wri tes
We at LOGS, the Ordinariate’s women’s group, fund-raising for local charities. Involvement in art,
however, consulted together and we have sent in our music and drama as fostering enjoyment of beauty.
ideas. Here are some of them.
And in secondary schools we
We were asked about priorities for
suggested:
primary schools and suggested:
Ages 5-7:
Kindness and courtesy to all in
speech and in actions; special care
for the frail or disabled; generosity; unselfishness;
understanding of family and social structures;
respectful speech to older people and to parents and
teachers. Importance of modesty: respect for privacy
when dressing and undressing, using the lavatory
etc. Involvement in communal enjoyment of singing,
reading aloud and simple drama.
Ages 7-9:
Ages 11-13:
Importance of chastity, bodily
integrity,
understanding
of
human dignity, importance of
love and respect within the family. Understanding
of responsibilities that come with growing up: self-
mastery, good choices of friends and activities, good
relationship with parents, recognition of peer pressure
especially via internet.
Concern for the elderly, lonely, under-privileged;
encouragement in forms of neighbourly service.
Rejection of crude and vulgar language, swearing and
obscenities. Understanding of the importance of truth.
Encouragement of good reading, creative hobbies,
acquisition of real skills, development of specific
talents especially when these can be at the service of
others.
Limits on use of internet: obedience to family and
school rules on this. Willingness to offer help, e.g. with
smaller children, disabled people, family chores and
small errands. Rejection of vulgar/crude language,
pornographic images, lying, cheating, bullying.
Appreciation of beauty: introduction to classical music
Ages 13-15:
and art.
With full permission of parents (who must be
Ages 9-11:
allowed to see ALL associated materials, DVDs, on-
Acceptance of responsibilities, e.g. as class captain, line programmes etc, and to withdraw children if they
membership of choir/Brownies/etc. Understanding choose), and in groups separated by sex, information
of human dignity; importance of honesty, courtesy, on human fertility and how new life comes through the
courage in adversity and rejection of gossip, sneering love of a man and a woman and a new family is formed.
and vulgar jokes. Recognition of wide dangers of the
internet, acceptance of restrictions on use of mobile
Emphasis on chastity, faithfulness, lifelong union,
phones and other i-equipment.
full commitment and love as unselfishness. Practical
involvement in local service projects for elderly,
Understanding of the need to help others. Involvement housebound etc.
in age-appropriate ways, e.g. concerts for the elderly,
... continued on page 19 Ø