A sexual health curriculum for northern Catholic youth

This study presents a rationale and an eight lesson unit plan for sexual health for grade six Yukon Catholic school students. The unit plan is designed to integrate Catholic teachings with BC and Yukon sexual health curriculum outcomes. The author addresses a concern that Catholic school teachers may be reluctant to teach the sexual health curriculum because of fear of conflict with church teachings or criticism from parents. However, research shows that Canada's northern populations are the most at-risk population for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and early pregnancy ... This unit was designed to give students knowledge and decision-making tools for maintaining sexual health as they enter their most vulnerable years. Although Catholic teaching and safe practices for sex outside of marriage seem irreconcilable, these lessons emphasize the gospel values of love, justice, and compassion in relation to sexual health education. --Leaf ii.