According to the N.S. Ministry of Education’s Learning Outcomes Framework, Grade 1 students are to “explore the concept of gender.” In Grade 4, they learn to “differentiate between gender roles and gender identity.” Fifth graders must “demonstrate an understanding that sexual orientation is a part of our personality and explore the harmful effects of homophobia.” In Grade 7, students learn to distinguish between sexual orientation and gender identity. Eighth graders “examine the media portrayal of sexual orientation.”
In the 2003 health curriculum for Grades 4 to 6, fifth grade teachers giving lessons on puberty are warned, “when discussing reproduction, be aware that gender stereotypes have often coloured descriptions of the fertilization process. The egg is depicted as passive and fragile; the sperm as aggressive and heroic.” Also in Grade 5, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections is discussed within the context of a sexual relationship. Students are informed that having sex without a condom may lead to HIV. Sixth graders “identify the consequences for the level of risk” of “activities” that include “touching the genitals of a partner,” “masturbation,” and “oral sex.” (more...)
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