Sex, Sexuality & Relationships Education in Schools 

Providing sexuality and relationships education is a rewarding and challenging task. Schools and teachers often feel the responsibility of addressing this important work, but lack confidence or resources to do it effectively. Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT (SHFPACT), a health promotion charity assisted with funding from the ACT Government, has been supporting public, private and faith-based school communities in Canberra to deliver effective, relevant, accurate and responsible sexuality education since the 1970s.

One of SHFPACT’s key goals is to minimise the risks and harms faced by young people. These include the risks involved in premature, unsafe or unwanted sexual activity; unwanted pregnancy, sexual violence and STI transmission.

Studies consistently show that comprehensive and accurate sexuality education leads to a delay in the onset of sexual activity, or a decrease in overall sexual activity. In addition, research shows that sexuality education increases the adoption of safe sex practices by sexually active young people. 

Nationally Accredited Courses

SHFPACT’s ‘Introduction to Sexuality & Health’ and ‘Educating in Sexuality & Health’ offer teachers, education support staff and youth workers in schools the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications. Recognition of Prior Learning or Competence is also available. For more information on SHFPACT's accredited courses, click here. 

Program & Curriculum Development

SHFPACT supports teachers and education staff in developing effective, accurate and relevant sexuality and relationships programs for students at all year levels. We can also supply posters, postcards, stickers, safe sex packs and other resources that aid sexuality education delivered to young people. School staff can consult with SHFPACT Educators to design and evaluate their school’s sexuality and relationship education programs via phone, email or an appointment. Contact the Education & Health Promotion team on  (02) 6247 3077 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information, or to have a chat. Contact SHFPACT's Educaton Team for more information.

Training in conjunction with DET

SHFPACT now provides professional development opportunities in conjunction with the ACT Department of Education & Training. Please check the “Professional Learning Calendar” on the DET website for training opportunities & dates or contact SHFPACT for more information.

SHFPACT now provides professional development opportunities in conjunction with the ACT Department of Education & Training. Please check the “Professional Learning Calendar” on the DET website for training opportunities & dates or contact SHFPACT for more information. Contact SHFPACT's Educaton Team for more information.

Sexuality & Relationships Education (Primary)

This program enhances teacher’s knowledge & skills to teach students on topics of sexual health and relationships. SHFPACT Educators model positive strategies for addressing these issues with primary aged students and provides teachers with ideas for lesson plan activities and handouts via the ‘Building Better Relationships’ resource folder. Contact SHFPACT's Educaton Team for more information.

Sexuality & Relationships Education (Secondary)

A full-day program designed to equip teachers with the knowledge & skills to address issues including adolescent sexuality, safe sex, contraception, STIs, consent and sexual assault. Teachers are shown a variety of resources to assist with program planning and lesson ideas. Contact SHFPACT's Educaton Team for more information.

Tailored Professional Development

SHFPACT can tailor all training opportunities for groups of 6 teachers or more. Contact SHFPACT’s Professional and Community Education Team on 6247 3077 for more information or to discuss your training needs.

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