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Respectful Relationships - Topics 7 and 8
As part of our Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum, South Melbourne Primary School will be delivering Topics 7 and 8 of Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships this term.
The RRRR curriculum is designed to develop children's social, emotional and positive relational skills.
Topic 7 is 'Gender and Identity' and Topic 8 is 'Respectful Gender Relations'.
All of the lesson plans are created by field experts. Language is modified to be age-appropriate for each year level.
You can find all of the content for the Respectful Relationships curriculum, including Topics 7 and 8, here:
There are quite a few common misconceptions about the Respectful Relationships (RRRR) curriculum. RRRR is not sex education. RRRR is not the same as Safe Schools.
Here are some common myths unpacked:
Myth: Respectful Relationships teaches radical gender theory
Fact: Respectful Relationships does not teach radical gender theory. It is a primary prevention initiative to reduce family violence.
Respectful Relationships promotes respect and gender equality and helps students learn how to build healthy relationships. It prepares students to face challenges by developing problem-solving skills and building resilience and confidence.
Schools involved in the Respectful Relationships initiative are building a culture of respect and gender equality, by looking at their practices and policies to drive meaningful change.
Myth: The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships teaching and learning materials are not age appropriate
Fact: The Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships teaching and learning materials were developed by leading education experts, who tailored the materials to each year level from Foundation to year 12 and made sure all information is age-appropriate and grounded in evidence.
Myth: Respectful relationships education does not address violence against men
Fact: Respectful relationships education is about building positive relationships for all young people.
Students are given the opportunity to explore emotions such as anger and frustration, and develop non-violent problem solving strategies.
All secondary school students, learn about and explore the relationship between gender and power and the way gender stereotypes and behaviours can lead to unhealthy relationships or coping strategies.
Primary school students are supported to learn new skills to build their confidence and resilience.
Myth: This initiative is trying to say that boys can’t play with trucks and girls can’t play with dolls
Fact: Absolutely not. This initiative is not seeking to make children ‘gender neutral’ or trying to prevent girls from playing with dolls, or boys with trucks.
Respectful Relationships is about creating an environment in which children are not restricted by gender stereotypes and are free to explore and play as they choose.
Myth: The Respectful Relationships is a sex education program
Fact: Respectful Relationships is separate to sex education in the curriculum.
Find more common myths and further information about the curriculum here - https://www.vic.gov.au/respectful-relationships
If you have any questions or concerns about the program, please email Miss Jo: