Being Sexual Double Pages 1 11/08/2014 11:25:37 AM

Being Sexual
Valuing
Human sexuality is a gift that God gives to all creation.
We are called to treasure, respect and nurture it. In
seeking to understand this gift we must attend to its
physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions.

Standard 5
The Catholic Tradition
Supporting this outcome
For teacher background and reflection
God created human beings that they might grow as whole sexual beings.
Christians are called to understand all aspects of sexuality from particular perspectives:
The goodness of procreation
The personal dignity of every human being
The need of every person for love
The inviolability of conscience and the responsibility to act on an informed conscience.

Human sexuality is a gift that God gives to all creation. We are called to treasure, respect and nurture it. In seeking
to understand this gift we must attend to its physical, emotional and spiritual dimensions.

Church teaching emphasises the fact that human sexual intercourse has an intrinsic meaning beyond the basic
biological drive that preserves the human species. The true meaning of sexual love is to be found in its unitive (love-
giving) and procreative (life-giving) dimensions. For these reasons the Church maintains that sexual intimacy,
expressed in intercourse is a privilege reserved for those who have committed themselves for life in marriage.

Many teenagers consider a range of sexual behaviours, including intercourse, as acceptable behaviour, a right of
sorts. Their natural curiosity about sex and a sincere desire for intimacy are fuelled by peer pressure and a culture
that romanticises and trivialises all things sexual. This highly sexualised period of their lives makes it difficult for
them to understand that personal maturity and the public framework of a marriage commitment are essential for
healthy and fulfilling sexual lives.

Young people grapple with the rights and wrongs of issues such as casual sex, pornography, masturbation,
contraception and abortion. The Churchs reflection on such issues upholds the sanctity and dignity of sexuality. The
Churchs perspective can be a great source of wisdom to young people as they consider their own values and actions.
Teenagers, like people of all ages, are called to practice the virtue of chastity through which sexual thoughts,
feelings and actions are integrated in a way that values and respects their own dignity and the dignity of others.


Ephesians 4:1-16 Lead the life to which you have been called
Catechism of the Catholic Church, nn. 221, 2271 2273
Theology of the Body, 1/16/80, 11/14/84
Gadium et Spes, nn. 12, 27
Evangelium Vitae, nn 55, 62, 73, 80, 81, 97,
Humane Vital, n 22





Content, Skills, Attitudes and Dispositions
Students have opportunities to explore and/or develop:
The Catholic perspective on human sexuality and
relationships.

An understanding of Gods relational nature as the
core of our human nature.

Ways to critique societal/media portrayal of
maleness and femaleness.

The ability to identify influences that objectify the
human person.

An understanding of the nature and purpose of
sexual attraction and sexual feelings.

The implications of sexual activity.

The legal and faith responses to adolescent issues
of sexuality.

An awareness of chastity as a virtue which
promotes the integrity of human sexuality and
relationships.
DRAFT
Key Idea
Students explore the belief that sexuality is integral to the
human person and explain the teachings of the Catholic
Church regarding human sexuality.
Being Sexual Double Pages 2 11/08/2014 11:25:37 AM


Outcome 5.2 (Yrs. 9 - 10)

Learning Outcome 5.2
Explores the portrayal of human sexuality in
contemporary society and evaluates these
portrayals in the light of the Catholic
understanding of human sexuality and
relationships.


Student Context
Internal chemical and biological changes
trigger powerful emotional responses
including strong yearnings to be loved,
needed and accepted. Some students find
expression of this through sexual activity
with recent Australian research indicating
that more than a quarter of Year 10
students had engaged in sexual intercourse
and most had engaged in other sexual
activity. Adolescent decision making can
be emotion charged and impulsive,
therefore the opportunity to explore their
own values in light of Church teaching
about sexuality is imperative.
Essential Learning
T - Consider Catholic perspective on human
sexuality and valuing of relationships.
C Express ideas regarding the integrity of
human sexuality.
F - Understanding the possible implications
of sexual relationships.
In Recognise the co-creative nature of
sexual relationships.
Id Exploring Gods relational nature as the
core of human nature.


Family Activities
Parents are the primary educators of
their children. Throughout this
resource, activities which include the
family have been flagged in order to
highlight the partnership between
school and families.
Examples of Evidence
Research the laws around sexual behaviour in SA e.g.
age of consent, use of pornography, sexual assault etc.
Compare and contrast this with the Churchs teaching
on the dignity of the human person and the sacredness
of sexuality.

Research the Catholic Churchs teaching on chastity, using
a postcard concept model to investigate the word
chastity.

Create a text message using no more than 150
characters. Using this messaging language text a
friend on key elements from the Catechism of the
Catholic Church on human sexuality and
relationships.

Roleplay a version of Australias Most Normal Male
and Female Teenager critique social expectations
on adolescence.


Links with other curriculum areas