Positioning statements

SEA doesn’t have any political or religious affiliations. Our programs are aligned with the Victorian and Australian Curriculums and are evidence-based, reflecting current research and best practice in health education.

Our classroom programs are age-appropriate and suited to the developmental stage of the student. We understand there is a significant difference in the knowledge students need and are ready for, as younger children, as older children in primary school, and as young adolescents and older teenagers across the year levels at secondary school.

We train our educators thoroughly so that there is consistency in language and key learning across all our classroom programs, and provide all lesson plans and materials. Our sessions are delivered in a sensitive and non-judgemental manner in acknowledgement of the diverse family backgrounds that exist in our communities. When working with students we use clear and inclusive language and stick to facts rather than opinions. A school staff member is always present during our sessions.

Our educators are either qualified teachers or experienced educators who hold a current Victorian Institute of Teaching registration or Working With Children Check.

SEA is committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for every student, family and community we work with. We believe every young person deserves to feel safe, valued and respected regardless of their sex, race, culture, religion, family background, physical or intellectual ability, sexuality, or gender identity. This is reflected in how we speak, how we teach, and how we engage with the communities we work with.

Our educators are trained to use inclusive, non-judgemental language throughout all of our programs. In our primary programs, inclusion is woven naturally into how we talk about families, relationships and attraction. We focus on the foundations: anatomy, body safety, families, puberty and respect, and leave more complex topics like gender identity for families to navigate at their own pace.

Our secondary programs address sexual orientation and gender identity directly, with an emphasis on respect and kindness for everyone regardless of how they identify or who they are attracted to. We want every young person in our sessions to feel that they belong.

Sexuality is complex and includes biological, social, psychological, spiritual, religious, political, legal, historical and cultural dimensions that evolve across a lifespan. SEA believes that knowledge builds skills and confidence, and empowers young people to make informed decisions as they grow and develop. This leads to better health, wellbeing and safety for individuals, families and communities.

SEA believes young people can be supported to make good decisions when given access to accurate, current and age-appropriate information about their health and development. All children and young people, regardless of their family background, religion or culture, deserve this information. It supports them to grow up with the knowledge, confidence and skills to make better decisions for their health, safety, wellbeing and happiness.

Parents and caregivers want to know what their child will be learning, and we welcome that interest. We provide schools with summary outlines of our programs and deliver parent information sessions that provide insight into our approach, what is covered at each year level, and allows time for questions. We do not provide complete lesson plans as these are the intellectual property of SEA.