RSE 5 is a 12-lesson teaching resource to support the implementation of the RSE strand within the 2025 Senior Cycle SPHE Curriculum Specification. This curriculum will be mandatory for all students starting the senior cycle in 2027.
RSE 5 is the fourth of five units of learning which the partnership will produce- RSE 1,2 and 3 for Junior Cycle are already published, and RSE 6 is in development.
RSE 5 builds on the learning at Junior Cycle to explore the topics of:
- healthy and unhealthy relationships
- the possible effects of rigid gender norms
- the impact of pornography
- navigating online dating
- the importance of developing sexual literacy
- managing social media feeds and developing an understanding of the importance of STI testing, and
- the knowledge and ability to access the free HSE STI testing options.
See here for ‘Relationships and Sexuality 5’. The Irish version will be available from Easter 2026.
The HSE Sexual Health Programme also has 3 booklets to support RSE in the home setting. ‘Making the ‘Big Talk ’ many small talks’, is available for parents of 4-7 year olds; 8-12 year olds; and 13-18 years old. These are available to download and order in hardcopy at HSE – View and order publications
Contact [email protected] for more information on the work of the Sexual Health Programme and available resources.