Junior Cycle Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) – information for parents and guardians

A new Social, Personal, and Health Education curriculum (SPHE) was introduced in September 2023 for all first-year students.

Over the three years of Junior Cycle, students will learn a variety of skills. These include how to communicate respectfully and effectively, understanding the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and recognising the effects of stress and how to manage it. They will also learn about the dangers of alcohol, smoking, and other addictive substances.

Social, Personal, and Health Education (SPHE) gives students a space to learn important skills and knowledge that help with their physical, emotional, and social wellbeing, both now and in the future. In a world where young people are often exposed to distorted information online, the SPHE curriculum is designed to give students the tools to safely navigate these challenges.

The course focuses on teaching life skills that are essential for young people growing up in a world that is always changing. These skills include self-awareness, self-management, making responsible decisions, understanding others, and building good relationships. These skills are important for handling life’s challenges and can have a big impact on a person’s future.

Please see the links below for more information.

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/0ac8e-junior-cycle-social-personal-and-health-education-sphe-information-for-parents-and-guardians/

https://ncca.ie/en/resources/sphe-presentation-for-parents-and-guardians/