By CATHERINE MASTERS
Fifth-formers will be graded on how much they know about sex and drugs in an optional subject under the planned secondary school qualification Achievement 2001, says a lobby group for teachers.
Peter Calvert of Concerned Teachers, a new Christchurch-based lobby group, said yesterday that few parents knew about the
finer points of the health achievements standard, which is part of the qualification set to replace school certificate next year.
Mr Calvert, a relief teacher in Christchurch, said it was incredible that the Ministry of Education wanted to test students on sexuality and drug education issues - and award them passes of credit, merit or excellence.
The Ministry of Education would not comment last night, referring the Herald to Education Minister Trevor Mallard.
Mr Mallard said he was looking at a number of issues to do with Achievement 2001.
A spokeswoman for his office stressed that the health standard was optional and that students and parents would be aware of what it entailed before deciding whether to take it.
Mr Calvert said the issue was not about whether students should be educated about sex and drugs.
It was whether they should be tested on those subjects, he said.
"Parents might not be too pleased to have their son or daughter come home with their report saying 'well, I failed maths and English but I did get an excellent for sex and drugs.'"
Teachers could also be put at risk by being asked to assess students' knowledge of safer sex practices.
The Government was deciding whether to give the new system a trial or introduce it across the board, he said.
Owen Edgerton, president of the School Trustees Association, was not overly concerned about the issues raised by Concerned Teachers. "I'm sure there will be some safeguards put in place."
