Ministry of Education Promotes Sex Game

Concerned Teachers P.O. Box 5035 Papanui

Media Statement

Wednesday 1 November 2000

Ministry of Education Promotes Sex Game

"While criticising schools for not consulting over chastity lessons, Trevor Mallard is promoting a board game about sex to fifth formers," said Concerned Teachers spokesperson Peter Calvert. Mr Calvert said most parents would be appalled they had not been consulted about a test in Sex Education which will be worth four credits on the NCEA qualification.

"Most board games begin with players choosing a coloured button," said Mr Calvert. "In the Relationships Game, players choose one of seven sexual preferences - heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, transgender, celibate, monogamous or non-monogamous!"

"Instead of the traditional throwing a six, players literally start by 'Throwing a Sex' - they have to accurately define what sex is - 'Sex refers to gender, the act of intercourse, biology of sex'."

"In Monopoly there are Chance and Community Chest cards," said Mr Calvert. "In the Relationships Game, there are also scenario cards - 'Safer Sex Practices', and 'Symptoms of STIs' (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Players with the misfortune to pick up an STI card, presumably get told: 'Go immediately to the STI (VD) Clinic; do not pass go; do not collect $200!'"

"Students have to decide whether or not to have sex throughout the game'," said Mr Calvert. "Players move forward and are penalised for choices about sexual relationships!" said Mr Calvert. "Where their parents paid rent for landing on Park Lane and Mayfair, kids will be using monopoly money to rent rooms on K Road, Vivian and Manchester Streets!"

Mr Calvert stated that the Board Game assessment was published by the Ministry of Education on 30 September 2000. "Students using it will be in compulsory Health and Physical Education classes in Year 10 and 11. There has been no consultation with parents as required under Section 105c of the Education Act."

For More information contact: Peter Calvert 021 2111 825

The 10 page activity can be found at

www.tki.org.nz/e/ncea

Look in the assessment activities for Health/Houroa

E-mail ConcernedTeachers@xtra.co.nz Website www.concernedteachers.com

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