They know more about aspects of their diet and physical health than their sexual health

David Brooks

Mr Brooks says some pupils still believe the myth that a woman cannot get pregnant the first she has intercourse.

Many are still confused about what times of the month are "safe" to have sex and some think a woman will become pregnant automatically if a condom splits.

Yet material in the press suggests they are far more sexually mature than their parents and grandparents were at a similar age, says Mr Brooks.

"That's a headline as far as I'm concerned. I find the complete opposite - I think it's a media hype.

"I think they know more about aspects of their diet and physical health than their sexual health."

Delaying sexual activity

The programme for sex education at Worle School has been praised by Ofsted inspectors.

The school's approach to sex education encourages teenagers to delay sexual activity for as long as possible, says Mr Brooks.

"And we teach it within the context of sex being part of a long-term loving relationship and not a casual affair."

Pupils at the school receive 20 hours of sex education over a five-year period from Year 7 to Year 11.

Issues covered depend on the age of the pupils - for example, lessons for pupils aged 12 will look at puberty and parenting is a topic for 16 year olds.

Virtual babies

The school even has virtual babies, large mechanical dolls which students take home for a weekend to get an experience of being a parent.

Virtual babies: A taste of reality

"They're set to wake at certain times and will cry until they get whatever it is they need - feeding, winding, a clean nappy and so on," says Mr Brooks.

"It's another teaching and learning device to look at parenthood in a different and dynamic way.

"It allows pupils to make informed decisions - look this is reality, this is what it would be like and are you going to make the right decision?"

Videos

Other teaching aids used at the school include posters, material from health promotion teams and videos - including one about the lives of a group of single mothers.

Guest speakers, such as health visitors and school nurses, are also invited to take part in lessons.

Pupils also learn about abortion, fostering and adoption, with a view to being fully informed for any future decision they may have to make.

"We want any decision they make to be done for the right - not the wrong - reasons," says Mr Brooks.

"So with abortion, for example, we look at the arguments for and against so that they understand the full implications."

Past mistakes

Mr Brooks says the key to successful sex education is good resources and special training for teachers.

He believes mistakes were made in the past with non-specialist teachers expected to take classes.

"I think people were ill-prepared for the problems and sensitivities involved.

"This should not be taught by the non-specialist - every single involved needs to be specially trained.

"Good quality resources and teaching are the start to reducing teenage pregnancy rates."