DOCUMENTARY: Production Research [Policy Statement Research]

 Current national curriculum claims not to promote any particular sexual orientation. Contrasting Argument: " The only couples that we talk about are cis straight ones. ... [it's] crushing because it feels like there's no space for you in the world." Independent Article: "Stonewall Chief Executive Ruth Hunt, said: ... “Currently over half of secondary school students say they never have any discussion of LGBT relationships in their lessons, and over half of lesbian, gay, bi and trans young people are bullied in our schools because of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Looked at DoE proposed policy statement (2017) and found: 

"This ensures that we are building an evidence-based approach to reform that works for schools and makes sure that all children benefit from a more consistent approach." 

...

"factual knowledge, at secondary school, around sex, sexual health and sexuality, set firmly within the context of relationships."

What does this actually change? 

Some have criticised.

See: Independent News Website ("Compulsory sex education: Human rights campaigners criticise government over faith school 'get-out clause'". 2017)

• Education leaders and human rights campaigners have criticised ... for "ignoring" LGBT issues and creating a "get-out clause" for faith schools.
• Human rights advocate Peter Tatchell also questioned that Ms Greening’s announcement gave no mention of LGBT issues – a subject MPs and charity groups say must be included in compulsory teaching.
• “They will be allowed to either ignore LGBT issues or to teach that same-sex relationships are immoral, unnatural, abnormal and sinful. In either case, it will have a damaging effect on LGBT pupils.” 
• Mr Tatchell added: ”Disappointingly, Justine Greening is not insisting on assertiveness training to give pupils the skills and confidence to resist and report unwanted sexual advances.
• schools will have "flexibility" ... "so they can develop an integrated approach that is sensitive to the needs of the local community; and, in the case of faith schools, in accordance with their faith."
• the policy paper states parents’ rights to withdraw their children from sex education will be upheld, the same paper discloses that a “blanket right” to opt-out is “no longer consistent with English case law".

• The matter has sparked rumours that parents’ rights will be reviewed. 
• The Government also states it is in the process of seeking input from external groups as to how the curriculum will be drafted.
• Speaking to PinkNews, LGBT charity Stonewall said it will be “working with the Government to ensure [LGBT issues] are reflected in updated guidance for schools."
• Stonewall Chief Executive Ruth Hunt, said: ... “Currently over half of secondary school students say they never have any discussion of LGBT relationships in their lessons, and over half of lesbian, gay, bi and trans young people are bullied in our schools because of their sexual orientation or gender identity."

Pink News: "Parliament gives green light to mandatory sex and relationship education" (2017)

• David Geary of Pride in London said: “Healthy sex and relationship education cannot be wholly effective until it helps every pupil in the classroom. In continuing to separate, single out and ignore the needs of LGBT+ pupils, the government is helping to cement stigma, self-doubt, confusion and bullying."

Interesting points to pursue:
-Old policy said it wouldn't present a bias but facts show it did. With no mention of LGBT+ topics in the new policy, how can we be sure we don't see similar hetero-normative teaching?
-Should parents have the right to withdraw their children from education they don't agree with?
-Are the teachers being appropriately trained?