Reproduction: how much do you remember from your biology GCSE?

The current GCSE syllabus is still quite traditional in what it teaches about human reproduction

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You probably have vague memories of learning about reproduction in biology — diagrams of the human anatomy and talk of menstrual cycles — but how much of what we are taught in school do we still remember?

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The current GCSE syllabus is still quite traditional in what it teaches about human reproduction. The compulsory components of the current syllabus include the roles of hormones in the menstrual cycle, the stages of the menstrual cycle, the differences between sperm and eggs, and the more recent additions of treatments for infertility and how the contraceptive pill works.

There is still a heavy focus on the biology of fertilisation, with one exam board suggesting the practical activity of examining bull’s sperm through a microscope.

Whilst it is not currently compulsory for secondary schools to teach about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and AIDS as part of the science curriculum for 14-16 year olds, the science syllabus from 2016 will change to include these topics. The government’s proposed new curriculum will also mean that students will be taught about different forms of contraception.

Given that academies and independent schools are not required to teach sex and relationships education (SRE), there is growing pressure to include topics such as STIs as part of the science curriculum. This is particularly pressing as under the coalition government the number of academy schools grew from 203 in May 2013 to 1807 in May 2012.

So, how useful is what we are taught? It is well known that the UK has the highest rate of teenage pregnancy in Europe. However, it has been falling in recent years. The under 18 conception rate for 2013 was the lowest since records began with 27.9 conceptions per 1,000 women aged 15-17, compared with 47.1 in 1969 (a decrease of 40%).

It is compulsory for schools to teach the biology of reproduction, but not sex and relationships education. A recent Brook survey found that 47% of secondary school pupils felt that their school’s SRE did not meet their needs. Similar results were found in a UK Youth Parliament survey with 40% of respondents describing their SRE as poor or very poor.

Earlier this year the Conservative party came under scrutiny and were accused of putting children’s health at risk by refusing to make SRE compulsory in primary schools. With 56% of boys under 11 wanting SRE in primary school, should sex education start at such a young age?

Biology is not the only subject to touch on sexual reproduction. I still have memories of my religious education teacher explaining the rhythm method and discussions about population growth and contraception in geography. A 2007 study found that knowledge of these topics amongst teachers is poor, with some teachers identifying non-existent sexually transmitted diseases, such as hepatitis H and coxiella. With many teachers uncomfortable teaching sexual health and reproduction, coupled with an apparent lack of knowledge, the question needs to be asked — who is best qualified to teach our children about sexual reproduction?

Louise Fitzgerald is an Environmental Science student at the University of East Anglia