Expression of Interest – Fill out form
As someone who is committed to basing my work on sound evidence, I’ve found it both interesting and, at times, frustrating to explore the existing research landscape. Much of the published research on RSE is based on Western education systems—often the UK, parts of Europe, or North America. While this work is valuable, it does not always reflect the realities of international schools, particularly those operating across Asia.
In my experience, international schools exist in a very different space.
They are shaped by a unique mix of cultural expectations, parental beliefs, local regulations, expatriate communities, and diverse student populations. This creates a “third space” where curricula are often adapted, negotiated, and interpreted in ways that don’t always align neatly with national frameworks or the contexts in which most research is conducted.
There is some excellent global work available from organisations such as UNESCO and the United Nations, particularly around Comprehensive Sexuality Education guidance. However, much of this research is designed for national education systems. It provides an important framework, but it does not always capture the complexity of international schools—the autonomy they have, the constraints they face, or the cultural balancing act that teachers navigate every day.
This leaves a significant gap.
This is why I am excited to be developing a research project focused specifically on understanding current RSE curriculum provision in international schools across Asia.
The aim is simple: to build a clearer, more accurate picture of what is actually happening in classrooms. What is being taught, what is being left out, what challenges teachers are facing, how confident teachers feel teaching this topic and how schools are navigating the complex intersection of culture, curriculum, and community expectations.
This is not about judging practice or comparing schools against a “perfect” model. Instead, it is about understanding reality as it is experienced by educators and students.
If we want to improve RSE in international schools, we need to start with an honest understanding of where things currently stand.
And that is where I need your help.
Whether you lead, coordinate, develop, or teach RSE, your perspective is valuable. I am inviting educators, leaders, and pastoral staff working in international schools in Asia to take part in this research. Your insights will directly contribute to a clearer evidence base for the sector and help shape more relevant, realistic, and effective approaches to RSE going forward.
If you are interested in contributing, or would like to be involved in interviews or future surveys (next stop, the student experience), please leave your details in the expression of interest form and I will be in touch with how you can help. Even small contributions of experience and perspective will help build a more accurate picture of the landscape we are all working within. As a thank you to any contributors, I will be sharing my research with interested parties.
My hope is that this project not only fills a gap in research, but also supports educators who are often working in complex and sometimes isolated contexts, trying to deliver sensitive and important content with limited guidance that truly reflects their reality.
I am excited to hopefully contribute to this gap in research—and I would really value your help in making it happen.