A west Wiltshire secondary school has been criticised for teaching the meaning of swear words to 11 and 12-year-old pupils during a sex education class.

Year 7 pupils at St Laurence School in Ashley Road, Bradford on Avon, were asked to make a list of swear words which could be used as slang for sex and naming body parts.

The teacher then wrote the terms on the board and explained their meaning, including colloquial and often offensive words beginning with the letter ‘C’ and ‘F’.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Council said: “Government guidance makes it clear that sex and relationship education classes should allow children to learn, in age-appropriate ways throughout their school career, about how they are growing and changing, both physically and emotionally.

“Schools aim to equip children as they grow up with the knowledge and skills to manage their lives and their relationships in healthy and responsible ways.

“Part of this is exploring the correct and incorrect language to describe aspects of sex and relationships, and parts of the body.

"Parents are given opportunities to view schools' SRE policies and teaching programmes to raise any issues with the school."

Is your child a pupil at St Laurence School? What do you think of the teacher's decision to teach the meaning of swear words? Was your child in the class? Please leave a comment below, or email our newsdesk with your comments on wtimes@newswilts.co.uk