Year 9 · RSHE (PSHE) · beta

Healthy intimate relationships: How can sex be safe?

This unit explores safe sexual practices, consent, contraception and sexual health. Pupils learn about healthy intimate relationships, contraceptive options including condoms, how to reduce STI risks, HIV prevention, and how to access sexual health services.

This is an attributed Oak National Academy lesson sequence, not a completed or academically approved DASKEREL course. Supporting transcripts may depend on video, images, practical equipment or teacher explanation. Follow each lesson’s supervision guidance. For religious education and RSHE, follow the school’s syllabus, policy and safeguarding procedures.

Prior knowledge

  • Pupils should understand from Year 8 the importance of consent in relationships, including that consent must be freely given, ongoing, and can be withdrawn at any time in any situation.
  • Pupils should be familiar with basic reproductive health and puberty changes from previous units.
  • Pupils should know from earlier learning how to access healthcare support.

Source curriculum references

  • The role of consent, including in romantic and sexual relationships.
  • That sex, for people who feel ready and are over the age of consent, can and should be enjoyable and positive.
  • The considerations that people might take into account prior to sexual activity, e.g. the law, faith and family values.
  • The facts about the full range of contraceptive choices, efficacy and options available, including male and female condoms.
  • Signposting towards medically accurate online information about sexual and reproductive health to support contraceptive decision making.
  • How the different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, are transmitted.
  • How risk can be reduced through safer sex (including through condom use).
  • The use and availability of the HIV prevention drugs Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and how and where to access them.
  • The prevalence of STIs, the short and long term impact they can have on those who contract them and key facts about treatment.
  • How to navigate their local healthcare system: what a GP is; when to use A&E / minor injuries; accessing sexual health and family planning clinics; the role of local pharmacies.

Oak source metadata. DASKEREL has not independently verified school-level coverage.

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