Sexual Health Foundations

Overview

This 60-minute Year 9 health lesson covers essential sexual health topics aligned with the Victorian Curriculum (Victorian state). It addresses anatomy, puberty, contraception, consent, and healthy relationships. The lesson promotes respectful communication, critical thinking, and safe behaviours.

Class size: 25 students
Subject: Health and Physical Education
Year Level: 9
Curriculum alignment: Victorian Curriculum Health and Physical Education - Years 7 & 8 and Year 9 expectations, focusing on sexual health knowledge, respect, consent, and healthy relationships (based on AC9HP8P02, AC9HP8P04, AC9HP8P08 elaborations).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Explain key aspects of human reproductive anatomy and physical/emotional changes in puberty.
2. Describe common contraceptive methods and their effectiveness.
3. Define consent and identify behaviours that demonstrate respectful communication in relationships.
4. Analyse elements of healthy versus unhealthy relationships, including power dynamics.
5. Discuss strategies to access reliable sexual health information and support services.

These objectives align with content descriptions from the Victorian Curriculum elements on supporting young people through physical, social, and emotional changes, and developing respectful relationships.

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Curriculum References

• AC9HP8P02: Analyse the impact of changes and transitions; sexual health information including contraception and safe practices.
• AC9HP8P04: Examine respect, empathy, power, and coercion in relationships.
• AC9HP8P08: Refine protective behaviours and evaluate community resources in sexual health.
• Victorian Curriculum Levels: Years 7, 8, and transitioning toward 9 – integrating knowledge of puberty, contraception, consent, and healthy relationships.

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Lesson Breakdown (60 minutes)

Time	Activity & Description
0-5 min	Introduction and Warm-up
	Briefly explain lesson purpose and establish class norms for respectful discussion about sexual health.
	Quick icebreaker: “True or False” statements on puberty and contraception to activate prior knowledge.

| 5-15 min | Anatomy & Puberty - Mini Presentation and Discussion | | | Teacher-led overview of male and female reproductive anatomy, common physical and emotional changes at puberty. Encourage questions. Use diagrams (non-explicit, educational). |

| 15-30 min | Contraception Carousel Activity | | | Split class into 5 groups. Each group rotates through stations featuring different contraception methods (e.g. condoms, pill, IUD, withdrawal, abstinence). Short facts and pros/cons at each station. Students complete a quick worksheet with reflections. Teacher facilitates movement. |

| 30-40 min | Consent and Communication Role-play | | | In pairs or small groups, students receive scenarios involving relationships and consent. Roles: Saying yes, no, asking for consent, and recognising coercion. Facilitate respectful discussion and debrief after each scenario focusing on how communication supports healthy relationships. |

| 40-55 min | Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships Discussion | | | Whole class brainstorm: characteristics of healthy relationships (trust, respect, equality) vs unhealthy relationships (control, coercion, disrespect). Introduce concepts of power and empathy. Discuss supports available (school counsellors, health services). |

| 55-60 min | Exit Reflection and Assessment | | | Students write 2-3 sentences answering: “What is one new thing I learned today?” and “Why is consent important in relationships?” Collect on exit slips. |

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Teaching Strategies

• Use clear, age-appropriate language and visuals supporting respectful understanding.
• Encourage inclusive, non-judgmental discussion respecting diversity (cultural, gender, sexuality).
• Scaffold learning with a mix of teacher input, group work, and reflection.
• Establish safe classroom rules at the start (confidentiality, respect).

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Assessment Ideas

• Formative: Observe participation in discussions and role plays, collect exit slips for understanding of consent and healthy relationships.
• Summative: Create a follow-up task where students design an informational brochure or digital poster about contraception and consent for peers.

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Suggested Resources

• Simplified anatomical diagrams of reproductive systems (sex education quality-assured materials).
• Contraception factsheets summarised for teens.
• Scenario cards for role-play focusing on consent communication.
• Worksheet templates for contraception carousel reflections.
• School and community sexual health service contact information.
• Guidelines for respectful classroom discussion from Victorian Curriculum professional advice.

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Teacher Notes

• Be sensitive to diverse student backgrounds and experiences. Offer private avenues for questions or follow-up support.
• Include references to cultural practices acknowledging First Nations perspectives on rites of passage if appropriate, as outlined in curriculum elaborations.
• Remind students about confidentiality and the importance of respectful listening.
• Connect knowledge to real-life skills for respectful, safe relationships.

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This lesson supports Victorian Curriculum's Health and Physical Education learning area by focusing on key competencies in managing bodily changes, respectful relationships, consent, and safe sexual health practices, tailored specifically for Year 9 students.