Overview

This 45-minute lesson is designed for Year 9 students in New Zealand as part of the "Holistic Health Journey" unit (lesson 3 of 8). It introduces students to foundational concepts of sexuality education, emphasising respect, consent, and healthy relationships. The lesson focuses on creating a safe, inclusive environment that encourages open group discussion and personal reflection.

The plan is closely aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for Health and Physical Education (Phase 4, Years 9-10), particularly emphasizing the Key Competencies and values underpinning respectful relationships and wellbeing.

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Understand key concepts related to sexuality education including respect, consent, and healthy relationships.
2. Demonstrate respectful communication about sexuality topics in a safe group environment.
3. Identify behaviours that support healthy relationships and personal boundaries.
4. Reflect on their own attitudes and questions about sexuality in a respectful, supportive way.

Curriculum Alignment

• Health and Physical Education Learning Area:
  Focus on Well-being for Self and Others – Ngā Tāngata me te Taiao.
  Specifically, understanding the impact of respectful relationships on mental, physical, social, and emotional wellbeing.

• Key Competencies Developed:

  • Relating to others: Collaborate and negotiate respect and boundaries in relationships.
  • Managing self: Develop confidence to express thoughts and feelings about sexuality.
  • Participating and contributing: Engage safely and responsibly in discussions about sexuality topics.

• Values:

  • Respect, Empathy, Integrity, and Responsibility are modelled and encouraged throughout the lesson.

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Lesson Structure & Timing

Time (mins)	Activity	Description
0 - 5	Welcome & Introduction	Outline lesson aims. Establish ground rules for safe, respectful discussion.
5 - 15	Warm-up: What is Sexuality?	Whole class brainstorm with teacher facilitator, writing student ideas on whiteboard or shared screen. Clarify definitions in age-appropriate language.
15 - 30	Small Group Discussion: Respect and Consent	In groups of 4-5, students discuss scenarios (provided in prompt cards) related to respect and consent. Record key ideas and questions. Teacher circulates to support discussions and ensure safety.
30 - 40	Class Share & Debrief	Groups share highlights. Teacher summarises important points: respect for others’ boundaries, what consent means, and examples of healthy relationships. Address any common misconceptions or questions.
40 - 45	Reflection & Close	Students individually write down one thing they learned and one question they still have, submitting these anonymously to the teacher. Reinforce that all questions are valid and will be addressed later in the unit.

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Resources

• Prompt cards with scenarios illustrating respect, consent, and relationship boundaries (scenarios tailored to age appropriateness).
• Whiteboard or projector for brainstorming.
• Reflection slips or digital form for anonymous feedback/questions.

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Teaching Strategies

• Explicit teaching of key concepts in respectful and clear language, linked to prior learning.
• Facilitation of safe discussion environments where all students feel valued and respected, supported by agreed “safe space” protocols (e.g., listening without judgment, confidentiality).
• Use of realistic scenarios to develop critical thinking and empathy.
• Encouragement of metacognitive reflection to foster self-awareness about feelings and thoughts on sexuality topics.
• Gradual development of student agency through group work and personal reflection, promoting ownership of learning in sexuality education.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment during group discussions and whole-class sharing: teacher observes student understanding, communication skills, and respect shown to peers.
• Reflection slips provide insight into individual student understanding and lingering questions, guiding future lesson planning.
• Use feedback from reflection to plan differentiated follow-up activities responding to student needs.
• Emphasise safe sharing and confidentiality to encourage honesty and openness.

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Safety and Inclusivity Notes

• Reinforce respect for diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural beliefs, and personal values.
• Ensure all discussions uphold Maori perspectives and values of whanaungatanga (relationships) and manaakitanga (care/support).
• Remind students that participation in discussions is encouraged but optional if they feel uncomfortable.
• Consult with school guidance counsellors or whanau if sensitive issues arise.

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Summary

This lesson creates a foundation for Year 9 students’ understanding of sexuality education, framing it within respect, consent, and healthy relationships. The approach is aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh, fostering key competencies, values, and wellbeing outcomes in a safe and engaging environment. Through group dialogue and personal reflection, students deepen their knowledge and prepare to navigate future lessons in the "Holistic Health Journey" unit.

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If you would like, I can also generate detailed teacher notes and example prompt cards for the scenarios.