Healthy Respect & Support

Overview

This 30-minute PSHE session is designed for 6 students aged 15-16, with ADHD and autism, focusing on healthy relationships, respect, kindness, empathy, understanding the "Incel" ideology, recognising warning signs of harmful online communities, and seeking help. The lesson integrates visuals, video, and a worksheet activity to accommodate diverse learning needs and engage learners using active, reflective methods.

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Curriculum Links

• PSHE Association Programme of Study (Key Stage 4)
  • Living in the Wider World: Understanding respectful, healthy relationships and the impact of ideologies.
  • Health and Wellbeing: Recognising mental health risks and seeking support.
• British Values: Respect, tolerance, and individual liberty.
• SEND & Autism Guidance: Use of visual scaffolding, clear routines, and differentiated resources to aid engagement.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, students will:

1. Understand key qualities of healthy relationships: respect, kindness, empathy.
2. Explain what an "Incel" is and why this ideology can be harmful.
3. Identify warning signs that someone is engaging with harmful online communities.
4. Know how to seek help for themselves or others in distress.

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Resources Needed

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Short engaging video clip (3-5 mins) on healthy relationships + explanation of "Incel" ideology (with subtitles)
• Visuals/posters: relationship qualities, warning signs of harmful groups
• Worksheets with scenarios and questions (differentiated for focus)
• Colour pencils/markers
• Calm corner or break space for sensory support if needed

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Visual Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Greet students, briefly outline session topics.
• Show a colourful visual poster or infographic titled “Healthy Relationships” highlighting respect, kindness, empathy.
• Ask: “What do you think is important in a good relationship?” Gather quick responses, reinforcing key concepts visually.

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2. Video: Healthy Relationships & “Incel” Explanation (7 minutes)

• Play a short, carefully selected video featuring relatable young people talking about respect and empathy, followed by a clear explanation of the “Incel” ideology and its risks (avoid sensationalism, focus on facts).
• Use subtitles to support learners with auditory processing differences.
• After video, facilitate a brief Q&A: check understanding in a safe, non-judgemental way.

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3. Small Group Discussion: Warning Signs (8 minutes)

• Show visual flashcards/posters with common warning signs (e.g., isolating from friends, anger, negative online content).
• Break class into pairs for 5 minutes to identify which signs might suggest someone is drawn to harmful online groups.
• Regroup, ask pairs to share answers; teacher summarises key points clearly.

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4. Worksheet Activity: Scenario Exploration (7 minutes)

• Distribute a worksheet with 3 brief scenarios showing different relational and online situations (e.g., a friend becoming withdrawn, someone sharing harmful ideas online).
• Students answer questions: identify healthy/unhealthy behaviours, note warning signs, suggest ways to seek or offer support.
• Allow use of coloured pens to annotate or highlight; provide visual prompts on worksheet.

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5. Reflection & Support Reminder (3 minutes)

• Round off session by asking students to name one thing they learned about respect or support.
• Share where and how to seek help (school counsellor, trusted adult, safeguarding contacts).
• Remind students it’s okay to ask for help or talk about concerns.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Use simple, clear language with visuals to support comprehension.
• Provide examples relevant to students’ daily experiences.
• Give extra time or one-to-one support for those needing help with worksheet.
• Sensory break options available throughout.
• Positive reinforcement through praise and affirmations.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Monitor verbal contributions during discussions to assess understanding.
• Review worksheets for comprehension of ideas and ability to apply knowledge.
• Collect informal feedback about video content and activity preferences to inform future lessons.

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Extension Ideas (Optional)

• Create a “Kindness Pledge” poster as a class for the PSHE board.
• Organise a follow-up peer support workshop focusing on empathy training.
• Invite a mental health professional for a Q&A session.

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This lesson plan blends active learning, visual support, and careful, age-appropriate content delivery to both engage and educate young people with neurodiverse needs on vital life skills. It aligns closely with UK PSHE standards and promotes a safe, respectful classroom culture.