Understanding Common STIs

National Curriculum Links

• PSHE Association Programme of Study for Key Stage 3:
  • Health and wellbeing – Recognise the facts about legal and illegal harmful substances and associated risks, including smoking, alcohol use, and drug-taking.
  • Relationships – Understand and respect the changes that happen to themselves and others, and how these affect feelings and emotions.
  • Living in the wider world – Develop skills and strategies to keep safe in a variety of contexts including online and in relationships.

Lesson Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

9 students

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify at least five of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
2. Describe common symptoms and potential long-term consequences of these STIs.
3. Develop communication skills by discussing sensitive health topics respectfully.
4. Demonstrate understanding of strategies to prevent STIs and seek medical support.

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Skills Focus

• Communication and Discussion: Confidently discuss personal, social and health matters in a respectful way.
• Critical Thinking: Evaluate information about STIs, their symptoms, and effects accurately.
• Empathy and Respect: Understand diversity in experiences and the importance of confidentiality.
• Decision Making: Apply knowledge to consider how to stay healthy and safe.

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Lesson Outline

1. Introduction and Learning Goals (5 minutes)

• Teacher sets a clear, respectful tone emphasising confidentiality and sensitivity.
• Share learning objectives and relevance to students’ health and future wellbeing.
• Establish group agreements for respectful discussion.

2. Starter Activity: Brainstorming (7 minutes)

• Whole-class activity: Students list any STIs they’ve heard of (teacher records on whiteboard or flipchart).
• Prompt with examples if needed: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, HIV.
• Highlight the importance of correct information and discourage myths or stigma.

3. Mini Teach: Information Input (10 minutes)

• Use a slide or visual poster summarising:
  • Common STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, HIV).
  • Typical symptoms such as pain, discharge, sores, and sometimes no symptoms at all.
  • Potential consequences if untreated (e.g. infertility, chronic pain, increased risk of HIV).
• Emphasise that many STIs are treatable and encourage early testing.
• Vocabulary focus: STI, symptoms, virus, bacteria, transmission, testing, contraception, prevention.

4. Paired Task: Matching Symptoms and Consequences (12 minutes)

• Provide students with printed “STI fact cards”: each card has an STI name, symptoms, or consequence on separate cards.
• Students work in pairs to match the STI with the correct symptoms and consequences.
• Teacher circulates to support and probe understanding, correcting misconceptions.
• Pairs present one match to the group, explaining their reasoning.

5. Group Discussion: Prevention and Support (7 minutes)

• Lead discussion on how to reduce risks: safer sex (condoms), regular testing, talking openly with partners, and seeking medical help.
• Explore barriers to seeking help and how to overcome them.
• Link discussion to respectful relationships and self-care.

6. Plenary and Assessment (4 minutes)

• Quick quiz: verbal or written exit ticket listing three common STIs and one symptom or consequence of each.
• Reflect on what new information they’ve learned.
• Reassure confidentiality and where to get support if needed (school nurse, local health clinics).

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Science: Basic understanding of infections, bacteria, and viruses.
• English: Speaking, listening, and communication skills through discussions and presentations.
• Citizenship: Rights and responsibilities related to sexual health and wellbeing.
• Computing: Awareness of safe online information and avoiding misinformation related to health.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard/flipchart and markers
• Pre-prepared STI fact cards (STI names, symptoms, consequences separately printed)
• Visual aids (posters or slides) summarising STIs and symptoms
• Quiz prompts or exit ticket sheets
• Safe and confidential classroom environment arrangements

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Offsite Learning / Experiences

• Arrange a visit from a local sexual health professional or nurse for Q&A session.
• Virtual tours or webinars from clinics that specialise in sexual health education.
• Community health centre visit (optional, age-appropriate and with parental consent).

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Key Vocabulary

• STI (Sexually Transmitted Infection)
• Symptoms
• Virus
• Bacteria
• Transmission
• Prevention
• Condom
• Testing
• Treatment
• Consequences
• Confidentiality

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Teacher Notes

• Approach the topic with sensitivity, considering diverse student backgrounds.
• Reinforce the NHS recommended health advice to maintain accuracy and trustworthiness.
• Encourage open but respectful dialogue to reduce stigma and anxiety around STIs.
• Ensure students understand confidential support channels in school or community.

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This PSHE lesson plan supports national curriculum aims to prepare young people for safe, informed, and responsible choices about relationships and health, meeting key stage 3 statutory guidance.