Contraceptive Considerations PSHE lesson plan
A secondary PSHE lesson for Years 10 to 13 that helps UK teachers introduce an open, age-appropriate conversation about contraception through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to consider contraceptive choices within the context of consent, communication and healthy relationships, and to recognise where to find accurate information and support. The lesson keeps the discussion factual and respectful, giving teachers a calm way to cover a topic pupils often encounter informally before they have the language or knowledge to make confident, informed decisions.
Sex & Relationships Education
Snapshot
Contraceptive Considerations
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce contraception as part of open, respectful relationships education. Feedback: 4.2/5 average rating from 41 teacher and student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding contraceptive choices within a consent led, healthy relationships context
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise that contraceptive choices are part of wider decisions about consent and healthy relationships
recognise that decisions about contraception should be made with accurate information and mutual respect
recognise sources of further information and support if they have questions
Understand
understand why open, honest conversation between partners supports safer decision making
understand that consent and respect apply to conversations about contraception
Practise
practise using respectful, clear language when discussing relationship decisions
practise identifying where to seek accurate information or support
practise considering different perspectives when thinking through relationship decisions
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for older secondary pupils in Years 10 to 13 who are building on earlier relationships and sex education, including learning about consent and respectful relationships.
It is suitable for:
secondary PSHE lessons
relationships and sex education
pastoral care or form time discussions
personal development programmes
sixth form or post-16 wellbeing sessions
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing contraception within RSE Use when pupils are beginning to learn about contraceptive choices as part of relationships and sex education.
Building on consent learning Use when pupils have already covered consent and are ready to apply it to relationship decision making.
Reinforcing healthy relationships work Use when revisiting communication, respect and shared decision making within relationships.
Preparing for greater independence Use when pupils are approaching sixth form, post-16 study or greater independence and may face relationship decisions.
Supporting pastoral or form time discussion Use when pastoral staff want a structured, calm way to discuss contraception and relationships.
Creating space for pupil questions Use when pupils would benefit from a structured lesson to ask questions and access accurate information.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils benefit from accurate, age-appropriate information about contraception delivered alongside consent and respectful relationships skills. Open conversation, rather than silence, supports pupils to make informed, confident decisions as they move towards greater independence. This lesson matters because pupils are more likely to make safe, respectful choices when they understand contraception as one part of a wider conversation about consent, communication and mutual respect. It gives teachers a calm, structured way to cover a topic pupils may otherwise only encounter informally. By keeping the discussion factual and respectful, the lesson supports pupils to build confidence, ask questions and know where to seek further information or support.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Informed decision making Pupils learn to consider accurate information when thinking about contraceptive choices.
Communication skills Pupils practise respectful, clear language for discussing relationship decisions.
Consent awareness Pupils reinforce that consent and respect apply to conversations about contraception.
Help-seeking Pupils recognise where to find further information or support if needed.
Respect for boundaries Pupils consider mutual respect and shared decision making within relationships.
Confidence Pupils build confidence to ask questions and discuss relationship decisions openly.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Check the lesson content aligns with your school's RSE policy and any parental notification requirements
Remind pupils not to share personal experiences or ask others to speak on behalf of a group
Frame the discussion around general information and scenarios rather than personal disclosures
Identify the designated safeguarding lead and know how to reach them during the lesson
During delivery
Keep language age-appropriate, factual and non-judgemental
Use general examples rather than asking pupils to share personal relationship details
Reinforce that consent, respect and safety apply to every relationship decision
Allow pupils to pass on questions rather than answering aloud, if that suits your class
Supporting safe discussion
Remind pupils this is a private, respectful discussion, not a space for naming classmates or personal stories
Reinforce that pupils can seek support after the lesson from a trusted adult or the designated safeguarding lead
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
Adaptation options
Adjust the depth of discussion depending on pupils' prior RSE learning and maturity
Use paired or small group discussion for pupils who find whole class discussion difficult
Provide additional support pathways information for pupils who may want to follow up privately
