Fertility & Pregnancy PSHE lesson plan
A secondary PSHE lesson for Years 11 to 13 that helps UK teachers introduce fertility, healthy pregnancy and the lifestyle factors that support them through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn how everyday choices can support fertility and healthy pregnancy, and practise thinking about consent, safety and respect within relationships as part of this wider context.
Sex & Relationships Education
Snapshot
Fertility & Pregnancy
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce fertility and pregnancy health in a calm, age-appropriate and consent-led way. Feedback: 4.3/5 average rating from 26 teacher and pupil responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding fertility, healthy pregnancy and supportive lifestyle choices
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 lifestyle factors that can support fertility and healthy pregnancy
recognise that consent and respect are central to healthy relationships
recognise when a decision or situation may need support from a trusted adult or health professional
Understand
understand how everyday choices, such as diet, sleep and avoiding harmful substances, can support reproductive health
understand that fertility and pregnancy health can vary between individuals
Practise
practise respectful language when discussing health and relationship topics
practise identifying safe, supportive sources of information and help
practise applying consent and boundary setting to relationship scenarios
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for older secondary pupils in Years 11 to 13 who are building knowledge of personal health, relationships and life decisions ahead of further study, work or independent living. It works well where pupils already have some foundation in relationships and sex education and are ready for calm, factual discussion about fertility and pregnancy health.
It is suitable for:
secondary PSHE lessons
relationships and sex education
personal development and life skills sessions
form time or pastoral care discussions
preparation for further education, work or independent living
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 fertility and pregnancy health Use when pupils are learning about reproductive health for the first time in a structured way.
Building on relationships and sex education Use when pupils have already covered consent and healthy relationships and are ready to connect this learning to fertility and pregnancy.
Supporting personal development planning Use when pupils are exploring life choices, health habits and future planning as part of PSHE.
Reinforcing healthy lifestyle habits Use when linking existing learning on diet, sleep or substance use to reproductive and pregnancy health.
Preparing for transition to further education or work Use when pupils are preparing for greater independence and need practical health knowledge.
Creating a structured, calm PSHE discussion Use when you want a factual, teacher-led lesson on fertility and pregnancy that does not need a specific trigger.
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 clear, factual information about fertility and healthy pregnancy well before decisions around family planning become relevant to their own lives. Understanding how lifestyle choices can support reproductive health gives pupils practical knowledge they can use over the long term, not just information tied to one life stage. The lesson also reinforces that consent, respect and safety are part of any discussion about relationships and health. By connecting fertility and pregnancy health to everyday decision making, pupils are supported to see personal wellbeing choices as connected, rather than separate topics. For schools, the lesson offers a calm, structured way to introduce a sensitive but important health topic within existing PSHE and relationships education planning.
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
Health literacy Pupils build factual understanding of lifestyle factors linked to fertility and pregnancy health.
Decision making Pupils consider how personal choices connect to long term health outcomes.
Respect and consent Pupils reinforce the role of consent and boundaries in relationships.
Help-seeking Pupils identify safe, appropriate sources of health information and support.
Self-awareness Pupils reflect on personal habits and how these link to wellbeing.
Communication skills Pupils practise respectful language when discussing sensitive health topics.
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
Remind pupils not to share personal stories or name classmates during discussion
Frame the discussion around general examples and scenarios rather than personal disclosures
Check pupils have covered foundational relationships and sex education content where possible
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.
During delivery
Use factual, body-respectful language when discussing fertility and pregnancy
Avoid implying there is one normal timeline or pathway for starting a family
Keep lifestyle discussion practical, linking habits to health rather than moralising about choices
Allow pupils to pass on questions if they prefer not to discuss something in front of the group
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that discussion should stay respectful and general, using scenarios rather than personal experiences
Remind pupils that privacy matters and discussion is not a space for sharing other people's stories
Point pupils towards trusted adults or agreed support options if they have concerns
Adaptation options
Use small group or paired discussion for pupils who are less confident speaking in front of the whole class
Allow more time on lifestyle and health factors if pupils need additional foundational knowledge
Adjust the depth of relationship and consent discussion depending on pupils' prior learning
