Sexually Transmitted Infections PSHE lesson
A secondary PSHE lesson for Years 9 to 13 that helps UK teachers introduce sexually transmitted infections through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn the facts about STIs, understand common risks and explore how and where testing works, alongside consent, safety and respectful relationships. The lesson keeps the focus practical and age-appropriate, helping pupils build confidence to make informed, safe choices and know where to seek support if they have questions or concerns.
Sex & Relationships Education
Snapshot
Sexually Transmitted Infections
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce STI facts, risk awareness and testing alongside consent and respectful relationships. Feedback: 4.6/5 average rating from 347 teacher and student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding STI facts, risks and testing within consent-led, safe relationships
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 the basic facts about how STIs can be passed on
recognise common signs that testing may be needed
recognise that STI testing is a normal, responsible part of sexual health
Understand
understand why consent and open communication matter when making decisions about sexual health
understand where and how to access private, appropriate sexual health testing and advice
Practise
practise using clear, respectful language to talk about sexual health with a partner
practise identifying trusted sources of information and support
practise asking questions about STIs and testing in a safe, structured way
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary pupils in Years 9 to 13 who are building age-appropriate knowledge of sexual health, risk and testing.
It is suitable for:
secondary PSHE lessons
relationships and sex education programmes
pastoral care, form time or personal development sessions
health education units covering risk, prevention and testing
wider respectful relationships or consent-focused learning
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 sexual health education Use when pupils need age-appropriate facts about STIs, risk and prevention for the first time.
Building on consent and relationships learning Use when pupils have already covered consent and are ready to connect it to sexual health decisions.
Reinforcing help-seeking around testing Use when pupils need practical knowledge about how and where to access testing and advice.
Supporting personal development or PSHE units Use when sexual health forms part of a wider personal development or relationships and sex education programme.
Preparing pupils for increased independence Use when pupils are approaching situations where they may need to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Creating a structured, factual PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion that keeps STI information practical and age-appropriate.
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 STIs long before they need to make decisions that involve risk. Understanding the basics of transmission, prevention and testing gives pupils a foundation for making informed, safe choices. Sexual health education works best when it is proactive rather than reactive. Teaching pupils about STIs alongside consent and respectful relationships helps normalise testing and open communication as part of looking after their own and others' wellbeing. This lesson supports a calm, factual approach to a topic that pupils may otherwise learn about informally or inaccurately. Pupils learn that seeking testing or advice is a responsible choice, not something to feel embarrassed about.
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 learn the basic facts about STIs, transmission and prevention.
Risk awareness Pupils consider common risks and how testing helps manage them.
Help-seeking Pupils learn where and how to access sexual health testing and advice.
Communication skills Pupils practise respectful language for discussing sexual health with a partner.
Consent awareness Pupils connect STI knowledge with consent and shared decision making.
Self-advocacy Pupils build confidence to ask questions and seek support when needed.
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 lesson around facts, scenarios and general examples rather than personal experiences
Identify local sexual health services or school health staff pupils can be directed to for advice
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
Keep language factual, age-appropriate and free from graphic detail
Use general examples rather than specific pupil situations
Allow time for pupils to ask questions, using an agreed process for passing on questions privately if preferred
Reinforce that testing and seeking advice are responsible, normal choices
Supporting safe discussion
Encourage pupils to use general examples rather than personal disclosures
Remind pupils that support is available after the lesson through trusted adults or school health services
Keep the tone non-judgemental throughout, particularly when discussing risk and testing
Adaptation options
Allow more discussion time for groups with less prior knowledge of sexual health topics
Provide written information alongside discussion for pupils who prefer to process privately
Adjust pacing depending on pupils' familiarity with consent and relationships education
