The Many Forms of Relationships PSHE lesson plan
A secondary PSHE lesson for Years 7 to 9 that helps UK teachers introduce the many different forms relationships can take, including friendships, family relationships and romantic relationships, through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to recognise relationship diversity across culture and identity, understand the qualities of healthy relationships, and consider how relationships are recognised and supported in everyday life.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
The Many Forms of Relationships
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce relationship diversity, healthy relationships and respectful communication.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Exploring relationship diversity, types and rights
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 relationships can take many different forms, including friendships, family relationships and romantic relationships
recognise that relationships can look different across cultures, identities and personal circumstances
recognise the basic qualities that make a relationship healthy, such as respect, trust and support
Understand
understand why assumptions about what a relationship should look like can be unhelpful or unfair
understand that relationships are recognised and supported in different ways in everyday life
Practise
practise using respectful language when discussing relationship diversity
practise identifying qualities of healthy relationships in given scenarios
practise recognising when a relationship may need support, and who they can speak to
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary pupils in Years 7 to 9 who are building their understanding of relationship diversity, healthy relationships and respectful communication.
It is suitable for:
secondary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, form time or wellbeing sessions
respectful relationships or inclusion focused units
classes exploring culture, identity and diversity
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 relationship diversity Use when pupils are beginning to explore different types of relationships and family structures.
Building respectful classroom culture Use when reinforcing respect for different relationships and identities within the class.
Supporting inclusion Use when pupils need to understand and respect differences in culture, identity and relationship type among peers.
Reinforcing healthy relationship skills Use when revisiting communication, boundaries and respect within relationships.
Preparing for transition Use when pupils are forming new friendships or relationships within a new year group or setting.
Creating structured PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led discussion about relationship diversity and respect.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils encounter many different types of relationships in their own lives and in the world around them, from friendships and family relationships to romantic relationships. Understanding this diversity helps pupils build respect for others and recognise the qualities that support healthy connections. Relationships and communication are not only about resolving problems. Teaching pupils to recognise diversity, understand healthy relationship qualities and communicate respectfully helps build a school culture where difference is understood rather than judged. This lesson supports pupils to approach relationships, in all their forms, with curiosity, respect and confidence, rather than assumption.
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
Social awareness Pupils notice and consider the diversity of relationships around them.
Empathy Pupils consider different relationship experiences without judgement.
Respectful communication Pupils practise respectful language when discussing relationship diversity.
Relationship skills Pupils identify the qualities that support healthy, respectful relationships.
Critical thinking Pupils consider why assumptions about relationships can be unhelpful.
Help-seeking Pupils recognise who they can speak to if a relationship feels unsafe or unsupportive.
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 name classmates or share other people's personal relationship stories
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios, rather than personal experiences
Make clear that no pupil is expected to speak on behalf of a particular culture, identity or relationship type
Identify trusted adults pupils can speak to about relationships or wellbeing concerns
During delivery
Use general examples such as friendships, family relationships and romantic relationships
Encourage respectful language when discussing different relationship types
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, written reflection or small group work depending on confidence
Keep the focus on understanding diversity rather than debating personal opinions about specific relationships
Supporting safe discussion
Reinforce that pupils can pass on questions they would rather not answer aloud
Remind pupils that privacy matters when discussing relationships, and personal stories should not be shared
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
Use small group discussion for confident classes
Use written or paired reflection for quieter groups
Spend more time on healthy relationship qualities if pupils need more foundational language
