Contraception Essentials wellbeing lesson plan
A secondary wellbeing lesson for Years 7 to 9 that helps Australian teachers introduce contraception, consent and informed decision-making through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn about different contraception options, how consent and communication connect to decisions about sexual health, and how to access accurate information and support when they need it.
Sex & Relationships Education
Snapshot
Contraception Essentials
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce contraception and decision-making using clear, age-appropriate language. Feedback: 4.1/5 from 363 student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding contraception options and making informed, safe choices
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise that there are different contraception options available
recognise that accurate information supports safer decision-making
recognise that consent and communication are part of decisions about contraception
Understand
understand that contraception choices involve shared responsibility between partners
understand why accessing reliable, age-appropriate information matters for making safe choices
understand where to find accurate information and support outside the classroom
Practise
practise identifying reliable sources of information about contraception and sexual health
practise respectful language for talking about safety and boundaries in relationships
practise working through simple decision-making steps for health and safety choices
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary students in Years 7 to 9 who are building foundational knowledge about sexual health, consent and relationships.
It is suitable for:
Health or PDHPE lessons
sex and relationships education programs
pastoral care or wellbeing sessions
structured discussion within a broader reproductive health unit
schools introducing or reinforcing consent-based relationships education
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student 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 starting a unit on contraception, consent or relationship safety.
Building on consent learning Use when reinforcing earlier lessons about consent, boundaries and respectful communication.
Delivering a Health or PDHPE unit Use when contraception fits within a broader reproductive health or relationships topic.
Supporting informed decision-making Use when students need practical skills for evaluating information about health choices.
Reinforcing access to support pathways Use when students need to know where to find reliable information and support outside class.
Preparing for structured relationships education Use when planning a sequence of lessons on healthy relationships, consent and safety.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Students benefit from clear, accurate information about contraception before they are relying on guesswork, peers or unreliable sources. Understanding options early supports more confident, informed decisions later in life. This topic is not only about biology or health facts. It connects directly to consent, communication and mutual responsibility within relationships, which are skills students can practise well before they need to use them. A structured, calm approach to this lesson supports students in building health literacy and decision-making skills without pressure or embarrassment, and reinforces that reliable support is available when they need it.
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 Students build understanding of different contraception options and where to find reliable information.
Decision-making Students practise thinking through health and safety choices in a structured way.
Communication skills Students consider how to discuss boundaries and safety respectfully with a partner.
Respect and consent Students connect contraception decisions to consent and shared responsibility.
Help-seeking Students learn where to access accurate information and support outside the classroom.
Responsibility awareness Students recognise that safe decision-making involves both partners.
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 your school's sex and relationships education policy, including any parent notification requirements
Remind students to keep discussion general and avoid sharing personal stories or naming classmates
Identify trusted adults or school health staff students can speak to for further support
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
During delivery
Use clear, age-appropriate language when discussing contraception options
Keep discussion focused on decision-making, consent and safety rather than personal experience
Allow students to ask questions privately or in writing if this suits your class
Reinforce that the lesson supports understanding, not medical advice
Supporting safe discussion
Use general examples and scenarios rather than personal disclosures
Remind students that discussion stays respectful and private within the classroom
Redirect any personal disclosures to a trusted adult or school support pathway
Adaptation options
Adjust the depth of content based on prior learning and school policy
Provide written reflection options for students who are less comfortable speaking aloud
Pair with earlier consent or relationships lessons if students need more foundational context
This lesson does not replace medical advice or specialist health support. Encourage students with questions about their own health to speak with a trusted adult, school health staff or their doctor.
