Contraceptive Considerations wellbeing lesson plan
A senior secondary wellbeing lesson for Years 10 to 13 that helps Australian teachers introduce an open, age-appropriate conversation about contraceptive considerations through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn to think through contraceptive considerations within the context of consent, respect and healthy relationships, and practise the language and confidence to discuss sexual health decisions calmly and safely.
Sex & Relationships Education
Snapshot
Contraceptive Considerations
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce contraceptive considerations as part of calm, factual conversations about sexual health and relationships. 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 considerations within a consent led, respectful relationships context
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 contraceptive decisions are connected to consent, communication and respect
recognise that accurate information supports safer decision making
recognise that support and advice are available from trusted adults and health services
Understand
understand that contraceptive considerations involve shared responsibility between partners
understand why open, honest conversation supports safer and more respectful relationships
Practise
practise using respectful language when discussing contraception and sexual health
practise identifying where to find accurate information or support
practise considering boundaries and consent when thinking through relationship decisions
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for senior secondary students who have some prior understanding of relationships and consent, and who are ready to engage in calm, respectful discussion about contraception. It suits students in Years 10 to 13 who are building knowledge and language for making informed, safe decisions.
It is suitable for:
senior secondary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or advisory sessions
relationships and sexual health education units
senior consent and respectful relationships programs
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 students need accurate, age-appropriate information about contraception as part of a broader unit.
Reinforcing consent and respectful relationships Use when connecting contraceptive decisions to consent, communication and mutual respect.
Supporting informed decision making Use when students are building skills to think through choices about sexual health and relationships.
Building help-seeking confidence Use when students need to understand where to access accurate information or support.
Preparing for senior relationships and health units Use when planning a broader relationships, health or wellbeing sequence for senior students.
Creating a structured, calm discussion space Use when you want a teacher-led conversation about contraception that stays factual and respectful.
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, factual language for discussing contraception, rather than relying on guesswork, peers or unreliable sources. Open conversation supports safer decision making and helps normalise sexual health as a topic that can be discussed calmly and respectfully. Learning about contraception is not only about physical safety. It is also connected to consent, communication and respect between partners, helping students understand that these decisions involve shared responsibility. This lesson supports a classroom culture where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking accurate information, rather than feeling uncertain or unsupported when facing real decisions.
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 accurate knowledge about contraceptive considerations.
Communication skills Students practise discussing contraception and sexual health respectfully.
Consent awareness Students connect contraceptive decisions to consent and mutual respect.
Decision making Students consider how to think through personal and relationship choices safely.
Help-seeking Students learn where to access accurate information or support.
Respectful relationships Students reinforce that sexual health decisions involve shared responsibility.
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 students not to share personal stories or name specific partners or classmates
Frame discussion around general information and scenarios, not personal disclosures
Make clear the lesson is about building knowledge and safe decision making, not judging personal choices
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 factual, age-appropriate language when discussing contraceptive considerations
Keep the focus on consent, respect and communication rather than graphic detail
Allow time for students to ask questions or raise concerns privately if needed
Reinforce that decisions about contraception are personal and can involve trusted adults or health professionals
Supporting safe discussion
Use general examples or scenarios rather than personal experiences
Avoid asking students to speak on behalf of a group or personal experience
Identify trusted adults or school health staff students can speak to for further support
Adaptation options
Use small group or paired discussion for students who prefer a less exposed format
Allow written reflection for students who are less comfortable speaking aloud
Spend more time on where to access accurate information if students need support identifying pathways
