The Many Forms of Relationships wellbeing lesson plan
A secondary wellbeing lesson for Years 7 to 9 that helps Australian teachers introduce the diversity of relationships, including different relationship types, structures and the laws that support them, through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn to recognise that relationships can take many forms, understand how respect and fairness apply across different relationship types, and practise using respectful language when discussing relationship diversity.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
The Many Forms of Relationships
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce relationship diversity, types and laws in an age-appropriate, classroom-ready format.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding relationship diversity, types and laws
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 relationships can take many different forms, including friendships, families and romantic relationships
recognise that relationships across cultures and communities can look different while still involving care and respect
recognise that laws and rules exist to help support and protect people in relationships
Understand
understand why respecting relationship diversity supports fairness and inclusion
understand that healthy relationships share common qualities such as respect, trust and communication, even when relationship types differ
Practise
practise using respectful language when discussing different relationship types
practise identifying examples of respectful and fair behaviour in relationships
practise recognising when to seek support if a relationship feels unfair or unsafe
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for secondary students in Years 7 to 9 who are building their understanding of relationships, diversity and respectful communication.
It is suitable for:
secondary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care or advisory sessions
respectful relationships programs
diversity and inclusion focused learning
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 relationship diversity Use when students are beginning to explore different relationship types, structures and the laws that support them.
Building respectful classroom culture Use when reinforcing respect and fairness around relationship differences within the class.
Supporting a respectful relationships unit Use as part of a broader unit on healthy relationships, communication or inclusion.
Reinforcing communication and boundaries Use when students need practical language for discussing relationships respectfully.
Preparing for transition or new peer groups Use when students are forming new friendships or relationships and need shared expectations around respect.
Extending previous inclusion or diversity learning Use as a follow-on lesson after earlier work on diversity, culture or inclusion.
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 understanding early that relationships come in many forms and that respect, fairness and care matter across all of them. Without this understanding, students may make assumptions about what a relationship should look like, which can affect how they treat others or understand their own relationships. This lesson supports a respectful classroom culture by helping students see relationship diversity as a normal part of school and community life, rather than something unusual or in need of explanation. It also gives students a general understanding of how laws help support and protect people in relationships, building practical knowledge alongside respectful attitudes. By building this understanding proactively, schools can support students to communicate respectfully and make fair, informed choices in their own relationships over time.
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 Students notice that relationships can look different across families, cultures and communities.
Empathy Students consider different relationship experiences without making assumptions.
Respect for diversity Students practise language that respects different relationship types and structures.
Relationship skills Students explore the qualities that support healthy, respectful relationships.
Communication skills Students practise discussing relationships in a fair and respectful way.
Help-seeking Students learn that support is available if a relationship feels unfair or unsafe.
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 name classmates or share personal stories about their own or others' relationships
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios rather than personal disclosures
Clarify that the lesson is about building understanding and respect, not judging any relationship type
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 general examples of relationship types, such as friendships, families and romantic relationships
Give students time to discuss respectful language before sharing with the wider group
Reinforce that healthy relationships can look different while still involving respect, trust and fairness
Allow students to respond through discussion, small group work or written reflection depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Use privacy focused language rather than promising confidentiality
Encourage students to use general examples rather than naming classmates or family members
Remind students they can speak to a trusted adult if something raised in the lesson feels difficult
Adaptation options
Use small group discussion for confident classes
Use written or individual reflection for quieter groups
Spend more time on relationship laws if students need extra context
