YEAR 8 ( AGE 12-13 )
OVERVIEW OF THE TOPIC
CHANGING ME – PSHE (JIGSAW)
In this Puzzle, pupils explore the kinds of changes that may happen to themselves and those around them as they get older. Some of the topics covered include intimate relationships and how to recognise positive and negative relationships within them, as well as the law surrounding these kinds of relationships. Pupils are able to discuss attraction and are encouraged to discern the difference between love and lust. The topic of pornography is introduced – with a focus on comparing pornography with art (an often-contentious issue) and discussions about how pornographic content does not represent reality – as well as the negative effect it can have on relationships. Finally, the issue of alcohol is discussed, especially in relation to the law but also the effect it can have on our bodies and decision making.
KNOWLEDGE
• Know that are different types of relationships which I may experience in the next few years
• Know that there are positive and negative influences on (& within relationships)
• Know how to identify healthy and unhealthy behaviours in a relationship
• Understand that I have the right to say no at any point in a relationship
• Understand that I have the right to change my mind if I am uncomfortable in a situation
• Am aware of the laws regarding sexual intercourse, sending sexual images and alcohol use.
KEY VOCABULARY FOR THE WHOLE TOPIC
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL QUESTIONS FOR FAMILY LEARNING
• Express how I feel about the changes that are happening to / around me
• Be confident at speaking out about my feelings
• Use my experiences, including mistakes and setbacks, to make appropriate changes to my plans and behaviour
• Have some strategies for self- regulation
• Use coping strategies to support myself and others during changing circumstances
• Be able to give support to others who are experiencing personal problems
• Prepare myself emotionally for the next school year
• What kind of relationships do you have and how do you feel about your position in them?
• What are the external factors which may influence relationships with yourself and others?
• What kind of things do you enjoy doing to help you balance yourself when stressed?
• What kind of things do you do online – and are you being as safe as you can?
• Do you want to talk about any of the changes you have been through / will face in the future?
• What can you do if something happens which makes you feel uncomfortable?
Attraction, Emotions, Healthy Behaviours, Unhealthy Behaviours, Influences, Sexual Intercourse, Consent, Consensual, Non-Consensual, Alcohol, Age Restrictions, Choices, Pornography, Art, Risks, Intimate, Private, Trust, Dopamine, Endorphins, Cortisol, Adrenaline, Romantic, Love, Lust, Boundaries, Vulnerable, Decisions, Impaired, Unrealistic, Expectations, NOTES
FOR PARENTS
• There will be a lot of discussions about the changing nature of relationships as pupils become teenagers. We want them to be aware of pressures they may face whilst also giving them confidence to speak out when they are uncomfortable. Relationships are part of growing up –not something they should be keeping secret. We want them to be able to talk about their thoughts / feelings.
• We will introduce the topic of pornography with this year group, as statistics show that by age 13, over 50% of children have viewed some sort of explicit material – either inadvertently (through links / clickbait) or out of curiosity. We want them to be aware that the content does not reflect reality. We will not be showing them any kind of explicit material during the lessons as this is inappropriate and illegal.