the process of changing from a child's body to an adult's; it usually starts between the ages of 8-14

chemical substances that help to transport messages around our bodies

the stage of development from 12-18 years of age

Puberty and brain development

RSHE (PSHE)

Changes in puberty and when to seek help

Menstruation and how to access support

Menstruation and how cycles change with age

This unit explores normal pubertal changes and when to seek help. Pupils learn about brain development during adolescence, understand menstrual health including how cycles change with age, recognise period problems, and know when and how to access professional support.

Our changing bodies: When might I need to seek support?

Depiction or discussion of sex or sexual body parts, including sex education.

Depiction or discussion of sexual content

the process of changing from a child's body to an adult's

Match each term to its correct definition.

What types of changes happen during puberty?

True, because puberty follows the same pattern for everyone.

False, because puberty is unique to each person.

True, because hormones are released identically in all people.

False, because only some people experience puberty.

True or False? Everyone goes through puberty at the same time and in the same way.

Hormones help control growth, mood and ...

The brain stops developing completely at age 12.

The adolescent brain cannot learn new things.

Brain development only affects physical coordination.

Brain development influences choices and feelings.

How does brain development during adolescence affect teenagers?

avoiding all support and dealing with changes alone

What helps us manage changes during puberty positively?

Which word means how well a person can produce eggs or sperm and achieve pregnancy?

Everyone goes through puberty {{}}, which means some people start earlier or later than others.

True, because periods always follow a perfect monthly pattern.

True, because hormones remain constant throughout life.

False, because many factors can disrupt cycles throughout life.

False, because periods stop permanently after pregnancy.

True or False? Once menstruation starts, someone will get one period a month until they experience menopause.

regular cycles, excellent sleep and clear thinking

irregular cycles, sleep difficulties and foggy thoughts

increased fertility and more frequent periods

no symptoms at all, as perimenopause is symptom-free

Which symptoms are commonly associated with perimenopause?

often irregular as the body adjusts and hormones stabilise

generally more regular, typically 11-13 cycles per year

increasingly irregular as hormones fluctuate

Match each life stage to how menstrual cycles typically appear at that time.

Puberty and brain development

Lesson outcome

Content guidance