KS3 & KS4 RSHE (PSHE) curriculum

As some Year 10 pupils mature, they require an understanding of the factors which influence risky sexual behaviour. This unit builds on Year 9 safe sex education by examining how alcohol, drugs and unhealthy relationship dynamics increase vulnerability to risky behaviour. At this stage, pupils can understand the concept of consent capacity and pressure tactics, supporting them to protect themselves, make informed choices, and establish future intimate relationships based on respect, equality, and genuine consent.

1. Unhealthy relationships
2. Consent
3. Safety, respect and trust in intimate relationships
4. Drugs and risky sexual behaviour
5. Alcohol and risky sexual behaviour

• Pupils should understand from Year 9 the fundamentals of consent in sexual relationships, including that consent must be freely given, ongoing, and can be withdrawn at any time.
• Pupils should be familiar with safe sex practices from previous units, including contraception, STI prevention and accessing sexual health services confidently and appropriately.
• Pupils should know from earlier learning about healthy relationship characteristics including trust, respect, equality and communication.
• Pupils can recognise some signs of unhealthy or abusive relationships.