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Lesson 2 of 3
  • Year 6

Male and female changes during puberty

I can describe the specific changes that happen to males and females during puberty.

Lesson 2 of 3
New
New
  • Year 6

Male and female changes during puberty

I can describe the specific changes that happen to males and females during puberty.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Many changes during puberty are the same, no matter whether a person is male or female.
  2. Some changes during puberty are specific to males or females.
  3. Females first experience menstruation during puberty.
  4. Biological sex is determined by genetics, genitals and hormones.

Keywords

  • Puberty - the time when a child's body starts to change and grow into an adult body

  • Genitals - the body parts that help with reproduction and other bodily functions; they are important for health, are private and are different for different bodies

  • Biological sex - refers to the physical body parts and features, like reproductive organs, that a person is born with

  • Menstruation - when the uterus sheds a small amount of blood each month

Common misconception

The male and female experience of puberty is completely different.

Although there are some significant differences between males and females, many changes during puberty are similar.


To help you plan your year 6 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Male and female changes during puberty, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use male and female, instead of boy, girl, woman, man or non-binary person. This ensures that biological sex and gender identity are not confused. Only differentiate by biological sex when appropriate to do so and avoid generalising, unless it is based on scientific fact.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of nudity
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
When does puberty usually start?

12
Correct answer: between 8 and 14
13
between 9 and 13

Q2.
What changes do both males and females experience?

Correct answer: stronger body odour
periods
Correct answer: growing taller
a significantly deeper voice

Q3.
What are the body parts that help with reproduction and other bodily functions called?

Correct Answer: genitals, penis, vagina

Q4.
Match the body parts to the person.

Correct Answer:vulva,female

female

Correct Answer:foreskin,male

male

Correct Answer:labia,female

female

Correct Answer:testicles,male

male

Q5.
When do periods happen?

once a week
Correct answer: once a month
every two weeks
once a year

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What changes happen to both females and males during puberty?

Correct answer: greasy hair and skin
Correct answer: body hair on genitals
widening of the hips
menstruation

Q2.
Which term refers to the physical body parts and features, like reproductive organs, that a person is born with?

Correct Answer: biological sex

Q3.
What should males and females use to clean their genitals?

Correct Answer: warm water, water, unscented soap, water and unscented soap, warm water unscented soap

Q4.
Match the female body parts to the descriptions.

Correct Answer:uterus,a place where a baby can grow

a place where a baby can grow

Correct Answer:ovaries,a place where eggs are produced

a place where eggs are produced

Correct Answer:period,when blood will come out the vagina

when blood will come out the vagina

Q5.
What could a female use during menstruation to help manage blood flow?

Correct answer: tampons
tissue
Correct answer: menstrual cup
Correct answer: sanitary pads

Q6.
What is it called when the penis becomes bigger and harder?

ejaculation
Correct answer: erection
wet dream