Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what HIV is, how it is transmitted, its transmission rates, and how it affects the immune system.
Key learning points
- HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, specifically targeting CD4 cells.
- HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.
- Transmission rates can vary based on factors such as type of exposure and presence of other STIs.
- HIV can lead to AIDS if left untreated, severely weakening the immune system.
- There are effective prevention methods and treatments available, including PrEP, PEP and antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Keywords
HIV - short for human immunodeficiency virus; a virus that attacks the immune system
CD4 cell - a type of white blood cell that is targeted and destroyed by HIV
AIDS - short for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; the most advanced stage of HIV infection
Transmission - passing an infection from one person to another
ART - short for antiretroviral therapy; a treatment for HIV that helps manage the virus
Common misconception
Only certain groups of people can get HIV.
HIV can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.
Teacher tip
You might want to check with your RSHE lead or policy before delivering this lesson. Be prepared to address questions sensitively and direct pupils to appropriate support services if needed.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main function of the immune system?
Q2.Match the word with the correct definition.
the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body
single cells that can live on their own; some help, others harm
particles that need a host cell to reproduce, often causing disease
Q3.How do infections spread?
Q4.Which colour blood cells help protect your body from infections?
Q5.Which of the following is an example of a barrier method of contraception?
Q6.What are the basic components of the immune system?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.HIV can affect regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status.
Q2.Match the word to the correct definition.
a virus that attacks the immune system
the most advanced stage of HIV infection
the act of passing a disease from one person to another
treatment for HIV that helps manage the virus
Q3.What type of cells does HIV destroy?
Q4.How is HIV mainly transmitted?
Q5.What can HIV lead to if left untreated?
Q6.What can help reduce the transmission rates of HIV from mother-to-child?
To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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