New
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Lesson 5 of 6
  • Year 9

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

I can describe what STIs are, how they are transmitted, and ways to prevent them.

Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
  • Year 9

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

I can describe what STIs are, how they are transmitted, and ways to prevent them.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections transmitted through sexual contact.
  2. Common STIs include chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV.
  3. STIs can have a range of symptoms or be asymptomatic.
  4. STIs are transmitted through unprotected sexual activity.
  5. Using condoms and regular testing can help prevent STIs.

Keywords

  • Symptom - a physical or mental sign that indicates a condition or disease

  • Asymptomatic - showing no symptoms of disease

  • Transmission - the act of passing a disease from one person to another

Common misconception

STIs always have visible symptoms.

Some STIs can be asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms but can still be transmitted and cause health issues.


To help you plan your year 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to speak to your RSHE lead before delivering this lesson.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
  • 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.
Reliable sources of advice on sexual and reproductive health include GPs, sexual health , and trusted online resources.

Correct Answer: clinics

Q2.
Match the words to the definitions.

Correct Answer:confidential,keeping information private and not sharing it

keeping information private and not sharing it

Correct Answer:General Practitioner (GP),a doctor who provides general medical care and advice

a doctor who provides general medical care and advice

Correct Answer:reproductive health,the health of the reproductive system

the health of the reproductive system

Q3.
Why might someone feel nervous or worried about asking for support for sexual or reproductive health?

Correct answer: Fear of being judged
Correct answer: Not knowing where to go
Correct answer: Feeling embarrassed to talk about personal topics
No one ever feels nervous or worried doing this

Q4.
What does 'confidential advice' mean when seeking help for sexual or reproductive health?

advice that is shared with your family
Correct answer: advice that is kept private and not shared without your permission
advice that is only available online
advice that is given in public

Q5.
Which of the following is an example of a trusted online resource for sexual and reproductive health advice?

A random blog found on the internet
Correct answer: NHS website
Social media influencers
A group chat with friends

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the definition.

Correct Answer:STI,a sexually transmitted infection

a sexually transmitted infection

Correct Answer:symptom,a physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease

a physical or mental feature that indicates a condition or disease

Correct Answer:transmission,the act of passing a disease from one person to another

the act of passing a disease from one person to another

Q2.
STIs can have a range of symptoms or be...

Correct Answer: asymptomatic

Q3.
Which of the following is an example of an STI?

influenza
Correct answer: chlamydia
common cold

Q4.
Which of the following is true about STIs?

STIs always cause visible symptoms.
STIs never cause any health problems.
Correct answer: STIs don’t always have visible symptoms.

Q5.
Which of the following is a method to help prevent STIs?

Correct answer: using barrier method contraceptives
only having regular check-ups with no contraception
avoiding any form of physical exercise

Q6.
Complete the sentence: Regular is important in preventing the spread of STIs.

Correct Answer: testing