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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain why friendships are important and how friendships can change.

      Key learning points

      1. Friends can provide valuable support and bring joy to our lives.
      2. Friendships naturally evolve over time, reflecting personal growth and changing circumstances.
      3. It’s sometimes inevitable to feel lonely, this is normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

      Keywords

      • Friendship - a relationship between two or more people who care about and support each other

      • Evolve - to change or develop

      Common misconception

      A friend is someone who is always there for you and should be available to you at all times.

      It is important to remember people's personal boundaries and see friends as individuals with personal lives that are not always wholly interlinked with other's.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage pupils to come up with lots of examples of how friendships can provide support, belonging, personal growth and enjoyment.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which word describes a relationship between two or more people who care about and support each other?

      Correct Answer: friendship, a friendship, friendships

      Q2.
      Which of the following statements are correct?

      Correct answer: You can be friends with people you see frequently.
      Correct answer: You can be friends with people you don't see frequently.
      You can only be friends with people you see frequently.
      You can only be friends with people you don't see frequently.

      Q3.
      Which of the following is not a safe place to make new friends?

      school
      youth centre
      community group
      Correct answer: online

      Q4.
      Which of the following is the correct definition of boundaries?

      being considerate of others and the world around you
      Correct answer: imaginary lines separating what we will and won't allow
      treating people fairly and how you would like to be treated

      Q5.
      Which of the following describes how we should feel in a healthy friendship?

      worried
      sad
      Correct answer: confident
      Correct answer: happy

      Q6.
      If we feel uncomfortable, unsafe or disrespected in a friendship we should speak to a trusted ...

      Correct Answer: adult, grown up, grown-up

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      A word that means to change or develop is ...

      Correct Answer: evolve, evolving, evolved, to evolve

      Q2.
      Which of the following statements are correct?

      A friend is someone who is available at all times.
      Correct answer: A friend is someone who can provide enjoyment.
      We should feel ashamed if we feel lonely.
      Correct answer: It’s normal to have times when we feel lonely.

      Q3.
      Which of the following are reasons why friendships are important?

      Correct answer: They can provide support.
      Correct answer: They can provide a sense of belonging.
      They can fade or even come to an end.
      Correct answer: They can help with personal growth.

      Q4.
      Which of the following statements about friendships is correct?

      Correct answer: It's a relationship between two or more people who care about each other.
      It's a person who will always be important in your life.
      It's someone who lives close to you and you see frequently.

      Q5.
      Why might friendships evolve over time?

      Correct answer: if our interests change
      friendships don't evolve
      Correct answer: if we attend a new school
      friendships only evolve if you let them

      Q6.
      If we are upset or worried about an evolving friendship, who can we go to for support?

      a younger sibling
      Correct answer: a trusted adult
      a younger cousin

      To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: The importance of friendships, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...