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  • Year 9

A healthy romantic relationship

I can describe the features of healthy romantic relationships.

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View unit
Lesson 1 of 4
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New
  • Year 9

A healthy romantic relationship

I can describe the features of healthy romantic relationships.

Download all
Share activities with pupils

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

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

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A healthy romantic relationship is based on mutual respect and trust.
  2. Communication is key to maintaining a healthy romantic relationship.
  3. Boundaries are important in a romantic relationship to ensure mutual respect.
  4. Trust is built over time through consistent and honest behaviour.

Keywords

  • Respect - being considerate of others and the world around you; treating people fairly and how you would like to be treated

  • Trust - the confidence that someone will act in your best interest and be honest with you

  • Communication - the exchange of words, either verbal or written, to express thoughts, feelings and ideas

  • Boundary - an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow

  • Mutual - in this context, something shared between partners in a fair and equal way, such as respect or trust

Common misconception

We should alter our boundaries to suit what our partner wants and expects.

Boundaries should be mutually respected. If our boundaries do not align with another person's, or they do not respect our boundaries, then a relationship is not healthy.


To help you plan your year 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: A healthy romantic relationship, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

While this lesson focuses on the features of a healthy relationship, be mindful that pupils might disclose information about unhealthy relationships. Make sure you're familiar with the safeguarding policies and procedures for your setting.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content
  • Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does it mean when someone says they 'trust' another person in everyday life?

they think the person is popular
Correct answer: they believe the person will be reliable and honest
they think the person is fun to be around
they believe the person will always agree with them

Q2.
When someone consistently does what they promise to do, they are being ...

Correct Answer: reliable, trustworthy, consistent

Q3.
Match each situation with the type of communication being used.

Correct Answer:writing a text message,written communication

written communication

Correct Answer:having a face-to-face conversation,verbal communication

verbal communication

Correct Answer:using body language and gestures,non-verbal communication

non-verbal communication

Correct Answer:talking on the phone,digital verbal communication

digital verbal communication

Q4.
In friendships, what happens when someone consistently ignores what makes you uncomfortable?

It shows they care about you deeply.
It proves they want to help you grow.
Correct answer: It suggests they don't respect your feelings.
It means they are being a good friend.

Q5.
Which of these is the best example of two people sharing something equally in a friendship?

Correct answer: both people take turns choosing activities
one person always decides what to do
one person always pays for everything
both people never disagree about anything

Q6.
Good relationships require both people to and share their thoughts openly with each other.

Correct Answer: listen

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their correct definitions.

Correct Answer:mutual,something shared between partners in a fair and equal way

something shared between partners in a fair and equal way

Correct Answer:communication,the exchange of words to express thoughts, feelings and ideas

the exchange of words to express thoughts, feelings and ideas

Correct Answer:boundary,an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow

an imaginary line separating what we will and won't allow

Q2.
Which statements about trust in healthy relationships are accurate?

Correct answer: We have faith our partner's actions will match their words.
Our partner says one thing and does another.
We should have trust in our partners, but they don't need to have it in us.
Correct answer: Trust can make a relationship feel safe and secure.

Q3.
How can respect impact a relationship?

It makes people feel like their opinions are not important.
Correct answer: It builds a foundation of safety and trust.
It can lead to mistrust and insecurity.
Correct answer: It makes people secure enough to pursue their own interests.

Q4.
It is enough just to say to communicate what we don't want to do.

Correct Answer: 'no', no, "no", no thank you, no thanks

Q5.
Healthy communication is ...

only important in friendships, not romantic relationships.
avoiding conflict at all costs.
Correct answer: a respectful way to tell our partner our thoughts and feelings.
telling our partners what they want to hear to keep them happy.

Q6.
Your partner wants you to change some of your personal boundaries to match what they expect. What should you do?

Change your boundaries to make them happy.
Ask your friends what boundaries you should have.
Stay quiet and hope they change the subject.
Correct answer: Explain to them why your boundaries are important and ask they respect them.