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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the different types of long-term relationship, including cohabitation.

      Key learning points

      1. There are different types of long-term relationships including marriage, civil partnerships and cohabitation.
      2. A person should only enter a long-term relationship when they feel emotionally ready and there is no pressure.
      3. All healthy long-term relationships are based on mutual respect and consent.
      4. People may choose to enter the different types of long-term relationships for different reasons.
      5. Cohabitation involves living together without being married or in a civil partnership.

      Keywords

      • Cohabitation - when a couple live together without being married or in a civil partnership

      Common misconception

      Cohabitation provides people with the same legal rights and responsibilities as being married.

      Cohabitation does not provide the same legal rights and responsibilities as marriage or civil partnerships. It's important to understand these differences.

      Teacher tip

      Reinforce that all choices of long-term relationships are valid if they are freely entered into.

      Content guidance

      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.
      What does the term 'mutual' mean in relationships?

      one person making all the decisions
      Correct answer: something shared equally by both people
      keeping secrets from each other
      only caring about yourself

      Q2.
      Name one thing that helps people communicate well with each other.

      Correct Answer: listening, asking questions, listening carefully, active listening, taking turns to speak

      Q3.
      Match each word to its meaning.

      Correct Answer:respect,being considerate of others and the world around you

      being considerate of others and the world around you

      Correct Answer:communication,the exchange of words, either verbal or written, to express thoughts

      the exchange of words, either verbal or written, to express thoughts

      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

      Q4.
      Which of these is an example of a long-term relationship?

      meeting someone new at a party
      Correct answer: a couple who have been together for three years
      texting with a classmate about homework
      going on a first date

      Q5.
      When should someone enter a long-term relationship?

      when their friends tell them to
      Correct answer: when they feel emotionally ready themselves
      as soon as they meet someone they like
      when their parents want them to

      Q6.
      Trust in a relationship is built by...

      keeping secrets from your partner
      making all the decisions yourself
      never disagreeing about anything
      Correct answer: being honest and reliable over time

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of the following is a legally recognised union?

      dating
      Correct answer: marriage
      friendship
      cohabitation

      Q2.
      What does cohabitation mean?

      living alone
      Correct answer: living together without a legal union
      getting married
      being in a civil partnership

      Q3.
      Which of the following is a key difference between cohabitation and a marriage or a civil partnership?

      cohabitation involves a wedding ceremony
      cohabiting couples are always legally protected
      Correct answer: marriage/civil partnerships give automatic legal rights

      Q4.
      Healthy long-term relationships are based on mutual and consent.

      Correct Answer: respect

      Q5.
      A person should only enter into a long-term relationship when...

      Correct answer: they feel emotionally ready
      they have been coerced into the relationship
      Correct answer: there is consent

      Q6.
      Match each word to the correct description.

      Correct Answer:commitment,a promise to be dedicated to someone or something

      a promise to be dedicated to someone or something

      Correct Answer:responsibilities,duties or tasks expected in a relationship

      duties or tasks expected in a relationship

      Correct Answer:consent,agreeing freely to something without pressure

      agreeing freely to something without pressure


      To help you plan your 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Long-term relationships, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...