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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the importance of different relationships.

      Key learning points

      1. There are different types of power in relationships.
      2. There are different power dynamics in different relationships.
      3. Positive relationships can make someone feel listened to, respected, supported and safe.
      4. Negative relationships can make someone feel insecure, sad, lonely and anxious.

      Keywords

      • Power - having the ability to influence or control what happens in a situation or how other people act or feel

      • Dynamics - ways in which people interact, communicate and behave towards each other

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

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

      Common misconception

      Power in relationships is always unhealthy.

      Power comes into all relationships and it can be used to create safe, healthy relationships.

      Teacher tip

      Use real-life scenarios to help pupils identify healthy vs unhealthy power dynamics. For example, discuss situations like: a friend who always decides what games to play vs friends who take turns choosing activities.

      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 of the following statements about relationships are not accurate?

      Correct answer: Relationships are only with people we are attracted to.
      We have different types of relationships with different people.
      Relationships are how two or more people are connected.
      Correct answer: Every family is exactly the same.

      Q2.
      Which of the following is an example of a positive relationship?

      Correct answer: each person respects the other's boundaries
      people respect our boundaries, but we don't respect theirs
      people feel unsafe and unvalued

      Q3.
      Which of the following statements are correct?

      In a friendship, everyone has to have the same interests.
      Family relationships don't have boundaries.
      Correct answer: Colleagues should show respect to each other.
      Communication between friends are bound by confidentiality.

      Q4.
      All positive relationships contain boundaries and ...

      Correct Answer: respect

      Q5.
      Match each relationship type with where you're most likely to find it.

      Correct Answer:friend,at the playground or at a club

      at the playground or at a club

      Correct Answer:teacher,at school during lessons

      at school during lessons

      Correct Answer:doctor,at a hospital, surgery or clinic

      at a hospital, surgery or clinic

      Correct Answer:family member,at home or family gatherings

      at home or family gatherings

      Q6.
      How should a positive relationship make you feel?

      worried and nervous most of the time
      like you have to change who you are
      scared to share your opinions
      Correct answer: safe, valued, and respected

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words to the correct defintion.

      Correct Answer:power,having the ability to influence or control what happens in a situation

      having the ability to influence or control what happens in a situation

      Correct Answer:dynamics,ways in which people interact, communicate & behave towards each other

      ways in which people interact, communicate & behave towards each other

      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 of these statements is not accurate?

      Parents, carers or guardians may have more power because they have authority.
      Correct answer: We have equal power in our relationships with teachers and school staff.
      We have equal power in our relationships with friends.
      In a romantic relationship, power should be reciprocal.

      Q3.
      Which of the following is a healthy use of power?

      Correct answer: helping another person make positive choices
      pressuring friends to behave in a certain way
      pushing another person's boundaries
      Correct answer: being accountable when we make mistakes

      Q4.
      Which of the following are warning signs of unhealthy power in a relationship?

      Correct answer: control
      Correct answer: manipulation
      Correct answer: blame and denial
      positive influence
      collaborative decision-making

      Q5.
      Which emotions might someone experience in a relationship with healthy power dynamics?

      anxious
      Correct answer: respected
      Correct answer: listened to
      Correct answer: secure
      worried

      Q6.
      Match each relationship type with how power works in that relationship

      Correct Answer:friendships,equal power - friends share thoughts & influence decisions together

      equal power - friends share thoughts & influence decisions together

      Correct Answer:parent-child,unequal - adults have authority, children can communicate feelings

      unequal - adults have authority, children can communicate feelings

      Correct Answer:teacher-pupil,unequal - adults make rules, pupils express thoughts respectfully

      unequal - adults make rules, pupils express thoughts respectfully

      Correct Answer:doctor-patient,different power - experts have expertise, patients decide their care

      different power - experts have expertise, patients decide their care

      Correct Answer:romantic partners,equal power - partners communicate feelings & make decisions together

      equal power - partners communicate feelings & make decisions together


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