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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe what female genital mutilation is and explain its impacts and where to get support in the UK.

      Key learning points

      1. FGM stands for female genital mutilation.
      2. FGM has serious physical and psychological impacts.
      3. There are legal protections to prevent FGM.
      4. There are support services for victims, or potential victims of FGM.

      Keywords

      • Female genital mutilation - the practice of altering or injuring female genitals for non-medical reasons

      • Cultural practice - a tradition or custom observed by a particular community or society

      • Support services - organisations and resources available to help victims of harmful practices

      Common misconception

      FGM is a religious practice.

      FGM is not mandated by any religion. It is a cultural practice, and many religious leaders condemn it.

      Teacher tip

      Speak to your RSHE lead or DSL before teaching this lesson. Be mindful of FGM having different names in different languages, (lists of these can be found on charity websites).

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to its definition.

      Correct Answer:hormones,chemicals in the body that act like messengers

      chemicals in the body that act like messengers

      Correct Answer:acne,when your skin gets spots or pimples because of blocked pores

      when your skin gets spots or pimples because of blocked pores

      Correct Answer:personal hygiene,the way we care for our bodies to keep us healthy and smelling good

      the way we care for our bodies to keep us healthy and smelling good

      Q2.
      Puberty is the process of from a child's body into an adult's body.

      Correct Answer: changing, maturing, developing

      Q3.
      Which of the following statements about caring for genitals is inaccurate?

      The penis should be cleaned daily with warm water.
      Correct answer: The vulva should be cleaned daily with scented soap and water.
      The vulva should be cleaned regularly with warm water.

      Q4.
      Which of the following statements are true?

      Correct answer: It is a personal preference if you remove your pubic hair.
      Pubic hair is unhygienic.
      Correct answer: Pubic hair protects the genitals from bacteria and dirt.
      Everyone's pubic hair looks exactly the same.
      Correct answer: Pubic hair begins as fine, light hair and over time thickens and spreads.

      Q5.
      All genitals are different and their does not affect their function.

      Correct Answer: appearance, look

      Q6.
      How can someone properly care for their hair during puberty?

      shave facial hair every day to keep it clean
      Correct answer: wash head hair when needed depending on hair type
      Correct answer: wash facial hair with gentle skincare products
      wash head hair every day regardless of hair type

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is FGM?

      a neccessary medical procedure
      a compulsory religious ceremony
      Correct answer: altering female genitals for non-medical reasons

      Q2.
      Match the words to the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:cultural practice,a tradition or custom observed by a particular community or society

      a tradition or custom observed by a particular community or society

      Correct Answer:legal protection,laws and regulations providing safety and rights to individuals

      laws and regulations providing safety and rights to individuals

      Correct Answer:support services,organisations and resources available to help victims

      organisations and resources available to help victims

      Q3.
      Which of the following statements about FGM is inaccurate?

      Correct answer: FGM is a religious practice.
      FGM is always medically unnecessary.
      FGM can involve removing the clitoris.

      Q4.
      FGM causes and psychological harm to the victim.

      Correct Answer: physical

      Q5.
      What is a legal consequence of performing FGM in the UK?

      a small fine
      community service
      Correct answer: imprisonment

      Q6.
      Which UK charity offers support for FGM victims?

      Correct Answer: NSPCC, Childline, NSPCC FGM helpline, The NSPCC FGM helpline, The NSPCC

      To help you plan your 8 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: FGM, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...