Consent
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what consent means, why it matters, and how to recognise whether it is present.
Key learning points
- Consent must be freely given, informed and is reversible.
- Saying nothing is not the same as giving consent.
- Consent applies to all types of sexual activity.
- Everyone has the right to change their mind.
- Power imbalance can affect someone's ability to consent.
Keywords
Consent - everyone involved clearly agrees to sexual activity without pressure; it's freely given, can be withdrawn anytime, and requires understanding
Coercion - forcing someone to do something against their will through threats, pressure or intimidation
Common misconception
Consent is a one-off agreement.
Consent needs to be ongoing and negotiated, for example, 'Is it ok if I touch you here?' or 'How is this for you?'.
Teacher tip
Ask pupils to think about how consent might be broader than just physical intimacy. When else might people negotiate? For instance, sharing something, or playing a computer game, etc.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In a healthy relationship, people should feel safe to express their and have them respected.
Q2.Which of these is an example of someone respecting another person's decision?
Q3.Match each scenario to whether it shows healthy or unhealthy behaviour in relationships.
healthy - shows respect for boundaries
unhealthy - ignores non-verbal communication and feelings
healthy - checks in and seeks agreement
unhealthy - uses emotional pressure to manipulate
Q4.If someone stays silent when asked if they want to do something, what does this mean?
Q5.Which of these is an example of how unhealthy relationships can affect physical health?
Q6.If your friend seems continuously withdrawn, stops talking to other friends and appears anxious, this might be a sign that ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Using threats or pressure to make someone do something against their will is called ...
Q2.Why might someone find it difficult to say 'no' to a teacher, boss, or someone older than them?
Q3.Gabe asks his partner if they want to be intimate. His partner doesn't respond and stays quiet. What should Gabe do?
Q4.Jan and Ashley gave consent to kiss. Later, Ashley starts removing Jan's clothing. Does Ashley still have Jan's consent?
Q5.Which scenario shows all the key features of valid consent?
Q6.Everyone has the right to their mind during sexual activity and can say 'stop' at any time.
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Consent, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Consent, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 RSHE (PSHE) lessons from the Healthy intimate relationships: What influences risky sexual behaviour? unit, dive into the full secondary RSHE (PSHE) curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.