Intimate and Sexual Relationships, including Sexual Health (Secondary)

Curriculum content:

1. That sex, for people who feel ready and are over the age of consent, can and should be
enjoyable and positive.
2. The law about the age of consent, that they have a choice about whether to have sex,
that many young people wait until they are older, and that people of all ages can enjoy
intimate and romantic relationships without sex.
3. Sexual consent and their capacity to give, withhold or remove consent at any time, even
if initially given, as well as the considerations that people might take into account prior to
sexual activity, e.g. the law, faith and family values. That kindness and care for others
require more than just consent.
4. That all aspects of health can be affected by choices they make in sex and relationships,
positively or negatively, e.g. physical, emotional, mental, sexual and reproductive health
and wellbeing.
5. That some sexual behaviours can be harmful.
6. The facts about the full range of contraceptive choices, efficacy and options available,
including male and female condoms, and signposting towards medically accurate online
information about sexual and reproductive health to support contraceptive decision
making.
7. That there are choices in relation to pregnancy. Pupils should be given medically and
legally accurate and impartial information on all options, including keeping the baby,
adoption, abortion and where to get further help.
8. How the different sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDs, are
transmitted. How risk can be reduced through safer sex (including through condom use).
The use and availability of the HIV prevention drugs Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)
and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) and how and where to access them. The
importance of, and facts about, regular testing and the role of stigma
9. The prevalence of STIs, the short and long term impact they can have on those who
contract them and key facts about treatment.
10. How the use of alcohol and drugs can lead people to take risks in their sexual behaviour.
11. How and where to seek support for concerns around sexual relationships including
sexual violence or harms.
12. How to counter misinformation, including signposting towards medically accurate
information and further advice, and where to access confidential sexual and reproductive
health advice and treatment.