Big Talk Education

The ladies from the Big Talk Education will be in talking to students about Relationships and Sex Education on the 20th and 26th November.  Each Year groups will have their own separate sessions.

They will be focusing on:

Year 7+

  • Introduction to Secondary RSE – The basis of knowledge of year 7 pupils can vary considerably depending on the quality of their primary RSE provision or lack thereof. This lesson is designed to establish knowledge levels, ensure consistent accurate knowledge of core topics and back fill gaps. Themes covered include proactive safeguarding, reproduction, puberty, relationships, body image, gender and reliable sources of information.

Year 8+

  • RSE Building on the Basics – In year 8 we address core themes within RSE, myth busting common misconceptions of young people around sex, risky behaviour, pregnancy, rights and responsibilities, as well as the law. The young people work with the team to clarify definitions of terms they have heard but may not understand, as well as answering questions in a safe confidential environment.
  • Developing feelings – We work with young people to discuss changes in friendships and relationships as they may begin to develop emotional and romantic attachments. This covers all types of relationships and as with all of our programme, is fully LGBTQ+ inclusive. The workshop covers a range of themes that affect relationships and young people’s perception of what constitutes a healthy relationship. We address peer pressure, abusive relationships and gender stereotypes, as well as contemporary issues such as youth generated images (sexting), internet safety and the dangers of inappropriate websites which we demonstrate can warp a young persons’ view of social norms.

Year 9+

  • Infections and Protection – At this point we introduce the young people to the dangers of sexually transmitted infections, ensuring they understand the short and long term effects, as well as which can be treated or cured and which can’t. The lesson includes information on safer sex, a demonstration of condoms and the local information relating to how, (when the time is right for them) to access them for free. Developing a greater awareness of the law, consent, better communication skills about safer sex and confidence to make good decisions are all objectives for this workshop.
  • Sex: Your Decisions – Building on the themes of consent and contraception from the previous lesson, this session introduces more of the choices that young people need to consider before entering a sexual relationship. Covering the most up to date contraception information with details on efficacy, is critical to help young people make informed decisions. To underline the consequences of decision making, we highlight the effects of unplanned parenthood on potential mothers and fathers. We highlight the limited power of fathers in decision making, the effects of pregnancy for mothers, as well as the financial and lifestyle impact for both.

Year 10+

  • Mates, Dates, Loves, Hates – This lesson is designed to aid young people identify abusive relationships and establish boundaries. Covering a wide range of abuse from verbal, emotional, financial, sexual and physical as well as isolation. By highlighting the warning signs of these we explore how young people could help their friends through these situations and where to get help, if they have concerns. To ensure the reinforcement of healthy relationships the team work with the group to discuss the positive qualities of their perfect partners.
  • Relationships: Ups, Downs and Endings – Whether it is family, friend or a partner, all relationships have their ups and downs. This lesson establishes the characteristics of positive loving relationships, whether this be family, friendships or romantic. However even healthy relationships can have turbulence, so we work with the group on strategies for conflict resolution. At some point within their lives it is likely that everyone will experience a break up or bereavement, so we explore the seven stages of relationship break down and how this shares similarities to how we experience grief for the loss of a loved one. Exploring the impact of relationship changes on emotional well-being, builds knowledge of what to expect and introduces coping strategies that can make a material difference to young people as they move through their lives. This lesson is framed within a contemporary context of social media and access to technology, that can be used for online bullying, we highlight the possible repercussions of this as an outlet for frustration or anger.

If you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Mrs Vayro

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