Part 2 - Activities & teaching resources
Sexual Maturity - Dealing with Physical Changes
Subject Area
Health and Physical Education
Curriculum Focus
See curriculum focus tables
Unit
Puberty
Year Level
Year 7
Time Requirement
2 x 50 minute sessions
Topics Covered
• Names and functions of the sexual organs
• Menstruation
• Erections & Ejaculation
• Hygiene
• Attitudes to sex - choosing an opinion
Objectives
To enable students to:
• identify the sexual organs and understand their functions
• understand the processes of menstruation and ejaculation
• anticipate the impact of these changes and how to manage them
• recognise the increased need for regular hygiene practices during puberty
• become familiar with basic hygiene strategies
• analyse reasons for different ways of thinking about sex
• identify and examine their own point of view
• share and compare their point of view with others
Activities
1. The Inside Story - Labelling the sexual organs
2. That time of the month - Menstruation student worksheet
3. The Amazing Willy - Erections & Ejaculation student worksheet
4. Keep it Clean, it’s Hygiene - Student Worksheet
5. What’s your point of view? - Discussion questions for groups
Year 7 | Page 1
Part 2 - Activity 1
The Inside Story
Blackline masters are provided for all asterixed requirements *
Outline
• Students label diagrams of the sexual organs with the correct term from a list of names and functions provided.
Objectives
• To identify the sexual organs and understand their functions
Resources
• Class set Male and Female Inside Story Student worksheets*
• Male and Female Inside Story - Answers* to be used either as a class set or as an overhead transparency
• Overhead projector (optional)
Activity
• Provide each student with a copy of the Male and Female Inside Story student worksheet*
• Ask students to read the list of terms and their explanations and see if they can put the right label to the right part
• Read through the explanations of the terms and explain the correct placement of the labels and get students to
correct their work
• Show overheads or give out class room sets of the Male and Female Inside Story - Answers* for assistance
Year 7 | Page 2
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for girls
Label this diagram with the correct terms for different parts of the reproductive system using
the list below.
back
front
Uterus
pear-shaped organ with thick muscular walls. This is where a baby grows
Anus
solid waste from the bowel exits through this opening
Vagina
stretchy tube from the uterus to the outside of the body
Ovary
where the ova (eggs) are stored
Bladder
organ that stores urine
Urethra
urine exits the body through this tube
Year 7 | Page 3 | Worksheet
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for girls
Label this diagram with the correct terms for different parts of the reproductive system using
the list below.
front
back
Labia
two thick folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening
(majora) and two thinner, more delicate folds of skin within
these (minora)
Vaginal opening
external opening to the vagina
Mons
pad of fat over the pubic bone that gets fleshier during puberty
Urinary opening
end of the urethra where urine exits the body
Hymen
thin flexible membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening
Clitoris
a small organ with many sensitive nerve endings that plays an
important role in sexual excitement
Year 7 | Page 4 | Worksheet
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for girls
Label this diagram with the correct terms for different parts of the reproductive system using
the list below.
Fallopian tube the ovum (egg) travels from the ovaries to the uterus along these tubes
Cervix
where the uterus connects with the vagina (also called the ‘neck’ of
the uterus)
Labia
two thick folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening (majora)
and two thinner, more delicate folds of skin within these (minora)
Uterus
pear-shaped organ with thick muscular walls. This is where a baby
grows
Ovary
where the ova (eggs) are stored
Vagina
stretchy tube from the uterus to the outside of the body
Hymen
thin flexible membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening
Year 7 | Page 5 | Worksheet
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for guys
Label this diagram with the correct terms for different parts of the reproductive system using
the list below.
back
front
Urethra
sperm and urine exit the body through this tube in the penis
Scrotum
a pouch of skin that contains the testes
Vas deferens
tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the urethra
Penis
organ through which urine and sperm pass out of the body
Anus
solid waste from the bowel exits through this opening
Testicle
organ that produces sperm
Bladder
organ that stores urine
Year 7 | Page 6 | Worksheet
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for girls
Answers
back
front
uterus
ovary
anus
bladder
vagina
urethra
Uterus
pear-shaped organ with thick muscular walls. This is where a baby grows
Anus
solid waste from the bowel exits through this opening
Vagina
stretchy tube from the uterus to the outside of the body
Ovary
where the ova (eggs) are stored
Bladder
organ that stores urine
Urethra
urine exits the body through this tube
Year 7 | Page 7 | Overhead
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for girls
Answers
front
clitoris
mons
urinary opening
labia
hymen
vaginal opening
back
Labia
two thick folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening
(majora) and two thinner, more delicate folds of skin within
these (minora)
Vaginal opening
external opening to the vagina
Mons
pad of fat over the pubic bone that gets fleshier during puberty
Urinary opening
end of the urethra where urine exits the body
Hymen
thin flexible membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening
Clitoris
a small organ with many sensitive nerve endings that plays an
important role in sexual excitement
Year 7 | Page 8 | Overhead
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for girls
Answers
fallopian tube
cervix
uterus
ovary
vagina
labia
hymen
Fallopian tube the ovum (egg) travels from the ovaries to the uterus along these tubes
Cervix
where the uterus connects with the vagina (also called the ‘neck’ of
the uterus)
Labia
two thick folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening (majora)
and two thinner, more delicate folds of skin within these (minora)
Uterus
pear-shaped organ with thick muscular walls. This is where a baby
grows
Ovary
where the ova (eggs) are stored
Vagina
stretchy tube from the uterus to the outside of the body
Hymen
thin flexible membrane that partially covers the vaginal opening
Year 7 | Page 9 | Overhead
Part 2 - Activity 1
The inside story for guys
Answers
back
front
bladder
anus
vans deferens
urethra
testicle
penis
scrotum
Urethra
sperm and urine exit the body through this tube in the penis
Scrotum
a pouch of skin that contains the testes
Vas deferens
tubes that carry sperm from the testes to the urethra
Penis
organ through which urine and sperm pass out of the body
Anus
solid waste from the bowel exits through this opening
Testicle
organ that produces sperm
Bladder
organ that stores urine
Year 7 | Page 10 | Overhead
Part 2 - Activity 2
That time of the month
Blackline masters are provided for all asterixed requirements*
Outline
• Students fill in a worksheet using the handout information on menstruation provided.
Objectives
• To understand the process of menstruation.
• To anticipate the impact of this change and how to manage it.
Resources
• Class set That time of the month handout*, student worksheet* and answers* (optional)
Activity
• Provide each student with a copy of the That time of the month handout* and student worksheet*
• Read through the information handout and ask students to fill in the student worksheet*
• Go through the answers* and get students to correct their work.
• If students are storing their work in a folder or workbook a copy of the answers could be provided for revision
purposes.
Year 7 | Page 11
Part 2 - Activity 2
That time of the month
What is menstruation?
Part of puberty for girls is getting a period. This means menstrual fluids coming out of the
vagina. This happens at regular intervals as the uterus sheds its bloodrich lining. It shows
that their bodies are maturing and becoming capable of reproduction.
How long does it last?
A period lasts for 2 - 7 days. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days but anytime between
21 - 35 days is normal. It can take quite a while for a girl’s cycle to become regular. The
days of a cycle are counted from the first day of menstrual flow until the first day menstrual
flow begins again.
Keeping a calendar can show what a girl’s personal cycle is like and help keep track of
when the next period might be due. In this example, a girl who usually has a 28 day cycle
uses a calendar to mark the days of her period. She then counts forward to work out that
her next period will probably start on Tuesday July the 30th.
JULY
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
period starts
day 1
3
4
5
day 2
day 3
day 4
6
period ends
day 5
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
day 6
day 7
day 8
day 9
day 10
day 11
day 12
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
day 13
day 14
day 15
day 16
day 17
day 18
day 19
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
day 20
day 21
day 22
day 23
day 24
day 25
day 26
28
29
31
day 27
day 28
30
next period
might start
Year 7 | Page 12
Part 2 - Activity 2
What is the menstrual fluid like?
On some days the flow may be heavier and bright red and on other days it might be just a
brown trickle. Less than half a cup of fluid is lost in total.
What does a girl do about it?
There are many different products available to absorb menstrual fluid. They come in different sizes depending on how heavy the flow is.
Pads
Pads and liners are designed to be worn outside the body and have an adhesive strip which
helps them to stick to underwear. Pads come in many sizes. The size relates to length,
rather than the thickness. There are regular, super, light and overnight pads. Super pads
are longer than regular pads, while overnight pads are extra long for protection when lying
down and super absorbent. Pads are also available with or without wings. The wings help
to hold the pad in place. Overnight it is best to wear a pad because tampons should be
changed frequently.
Liners
Liners provide the ideal way to feel secure and fresh every day. They are incredibly thin so
they can be worn anytime or if a period is expected to start soon. Liners can be worn at the
start and end of a period when only a small amount of protection is needed. Liners are also
available in different lengths and shapes.
Tampons
Tampons are designed to be worn inside the vagina and are held in place by the vaginal
muscles. They can be very handy for activities like swimming. Menstrual fluid passes through
an opening in the hymen that is usually large enough to admit a tampon. As the vagina has
the ability to stretch and regain its shape most girls can learn to insert a tampon.
Year 7 | Page 13
Part 2 - Activity 2
Tampons are available in different absorbencies - super, regular and mini. It is best to use
the lightest absorbency to suit a flow. Tampons are also available in ‘slim’ which have the
same absorbency as other tampons, but are easier to insert and withdraw. Tampons should
be changed every 3 - 4 hours and should not be worn overnight.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
It is important to wash your hands before and after inserting a tampon. Change them
every 3 - 4 hours or more often if the flow is heavy. They should not be left in for more
than 8 hours and it is best to use a pad overnight. Taking these precautions should
reduce the risk of a very rare but serious disease called Toxic Shock Syndrome.
It’s hard to tell when the first period might start so it’s a good idea to be prepared just in
case. A clean pair of undies and some pads can be kept in a make-up bag – but if a period
starts unexpectedly just ask a friend or adult at school for help.
Why does it happen?
During a menstrual cycle one of the ovaries releases an egg (ovum) into the Fallopian tube.
If a sperm fertilises the egg it will implant into the lining of the uterus which has thickened
for this purpose and grow into a baby. If the egg is not fertilised the lining of the uterus isn’t
needed and comes away as menstrual fluid. A new egg then starts to mature and the lining
builds up again as the uterus prepares for the next possibility of fertilisation.
How does having a period affect a girl‘s life?
When you have a period you can do all of the things you normally do.
For many girls, dealing with a period simply means being prepared with a suitable sanitary
product to absorb the fluid. Unfortunately, sometimes having a period also means coping
with other symptoms. Some girls may get cramps - pain in the abdomen which can vary
from a mild ache to severe discomfort causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache,
Year 7 | Page 14
Part 2 - Activity 2
dizziness and nervousness. This can vary from cycle to cycle. This will only affect some
girls and you may want to talk to your doctor about it.
Sometimes girls can also get PMT (pre-menstrual tension) which may occur up to a week
before the period starts. It includes symptoms such as irritability, depression, tiredness,
constipation or diarrhoea, weight gain, pimples and tender breasts. There are a number of
useful treatments and medications available to help with period problems. It’s a good idea
to consult a doctor for advice.
Year 7 | Page 15
Part 2 - Activity 2
That time of the month
Answer the following questions.
1. Sally has started having periods. What does this mean?
2. Sally’s period started on September 3rd and lasted for 5 days. Sally’s period started
again on September 27th. How long is her menstrual cycle? Is this normal?
3. If Sally’s next menstrual cycle is the same, when might her next period start?
4. Sally’s period started unexpectedly at school, what could she do?
5. Sally has never had sex. Can she use a tampon?
6. Sally has been training for Sports Day but she’s got her period. Can she still compete?
Why/Why not?
7. Why might Sally need a little more consideration from her friends and family when
she’s getting her period?
Year 7 | Page 16 | Worksheet
Part 2 - Activity 2
That time of the month
Answers
1. Menstrual fluids coming out of her vagina when the uterus sheds its lining.
2. 25 days. Yes, a normal cycle can be between 21 - 35 days.
3. October 21st.
4. Ask a friend or adult for help.
5. Yes, a girl can use tampons once her periods start regardless of whether or not she
has had sex as the opening in the hymen is usually large enough to insert a tampon
and the vagina is able to stretch and regain its shape.
6. Yes, having a period doesn’t need to stop her competing unless she is also feeling
unwell.
7. She might be feeling a bit depressed or irritable.
Year 7 | Page 17 | Handout
Part 2 - Activity 3
The Amazing Willy - Erections and Ejaculations
Blackline masters are provided for all asterixed requirements *
Outline
• Students fill in a worksheet using the handout information on erections and ejaculation provided.
Objectives
• To understand the process of ejaculation.
• To anticipate the impact of this change and how to manage it.
Resources
• Class set The Amazing Willy handout*, student worksheet* and answers* (optional).
Activity
• Provide each student with a copy of the The Amazing Willy handout* and student worksheet*
• Read through the handout and ask students to fill in the worksheet.
• Go through the answers and get students to correct their work.
• If students are storing their work in a folder or workbook a copy of the answers could be provided for revision
purposes.
Year 7 | Page 18
Part 2 - Activity 3
The Amazing Willy - Erections and Ejaculation
Part of puberty for a boy is the growth and development of their penis and testicles and
the beginning of sperm production. Once sperm are being produced they can be released
from the body during an ejaculation.
What is an erection?
An erection happens when more blood than usual flows into the spongy tissue around the
penis. The muscles at the base of the penis tighten and stop the extra blood from flowing
out. The penis gets bigger and stiffer and sticks out from the body. Erections happen
throughout a boy’s life but during puberty they can start to happen more often and last
longer. Sometimes erections develop slowly and sometimes a penis can get quite hard in
just a few seconds.
When do they happen?
Erections can happen for all sorts of reasons. Stroking or touching the penis can cause
an erection, or the friction of clothes rubbing on the penis. Thinking sexy thoughts, feeling
good, feeling excited or feeling nervous can also cause an erection. Erections can also
happen for no particular reason and at any time. These are called spontaneous erections which can sometimes be embarrassing. If this happens it can help to concentrate on
something really boring.
How do they stop?
Eventually the penis will go soft and floppy again. This can happen by itself in a few
seconds or take a number of minutes. Ejaculating and/or having an orgasm will also
cause the penis to relax.
What is ejaculation?
This happens when muscles in the genital area contract and semen is pumped out of the
body through the opening in the tip of the penis. This happens for the first time during
puberty once sperm are being produced. Ejaculation can happen when the penis is being
Year 7 | Page 19
Part 2 - Activity 3
stimulated through masturbation or sexual intercourse. Ejaculation can also happen when
a boy is asleep which is called having a wet dream. Not all boys have wet dreams, though
many do.
What is masturbation?
Masturbation means touching or rubbing the sexual organs for sexual pleasure. Masturbation is not harmful. Some people, both male and female masturbate and some do not
- either is normal.
What is semen?
About a teaspoonful or two of white, creamy fluid called semen comes out of the penis
during an ejaculation. It is made up of sperm and fluids released by the prostate gland
and the seminal vesicles.
What are sperm?
Sperm are microscopic cells that have rounded bodies and tiny tails and look a bit like
tadpoles. Millions of sperm are made in the testicles each day. Babies are made when a
sperm fertilises a female’s egg.
Year 7 | Page 20 | Handout
Part 2 - Activity 3
The Amazing Willy - Erections and Ejaculation
Answer True or False.
1. Erections happen for the first time during puberty.
2. Erections only happen if the penis is touched.
3. An erection never happens unless a boy wants it to.
4. An erection can go down without ejaculation.
5. Ejaculation happens for the first time during puberty.
6. Not all boys will have wet dreams.
7. 1/2 a cup of fluid is released during ejaculation.
8. Semen contains urine.
Year 7 | Page 21 | Worksheet
Part 2 - Activity 3
The Amazing Willy - Erections & Ejaculations
Answers
1. False. Boys and men have erections throughout their lives, even as small babies.
2. False. Erections can also happen because of thoughts and feelings and sometimes
they just happen for no reason in particular.
3. False. Spontaneous erections can happen by themselves at any time which can be
embarrassing sometimes.
4. True. Eventually an erection will go away by itself though it can take a while before it is
completely soft again.
5. True. Ejaculations don’t start until the body starts producing sperm during puberty.
6. True. Every boy is different. Some boys never have a wet dream, some may only ever
have a couple, some might have them a few times a week. A boy may have his first
ejaculation during a wet dream or it may happen during masturbation. Either way the
first time can be a bit of a surprise.
7. False. About a teaspoonful or two comes out during ejaculation
8. False. When a male is about to ejaculate a valve at the bottom of the bladder closes
so that urine can’t get into the urethra.
Year 7 | Page 22 | Handout
Part 2 - Activity 4
Keep it Clean, it’s Hygiene
Blackline masters are provided for all asterixed requirements *
Outline
• Students fill in a worksheet using the handout information on hygiene provided.
Objectives
• To recognise the increased need for regular hygiene practices during puberty.
• To become familiar with basic hygiene strategies.
Resources
• Class set Keep it Clean, it’s Hygiene handout*, student worksheet* and answers* (optional)
Activity
• Provide each student with a copy of the Keep it Clean, it’s Hygiene handout* and student worksheet*.
• Read through the handout and ask students to fill in the worksheet.
• Go through the answers and get students to correct their work.
• If students are storing their work in a folder or workbook a copy of the answers could be provided for revision
purposes.
• Ask students to think about and record a response to the following questions:
• What have you learnt about the physical changes of puberty and how to deal with them?
• What information did you find most useful or interesting? Why?
• How do you feel about the changes happening to your body?
• How could you use the knowledge you have gained to support other students (including those of the opposite
sex) as they deal with the changes of puberty?
Year 7 | Page 23
Part 2 - Activity 4
Keep it Clean – it’s Hygiene
During puberty the sweat and oil glands respond to the new hormone levels and become
more active. This means you will need to start being more careful about keeping clean.
Sweat glands
There are two types of sweat glands. Eccrine sweat glands exist all over your body and
produce sweat to cool you down by evaporation. As these become more active you might
notice that your feet and palms sweat more. Apocrine sweat glands are found in the groin
and under the arms and only start working during puberty. The sweat they release has a
musky smell.
Oil glands
Oil glands exist all over the body but are especially numerous on the face neck, shoulders,
upper chest and back. They start to release greater amounts of an oily substance called
sebum onto the surface of the skin. Sebum keeps the skin soft and pliable.
Dealing with sweat
Once sweat from the apocrine glands is exposed to air bacteria that live on the skin begin
to breed causing body odour (B.O). Regular washing with water and a mild soap will keep
this under control. If you like you can also use products designed to help. Antiperspirants
reduce the amount of sweat produced by the body. Deodorants are designed to cover the
odour with a perfume. As long as you wash regularly it isn’t necessary to use these products
unless the odour or amount of perspiration bothers you.
Genital hygiene for girls
The vagina is self-cleaning and it is not necessary to clean inside. The folds of skin
around the external genitals need to be washed regularly with water. A mild soap can be
used but this can sometimes irritate sensitive skin and it is best not to use deodorants in
this area. It is normal to have some discharge or wetness from the vagina as long as it
Year 7 | Page 24
Part 2 - Activity 4
isn’t smelly or itchy. After going to the toilet it’s a good idea to always wipe from front to
back to stop germs from the anus getting into the vagina.
Genital hygiene for boys
The genital area should be washed regularly with water. A mild soap can be used but this
can sometimes irritate sensitive skin and it is best not to use deodorants in this area. A
white substance called smegma is secreted from glands around the head of the penis
which needs to be washed away so that it does not become smelly or cause an irritation.
Not circumcised boys will need to gently draw back the foreskin to wash around this area.
Dealing with oil
Skin
An oily substance called sebum travels out from ducts in the oil glands and exits onto the
surface of the skin through tiny openings called pores.
During puberty the oil glands start producing a lot of sebum and the pores can get blocked
causing pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. These spots are called acne. It helps to keep
the skin clean by washing once or twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. This helps break
down and remove the excess sebum, dirt and dead skin cells. It’s best not to pick at spots
as they can get infected and cause scarring. Most teenagers will get pimples at some stage
during puberty. Mild cases of acne can usually be cleared up by daily washing and using
medicated acne lotions or creams. In cases where acne is more severe it can be useful to
see a doctor who can prescribe other treatments that can help.
Hair
Extra oil is also secreted in the skin on your head. This means the hair needs washing
more often as dust and dead skin cells combine with the oil and stick to the hair making
it look greasy. Washing the hair with soap or shampoo breaks down the oil and dirt which
can then be rinsed away. Many people also use a conditioner after shampooing to help
settle the hair and control tangles.
Year 7 | Page 25 | Handout
Part 2 - Activity 4
Keep it Clean, it’s Hygiene
Questions
1. Why do the sweat and oil glands get more active during puberty?
2. In what areas might you notice a new smell during puberty?
3. What is the substance released by the oil glands called? What is it for?
4. What causes B.O?
5. What is acne?
6. What makes hair greasy?
7. What can you do to keep the extra sweat and oil your body makes during puberty
under control?
Year 7 | Page 26 | Worksheet
Part 2 - Activity 4
Keep it Clean, it’s Hygiene
Answers
1. They become more active in response to the new hormone levels of puberty.
2. In the groin and under the arms (because of the apocrine glands that don’t become
active until puberty).
3. Sebum. It keeps the skin soft and pliable.
4. Bacteria that breed when sweat from the apocrine glands is exposed to air.
5. Spots that occur when the pores in the skin get blocked.
6. Oil secreted by the oil glands which mixes with dust and dead skin cells.
7. Wash regularly with soap and water.
Year 7 | Page 27 | Handout
Part 2 - Activity 5
What’s your point of view?
Blackline masters are provided for all asterixed requirements*
Outline
• In small groups students discuss statements and questions provided examining different attitudes to sex.
Objective
• To analyse reasons for different ways of thinking about sex.
• To identify and examine their own point of view.
• To share and compare their point of view with others.
Resources
• Class set What’s your point of view? handout*
• Pre-prepared materials for forming random groupings using icebreaker activities*
• Butcher’s paper (or students can use a workbook)
• Textas (or students can use their own pens, pencils etc)
• Whiteboard and whiteboard markers or blackboard and chalk
Activity
• Get students into random groups of 3 - 4 using icebreaker activities*.
• Provide each group with a copy of the What’s your point of view?* discussion questions, butchers’ paper and
textas.
• Ask students to allocate a scribe and a reporter and then discuss whether they agree or disagree with the statements provided and identify as many answers as they can think of to the questions. All members of a group don’t
have to agree but should discuss and record reasons for their different points of view.
• Get reporters from various groups to present some of their responses to the rest of the class.
• Ask students to consider whether most students agreed/disagreed with the same statements.
• What did groups actually think? Was it the same as what they anticipated other students would think?
• Having heard answers from all the groups did the groups end up being right about what most students think?
Year 7 | Page 28
Part 2 - Activity 5
• Ask students to think about and record a response to the following questions:
• How much do you think you are influenced by the values and attitudes of:
a) films and T.V b) your friends c) your family d) your own personal views?
• Do you always know when you are being influenced? Do you think these are good sources of influence? Why/
Why not?
• Do you feel comfortable having a different point of view from others? Why/Why not?
• If you felt pressured to do something that didn’t feel right to you, what might help you stand up for yourself?
• How could you make sure you don’t pressure others to make decisions that don’t support their own values?
Year 7 | Page 29
Part 2 - Activity 5
What’s your point of view?
In groups discuss the following statements. Choose a scribe to jot down whether people
in your group agree or disagree with them and why, your group’s answers to the questions
and any other ideas your group comes up with. Choose a reporter to present some of your
ideas to the class.
The Media and Sex
T.V, films & music videos make it seem like everyone’s having sex and you should too.
T.V, films & music videos support the idea that you shouldn’t rush into having sex.
• Which statement is most accurate?
• Can you think of examples?
• Why do you think the media uses sexy images?
• How much do you think the media influence young people’s attitudes?
Year 7 | Page 30 | Handout
Part 2 - Activity 5
Other Students
Which statements seem like the ones most students would agree with?
Which statements do people in your group agree with?
You should experiment with sex because everyone else is.
You haven’t really grown up until you’ve experienced sex.
There’s something wrong with you if you haven’t had sex.
It’s good to take your time and wait until you really feel ready.
You shouldn’t have sex unless you’re really in love.
You shouldn’t have sex until you’ve known each other for a while
Do you think what students say and do depends on what they think other people’s attitudes
are?
Why do people care so much what other people think?
Do you think it’s hard to stick to your own point of view, even if it seems like no one else
agrees with you?
Year 7 | Page 31 | Handout
Part 2 - Activity 5
Your Group
What do people in your group think about the following statements - you don’t have to
agree, just jot down the reasons people give for different points of view.
Nowadays nobody waits until they’re married to have sex.
Adults don’t understand that things are different now to when they were young so
there’s no point going to a grown-up for advice.
Getting an STD or getting pregnant is unlikely when you first start having sex.
Only girls need to worry about pregnancy.
It doesn’t matter if two people are having sex for different reasons - no one ever died
of a broken heart.
Once you’ve got someone really excited it’s not fair to say you want to stop.
Once a male is really excited it’s bad for their health if they don’t get to go all the way.
Assignment and homework suggestions
• Design an ad to sell a hygiene product to teenagers
• Research changing attitudes to menstruation
(The Museum of Menstruation website is very handy at www.mum.org/director.htm)
Year 7 | Page 32 | Handout