Support students to explore emotional changes that occur during puberty, and menstrual wellbeing.
According to the NHS, the average age for girls to start puberty is 11, and the average age for boys is 12. But puberty can begin at any point between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys.
While students will have received education on puberty at primary school, these lessons develop a deeper understanding of the process of puberty and how to manage physical and emotional changes, building on prior learning, and ensure that students are familiar with a variety of period products.
This is supported by the Department for Education (DfE)’s 2025 statutory Relationships Sex and Health education (RSHE) guidance, which recognises the importance of ensuring that secondary school students understand “the main changes which take place in males and females, and the implications for emotional and physical health” and “the facts about puberty”.
Learning objectives
PSHE Association Programme of Study
DfE statutory guidance
Year 7-8
Lesson 1: Puberty and emotional changes
To learn how emotions are affected by puberty, and how to manage the impact this may have on someone’s relationships.
Lesson 2: Menstrual wellbeing
To learn about menstrual wellbeing.
Puberty and adolescence
about the maturing female and male adolescent body and strategies to manage the emotional and physical changes (e.g., periods, wet dreams, body hair, voice, body shape and skin changes) that are a typical part of growing up
about the adolescent brain; the relationship between brain development and hormonal changes as people mature
how to manage menstrual wellbeing, choose and access appropriate menstrual products; who to talk to if concerned or for advice about menstrual health
Developing bodies
(1) The main changes which take place in males and females, and the implications for emotional and physical health.
(2) The facts about puberty, the changing adolescent body, including brain development.
(3) About menstrual and gynaecological health, including: what is an average period; period problems such as premenstrual syndrome; heavy menstrual bleeding; endometriosis; and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). When to seek help from healthcare professionals.
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