Gr7 EG - LR 17 - 10 - 2021

Scripted Lesson Plans
Grade 7 Educator Guide

Sexuality Education in
Life Orientation
Sexuality Education in Life Orientation. Scripted Lesson Plans Grade 7 Educator Guide ISBN: 978-1-4315-2699-4
Educator Guide: Grade 7
Life Orientation
Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 1

Foreword
Since 2000, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has been offering HIV prevention and
Sexuality Education (SE) through the Life Orientation (LO) curriculum, HIV and AIDS Life
Skills Education Programme and co-curriculum activities. However, the high rates of learner
pregnancy and HIV infection indicate that there has been no change in the behaviour of
learners and many educators feel uncomfortable teaching sexuality education.
In 2011, the DBE initiated a process to strengthen its SE programme. One of the key steps
was a review of the LO curriculum against International Technical Guidance on Sexuality
Education (ITGSE); an evidence-informed approach for schools, teachers and health educa-
tors (ITGSE, 2009) from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), as well as a
meta-analysis of characteristics of effective sexuality education programmes internationally.
The DBE has developed Scripted Lessons Plans (SLPs) for Grades 4 to 12 through a collaborative and consultative
process, including a writing team of curriculum and sexuality education experts, as well as a review team from the
DBE and provincial structures.
SLPs are designed to assist educators to teach SE within the CAPS Life Skills and Life Orientation curricula in the
classroom. This will be complemented by appropriate Learning and Teaching Support Material (LTSM) and teacher
training and development programmes to facilitate optimum teaching and learning. An educator’s guide is intended
to assist educators with the provision of content, effective teaching methods and tools for measuring what learners
have absorbed. This guide will ensure that engagement with learners on SE is age-appropriate and relevant to each
grade.
The DBE strongly advocates abstinence among young people. As the first defence against teenage pregnancies and
sexually transmitted diseases, learners are encouraged to delay engaging in sexual activities. In addition, the Basic
Education Sector is committed towards contributing to the prevention and management of HIV, sexually transmitted
illnesses (STIs), and Tuberculosis (TB) by ensuring that learners, educators, officials and parents are informed and
equipped to decrease risky sexual behaviour and gender-based violence (GBV) among young people.
The DBE is grateful to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for providing the financial
support that made the development of this guide and the related SLPs possible.
MRS A M MOTSHEKGA, MP
MINISTER: DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION
Date: may 2019

Acknowledgements
ISBN: 978 1 4315 2699 4
© COPYRIGHT Department of Basic Education
Department of Basic Education, Pretoria. 2019. The Educator Guide on Comprehensive

Sexuality Education, aligned to the Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS)
– Educator Guide.
This Educator Guide was developed by the Department of Basic Education with the
financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
through Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC).
The Educator Guide will be updated periodically. As such, comments and suggestions are
welcome and should be sent to: The Director General, Department of Basic Education,
for the attention of the Health Promotion Directorate, Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001.
No part of this publication may be reduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without the prior written permission of the Department of Basic Education.
Address:
Department of Basic Education
222 Struben Street
Pretoria
0001
Website: www.education.gov.za
Facebook: www.facebook
Twitter: twitter.com/dbe_sa
This publication was made possible with the generous funding of USAID.
4 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword .................................................................................................................................. 3
Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................... 4
Glossary of terms....................................................................................................................... 6
GUIDE FOR TEACHING SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN CAPS THROUGH SCRIPTED LESSON ................. 10
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SLPs .................................. 19
Lesson 7.1....................................................................................................................................... 49
Setting goals and reaching your potential
Lesson 7.2...................................................................................................................................... 61
Appreciation and acceptance of self and others
Lesson 7.3...................................................................................................................................... 70
Is there a difference between gender and sex?
Lesson 7.4...................................................................................................................................... 78
Understanding puberty – Physical, social and emotional changes
Lesson 7.5...................................................................................................................................... 91
Healthy and unhealthy relationships
Lesson 7.6.....................................................................................................................................107
Making decisions about sex
Lesson 7.7......................................................................................................................................116
Assertive communication
Lesson 7.8.....................................................................................................................................126
Revisiting your goals and moving forward
ANNEXURES.................................................................................................................................139
ANNEXURE A
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND READING AND CONTEXT....................................................................139
BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................................................................................................................144

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Ability: the things you can do well, your skills, used to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of
talents or strengths disease, HIV and sexually transmitted infections;
Consistent, correct use of condoms significantly
Abstinence: sexual abstinence is a conscious
reduces the risk of transmission of HIV and other
decision to avoid certain sexual activities or
STDs; Both male and female condoms exist
behaviours
Constructive ways: doing things without causing
Abuse: being hurt or treated badly
damage to someone or something, or so as not to
Abusive relationship: a pattern of forceful and cause yourself embarrassment with the people
unkind behaviours used in a relationship to around you
maintain power and control over an intimate
Controlling behaviour (mental/emotional):
partner or child
behaviour which causes another to go against their
Acceptance: approval; the act of taking or receiving individual wishes or wants
something offered
Crime: an act that is forbidden and is punishable by
Accepting others: respecting others whether you law
agree with them or not
Cyber-bullying (social networking websites,
Accepting self: recognising and accepting both texts, phone calls) (mental/emotional): the use
your strengths and weaknesses of information technology to repeatedly harm or
Aggressive: behaving in a forceful /violent way harass other people in a deliberate manner
Appreciating self: not being unnecessarily critical Deal-breakers: When you’re facing a situation
towards oneself; acknowledging your strengths where there are catches to something, the deal-
breaker is that one catch that you cannot overlook
Appreciation: understanding and recognising the
and/or tolerate
good qualities of someone or something
Decision: the thought process of selecting a logical
Assertive: having or showing a confident, assured,
choice from the available options
bold and decisive personality
Decision-making: the selection of a belief or
Behaviour: the way in which one acts or conducts
a course of action among several alternative
oneself, especially towards others
possibilities
Body changes: see physical changes
Demeaning (verbal): causing someone to lose their
Bullying: form of violent behaviour; It does not dignity and the respect of others
just happen at school; It can happen in the street,
Drug abuse (self-abuse): using a chemical
sport fields or at home; There are different types of
substance a great deal
bullying: physical, verbal, teasing or hiding another
person’s property Ejaculation: the action of releasing or ejecting
semen and sperm from the man’s penis during
Changes in boys: see physical changes
orgasm
Changes in girls: see physical changes
Emotionally: to do with feelings or emotions
Communication: sending or receiving information
Erection: an enlarged and rigid state of the penis,
by speaking, writing, or using some other means
typically in sexual excitement
Concurrent relationships: having multiple sexual
relationships during the same period of time External: the outward features of something
Condom: One device used to prevent the Force field analysis: a useful decision-making
transmission of sexual fluid between bodies, and technique; It helps you make a decision by

analysing the forces for and against a change other as a way of greeting or showing affection;
Some people kiss when they are in a romantic
Gender: the economic, social and cultural
relationship as a part of expressing their sexual
attributes associated with being male or female;
feelings
It may also refer to a person’s biological, social, or
legal status as male or female Manipulation (mental/emotional): a type of social
influence that aims to change the perception
Gender constructs: the belief that differences
or behaviour of others through underhanded,
in behaviour between men and women are
deceptive, or even abusive tactics
determined by society
Menstruation: monthly cycle or period in women
Gender messages: messages that we receive
during which the lining of the womb is released as
directly and indirectly about how we and others
blood
should behave based on our gender
Negative stereotypes: the belief that specific
Gender norms: gender norms define what society
types of people are bad because of how they look or
considers male and female behaviour
behave ;These thoughts or beliefs may or may not
Gender roles: this refers to a person’s outward be true, and MOST often inaccurately reflect badly
expression of who they are as males or females, on the people they are aimed at
which is often based on the prevalent cultural and
Negotiation skills: the methods by which people
social norms about what are acceptable feminine
settle differences and reach agreement
or masculine roles and behaviour
Non-negotiable: something that is not open to
Goal: identifying what you want to accomplish,
change or agreement
having a plan to achieve this, and how and when
you will carry out your plan Non-verbal communication: communication
without the use of spoken language
Healthy behaviour: an action taken by a person
to maintain, attain, or regain good health and to Obstacles: things that prevent one from
prevent illness succeeding or achieving a goal, or hinder progress
Healthy relationships: when two people develop Passive: accepting or allowing what happens
a connection based on mutual respect, trust, or what others do, without active response or
honesty, support, fairness/equality, separate resistance
identities and good communication
Peer: an individual who belongs to the same social
HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that group as others and has similar characteristics to
causes AIDS; This virus weakens the body’s immune the social group
system and, if untreated may result in AIDS
Peer pressure: feeling that you have to change
Inequitable: not fair; unjust your behaviour, attitudes or values to fit in and feel
accepted (LO Textbook)
Influence: the capacity to have an effect on the
character, development, or behaviour of someone Personal: concerning one’s private life,
relationships, and emotions
Intentions: an aim to follow a plan through
Personal qualities: personal characteristics of an
Interest: things that you enjoy doing
individual; they are what make up one’s personality;
Internal: inner parts; situated on the inside For example, dependability and patience are
Intimate: a state characterised by physical or qualities that young people would like parents to
emotional involvement, and romantic or passionate have
attachment Personal values: core beliefs that we hold about
Kissing: when you touch someone with your lips life, its purpose, and our own purpose
you are kissing them; Some people kiss each

Physical changes: physical changes start from between the genitals of one person and the
about 9 or 13 years, around puberty and include: genitals, anus or mouth of another person;
breast development; changes in body shape and Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection,
height; growth of pubic, facial and body hair; the although some people may not develop symptoms
start of periods (menstruation); growth of the at all; HIV is a particularly serious STI
penis and testicles; erections with ejaculation and
Smart: being intelligent, clever
changes to the voice
Smart goal: an acronym for specific, measurable,
Positive actions: prevention that aims to create
achievable, realistic and time-bound goals
safe and healthy individuals by reducing risky and
unhealthy behaviours Stereotypes: a fixed or simplified idea about a type
of person or thing
Potential: what you could do if you use your
interests and abilities Substances: a term used in reference to drugs
which are harmful, including alcohol
Pregnancy: the period or condition in which a
woman carries a developing embryo and foetus in Touching: putting your hand (or hands) on
her womb someone’s body in a way that shows your feelings
for them; In some lessons touching is used to imply
Pregnant: the condition of a woman (or female
that sexual feelings are being shared
animal) having a child or young developing in the
uterus Unhealthy behaviour: behaviour that poses risks to
health
Puberty: when a child’s body begins to develop into
an adult body Value: one’s judgement of what is good or
important in life
Rebellious: challenging authority and breaking
existing rules
Respect for self: respecting yourself and being
proud of who you are
Self-image: the way you describe yourself; how you
see yourself
Sexual behaviour: sexual actions or activities that
have harmful results
Sexual health: absence of sexual diseases or
disorders and a capacity to enjoy and control sexual
behaviour without fear, shame, or guilt (WHO); For
sexual health to be attained and maintained, the
sexual rights of all persons must be respected,
protected and fulfilled
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs): diseases
caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that are
transmitted from one person to another during
sexual contact; These are also called sexually
transmitted infections or STIs
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) are spread from
person to person through sexual contact; These
diseases can be passed through any contact

Note to the educator

This poem serves as an introduction, to remind you of the important role you are playing in the lives of
your learners. You are instrumental to giving your learners the knowledge, skills values and attitudes
that will enable them to survive life! You need not share this poem with your learners.
You taught me1

You taught me the names of the cities in the world
BUT
I don’t know how to survive in the streets in my own city
You taught me about the minerals that are in the earth
BUT
I don’t know what to do to prevent my world’s destruction.
You taught me to speak and write in three languages
BUT
I don’t know how to say what I feel in my heart.
You taught me all about reproduction in rats
BUT
I don’t know how to avoid pregnancy.
You taught me how to solve math’s problems
BUT
I don’t know how to solve my own problems.
Yes, you taught me many facts, and I thank you,
I am now quite clever
BUT
Why is it that I feel I know nothing?
Why do I feel I have to leave school to learn about coping with life?
1 Rooth, E. 1999. Introduction of Life Orientation . Hands-on approaches to Life Orientation education. Education for life Series. Cape Town. Via Africa

A. GUIDE FOR TEACHING SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN CAPS THROUGH

SCRIPTED LESSON PLANS (SLPs)
1. Introduction
3.9%
Young people face many pressures and risks that are
9.2% different from the risks adults faced when they were
7% 9.8%
young. Risks such as HIV and other infections and early
and unintended pregnancy come to mind first. But there
8.5% 10.7%
4.1%
are many unhealthy pressures affecting relationships
and influences from many sources.
7.2%
The difficult facts below highlight the need for effective
4%
sexual and reproductive health education that will equip
young people to deal with today’s challenges.
Figure 1: HIV prevalence by province, 2016
Source: SANAC, accessed January 18,2019.
HIV is everyone’s problem.

No matter where we live in South Africa, everyone is affected or at risk in some way. Working together to
break the silence, show compassion, support those on treatment, and address risks, are the only way to
stop the epidemic.2
36%
32%
28% 29%
28%
26% Males
Female s
20%
17% 17%
16% 16%
15%
13%
10%
6% 5% 6%
5%
2% 2% 2%
1%
0-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-394 0-44 45-495 0-54 55-596 0+
Figure 2: : HIV infection rate by age
2 Shisana, O., Rehle, T., Simbayi, L.C., Zuma, K., Jooste, S., Zungu, N., Labadarios, D., and Onoya, D. (2014). South African National HIV Prevalence,
Incidence and Behaviour Survey, 2012. Cape Town, South Africa: HSRC Press.

HIV:3
While all young people are at risk, girls
are getting infected with HIV at higher
rates than boys. This trend continues
through young adulthood. There are
many reasons for these differences.
Age difference4 is a major factor

in South Africa – specifically the
relationships between older men and
young women / girls. Experts agree
that understanding and addressing
this cycle is critical for stopping the
further spread of HIV in South Africa.
16 years and Over 17 years

under
14% 27%
Pregnancy
Teen pregnancy is common in South Africa, and can interfere
36% 12% with the ability of young people to achieve their goals.
of high school say their first Among youth in school who said they had engaged in sexual
learners have time was before activity, pregnancy rates are high.5
had sex age 14
Percentage of girl learners
Sexual Initiation who say they are forced to have sex
The age of first sex matters. The earlier a young person has sex,
the greater their risk of HIV infection and unintended pregnancy.6
45%
49%
Pressure, force and violence
Some sexual relationships are voluntary, some are not. Coerced
and forced sexual relations are considered rape, and a form of GAUTENG LIMPOPO
GBV. Although less common, boys are sometimes forced into
unwanted sexual relations. Forcing anyone to have sex is wrong, and is considered a crime.
A study on sexual violence in schools was conducted in Gauteng and Limpopo by Action Aid in 2015.7 The
study found that 45% of female learners in Gauteng and 49% in Limpopo reported being forced to have
sex.
In response to these facts, the DBE’s Policy on HIV, STIs and TB (2017)8 addresses HIV, STIs, TB and teenage
3 ibid.
4 d
e Oliveira, T., Kharsany, A.B., Graf, T., Cawood, C., Khanyile, D., Grobler, A., Puren, A… Karim SSA. (2017). Transmission networks and risk of HIV
infection in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: a community-wide phylogenetic study. Lancet HIV, 4, e41–50. Doi: 10.1016/S2352-3018(16)30186-2.
5 Reddy, P., Sewpaul, R., Jonas, K. (2016) Adolescent pregnancy. (HSRC Policy Brief 15)Retrieved from http://www.hsrc.ac.za/uploads/
pageContent/7562/HSRC%20Policy%20Brief%2015%20-%20Adolescent%20pregnancy_PRESS%20(3).pdf
6 Reddy, S.P., James, S, Sewpaul, R, Sifunda, S, Ellahebokus, A, Kambaran, N.S., Omardien, R.G. (2013). Umthente Uhlaba Usamila – The 3rd South
African National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey2011. Cape Town, South Africa: South African Medical Research Council.
7 Action Aid. (2015) ActionTalk Newsletter (August). Retrieved on March 14, 2016 from http://www.actionaid.org/sites/files/actionaid/actiontalk_
august_newsletter_aasa_2.pdf.
8 The full name of the policy is the “National Policy on HIV, STIs, TB for Learners, Educators, School Support Staff and Officials in all Primary and

pregnancy as major barriers to achieving equality in education. HIV and TB have reached epidemic
proportions in the country. Recent data tells us that 7.1 million people are HIV positive with an approximate
270 000 new HIV infections9 and 450 000 new TB infections annually.10 The rate of teen pregnancy in
South Africa has become a major challenge because learner pregnancy does not only affect completion
of schooling for individuals, in particular the girl learners, but whole families and communities within
which schools and educational institutions function.
Together with the policy, the DBE has developed the Integrated Strategy on HIV, STIs and TB, 2012–2016,
in response to the National Strategic Plan on HIV, STIs and TB, 2012–2016, as well as global and local
thinking on HIV, STIs and TB. One of the key components of the strategy is to increase HIV, STIs and TB
knowledge and skills among learners, educators and officials; to decrease risky sexual behaviour among
learners, educators and officials, and decrease barriers to retention in schools, particularly for vulnerable
learners.
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Life Orientation (LO) for Grades 7 to 9aims
to guide learners to make informed and responsible decisions about their own health and well-being
and the health and well-being of others. The SLPs exposes learners to their constitutional rights and
responsibilities and to the rights of others, and should equip them with the knowledge, skills and values
to make informed decisions, and develop Life Orientation to equip them to take care of their sexual and
reproductive health as they move into young adulthood. The SLPs provide opportunities for learners to
build their confidence to avoid risky relationships and behaviour; to protect themselves if having sexual
relations, and to manage their choices so that they can have a healthy, safe, sexual life.
The SLPs include well-structured, detailed activities to support teachers with the delivery of content
specifically related to sexuality education (SE) guided by the CAPS. The SLPs focus on behavioural change
and provide core messages for learners to remember when thinking about their sexual health. The core
messages are included below.
2. Purpose of the SLPs (Grades 7 to 9)
The SLPs have been aligned to the Life Orientation (LO) CAPS outcomes, topics and subtopics, and the
content needed to teach Grades 7 to 9for the year. Relevant SE topics and concepts are linked to the
LO CAPS concepts to make the teaching, learning and assessment of SE appropriate. Learners in these
grades may already be confronted with decisions about relationships and how relationships influence
their well-being and their choices about their life roles.
Learners are made more aware of more prepared to make decisions regarding their sexuality and healthy
lifestyle choices.
With greater awareness, Life Orientation and positive peer support, learners are more likely to be able to
delay sexual debut, resist unwanted sexual advances, and protect themselves from pregnancy and STIs if
Secondary Schools in the Basic Education Sector”.

9 U
NAIDS. Ending AIDS Progress towards the 90–90–90 targets (2017) Retrieved on June 18, 2018 from http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/
media_asset/Global_AIDS update_2017_en.pdf
10 South Africa National AIDS Council (2017) Let our actions count: South Africa’s National Strategic Plan for HIV, TB and STIs 2017-2022. Retrieved
June 18, 2018 from http://sanac.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/NSP_FullDocument_FINAL.pdf

and when they chose to be sexually active. These lessons aim to decrease risky sexual behaviour among
learners and to support them to make good decisions in relation to their sexual health.
In the Senior Phase, there is a deeper focus on setting goals and making decisions that help to fulfil one’s
potential. Thus, learners are introduced to issues related to adolescence, preparation for the world of work
and gain an awareness of the role that personal values and attitudes play in sexuality and relationship-
building. The process of setting goals, identifying the factors that have an impact on reaching one’s goals
and evaluating the changes one must make to achieve these goals, is developed progressively from Grade
7 to Grade 9.
In addition to the concept of setting goals, learners are guided through the process of how to communicate
assertively, regarding their values, attitudes and decisions. The scope of the activities in the lessons is
determined by linking lesson content to the core knowledge, skills and values as outlined in the topics
and subtopics of the LO CAPS.
The SLPs have been designed for step-by-step implementation. All the lesson planning and much of the
preparation has been done for you, to support you in teaching CSE content. The SLPs are comprehensive
lessons with activities and assessment tasks that help you to teach in line with your Life Orientation
Annual Teaching Plans (ATPs). In order to deliver these effectively, your responsibility will be to become
familiar with the lessons, and practice them as needed, before you teach them.
Activities are detailed, practical and time-bound; they include suggested forms of assessments and
provide you with the relevant illustrations, readings and worksheets for your learners. This is to facilitate
discussions and consolidate knowledge in a practical, structured way. Some content may be considered
sensitive to teach and learn about. The activities are age-appropriate, engaging, and encourage learners
to think about the new content they have to learn. They provide opportunities for learners to think critically
and build their own values about SE topics that would otherwise be avoided. There are activities that ask
learners to talk about the topics at home or with those they live with. This will allow your learners to
internalise what they have learned, take home new ideas, and share the importance of behaviour change
and good decision-making regarding their sexual health. A necessary part of your preparation will be
planning ahead for time management and dividing learners into small groups for groupwork.
An overview of the lessons for each grade, their topics and concepts as well as how they fit into the ATP is
provided at the end of this section.
3. OUTCOMES
The SLPs are not a stand-alone curriculum. They have been mapped against and aligned to the LO learning
outcomes and content. The CSE content in the SLPs has been aligned to the LO CAPS topics.
There are 22 SLPs provided for Grades 7, 8 and 9, i.e. a breakdown of 9 + 9 + 4 SLPs respectively. The
activities for each grade show how concepts are developed across the three grades of the FET phase. The
planning for the SLPs ensures that activities focus on what learner performance is expected at the end of
each grade and by the end of the phase. See Appendix 1: SLPS at a glance.

The SLPs are not taught consecutively but they will be taught across the whole year, where they can be
taught appropriately within the overall content of the LO CAPS. Ideally the LO CAPS should be taught in
sequence, in order to build on the knowledge and skills learned in previous lessons.
The assessment provided will form part of the informal assessment programme for each grade except
where a recommendation is made for you to use an assessment task as part of your formally recorded
assessment. You have a choice to include these tasks if you think they show accurate learner performance
for specific content in CAPS. No additional time for teaching is expected when using the SLPs as the
lessons can be taught within the ATP. The assessment types (e.g. peer- individual- teacher- and group-
assessments) and assessment forms (e.g. quizzes, role-plays, etc.) used in the activities have been
written to model the kind of assessment that is most useful for assessing the knowledge, skills, values
and attitudes covered in CSE.
Many activities encourage learners to carry out their own reflections and discussions outside the
classroom. This encourages positive peer relationships, communication in the home, and the building
of healthy friendships. They are intended to build a safe environment in which learners will feel open to
positive influences.
4. STRUCTURE OF THE SLPs
The SLPs use a format that facilitates the planning and preparation of teaching, learning and assessment
against the topics and subtopics in the CAPS. The structure is as follows:
4.1 CAPS topics and subtopics

All the SLPs have been aligned to and link to the topics and subtopics in the CAPS. Some activities deal
with more than one topic and subtopic. If so, these topics and sub topics are indicated in the lesson plan
of that SLP. There are natural links between the CAPS concepts and the SE content to be taught.
4.2 Concepts
All the relevant, specific content knowledge and concepts for CSE and reproductive health have been
provided in the activities. The concepts have been selected to ensure that age-appropriate learning and
application of knowledge happens for all learners. The concepts are directly linked to what you need to
teach, and what your learners will know at the end of the activity.
The concepts are listed for each SLP, and included with definitions in the glossary so that you can use
them to consolidate your teaching and check your learners’ understanding of the concepts at the end.
For each grade, a detailed overview of the topics and concepts is provided. See the table showing SLPs
At-a-Glance for each grade. The topics for the CAPS are linked to the concepts for CSE for all the SLPs.
4.3 Knowledge, values and attitudes

The SLPs are designed to increase knowledge as well as to change and promote healthy behaviour. In
order for learners to build their confidence and ability to make healthy decisions and act on them, it is
important that knowledge is acquired together with positive values, attitudes and Life Orientation . On
a personal level, your learners will be challenged to make positive life choices. Learners are given the

opportunity to reflect on their behavior and make new decisions about how they behave and what they
choose for themselves. Behaviour change is a process and it is not expected that change is seen after just
one set of lessons. The activities ask learners to talk about behavior with their peers. There is a chance
that together they will continue to discuss and be aware of changing their behavior and making good
choices for themselves.
The implicit outcome of getting learners to engage in the class on relevant issues, healthy choices and
behaviour is that those healthy choices find their way back into their homes and communities, where
choices regarding sexual behaviour are both necessary and challenging. The intention is to build a critical
mass of learners in school and in the community who are able to model healthy behaviour and choices
for their peers.
4.4 Time allocation

Each SLP has been written to cover one hour (1hr). This has been done to accommodate a variety of time
– tabling used across schools for each period. For example, timetables structured on a thirty minute
period can be accommodated by teaching one SLP over two periods. You can fit the SLPs into your own
timetables.
In some lessons, there is an indication of a “natural break” where the content is split to allow you to teach
it over two 30-minute periods.
In the Grade 12.1 lesson the same topic and subtopic have been used to develop two activities so the time
allocation shows 1hour + 1 hour. This lesson allows for preparation of the lesson by learners in one term
and then the execution of their planning in the following term.
Although the time allocated is 1 hour, as with any lesson you teach, some activities may take longer
depending on how well learners grasp content being taught. Many of the activities ask that learners take
tasks home and engage on their own with them. This is to give them time and space to reflect and respond
individually to what they are learning.
The SLPs do not cover all the time allocated for Life Orientation per week. That is because there are more
topics and subtopics that are not about CSE that still need to be taught in CAPS.
Remember that the SLPs are done across the four terms and are taught in different weeks across all
the terms.
4.5 Teaching methodologies

Recommended teaching approaches and methods are included in all the activities found in the SLPs. The
activities should be taught as they have been scripted. The methods and approaches have been selected
to ensure that discussion and practical engagement can happen in the time allocated to each SLP. Some
teachers are more confident of teaching some methods than others. The methods used aim to ensure
that your learners are familiar with the suggested teaching approaches. You must first explain what they
are expected to do, know or show, using the particular technique recommended.

Some methods and approaches can be time-consuming if not managed well. It is important that you plan
ahead and feel comfortable using the suggested method. If you do not feel comfortable, it is preferable
for you to use an approach you are comfortable with, as long as it still encourages participatory learning
and allows your learners to engage fully.
Learners may sometimes find it difficult to divulge sensitive information in front of their peers in the
class. No one should feel forced to share information they do not wish to disclose to others. A suggestion
is that an “Inbox” is made available in the classroom, where learners may then post their questions
or comments confidentially. The higher the level of confidentiality, the more protected learners will feel
about what they are experiencing and need to share. Selected posts can be dealt with in the classroom
when feasible and appropriate during the day or during the week.
4.6 Resources
A list of the resources is provided. These are suggested resources. The resources consist of materials that
can be found in any functional classroom. Mostly, activities ask learners to participate in the making of
some of the learning resources, like game boards, body outlines, etc. Learners can make these resources
during the Creative Arts period or conduct a survey data analysis in their Mathematics lesson.
Schools and classrooms are resourced differently and educators may have other resources available to
assist them. The SLPs are there help educators to facilitate and guide discussions.
A perceived lack of resources should not be a barrier to effective teaching using the SLPs. The resources
required have been suggested because they are easily obtainable. Where resources like models are used,
a note has been included to ask the local clinic to assist by loaning models for use in the classroom.
Additional resources have also been included in some of the activities to provide educators with support
information. Some of these are links to websites or educational articles. If the educators do not have
access to these, they will still be able to teach the lesson with the resources provided in the activities.
4.7 Brief lesson summary

The brief lesson summary gives you a synopsis of what is contained in the lesson, its activities and
teaching methods. It provides description of what the SLP deals with, and the main aims of that lesson.
Brief summaries of each SLP for each grade are provided in a table at the end of this section. This will give
you a snap shot of the content for each lesson. See Appendix 2: Brief Lesson Summaries.
4.8 Key points

The key points give a summary of the main points in the lesson and the core knowledge being targeted,
and emphasise what is essential to the SLP.
4.9 Assessment
Assessment tasks have been designed for each SLP. They are used for self-, peer- or group-assessment,
as indicated. Each SLP shows all the types of assessments and tasks being used in that SLP. Keep
evidence of learner performance in the SLP as an assessment record of what your learners have learned;
how well they have internalised the content; how their behaviour and attitudes have been influenced, and

what content has been most challenging for them. Many assessment tasks ask learners to do the task
collectively and to write it up individually. This is to give them time for discussion on difficult topics and to
share ideas before doing personal reflection.
Behaviour change happens over time, and may not be evident immediately in the classroom. In some
activities, learners might show some adjustments to their behaviour, such as using more respectful
language, showing more sensitivity to gender dynamics, or being able to talk more openly about their
feelings, etc. The SLPs aim to provide opportunities for learners to reflect on their own behaviour and
how their behaviour influences their ability to achieve their life goals. Behaviour change, developing
healthy attitudes and acquiring good values is a long-term process. Learners are encouraged to engage
in personal reflection in the different activities provided.
4.9.1 Informal assessment

The approach to the new content and knowledge for CSE encourages learners to apply what they learn,
re-apply the knowledge in different situations, internalise what they have learned and adjust their
behaviour. This is a formative or developmental process. Informal assessment is not recorded for learner
performance purposes.
Formal assessment is meant to be recorded and to form part of a learner’s portfolio. The activities in the
SLPs are not stated as formal assessment tasks, but suggestions are made about which assessments
you may want to record for formal assessment purposes.
Assessment tasks are formative when they focus on developing skills consolidating learning.
An overview of all the assessments in activities for each grade is included in Appendix 3: Overview of
Assessments in Grades 7-9.
4.9.2 Learner assessment

For tasks that learners are expected to do on their own, encourage them to share their answers and
experiences. This need not be classroom-bound or dealt with only in LO in the classroom. What is learnt
in LO can be appropriately linked to other subjects. Learners in these grades are able to work more
independently and are encouraged to reflect on what they have learnt across each activity. Assessment
tasks are structured for peer engagement and discussion as well as for self-reflection activities. An
overview of learner assessment tasks for each grade is included See Appendix 4: Overview of Learners
Assessment Tasks.
4.10 Notes to the educator

Note to the educator

The SLPs ask for a high level of engagement from you. The notes may alert you to important
aspects of the activity, and flag ways in which the activity can be improved. The aim is to support
you to teach content that may be difficult or unfamiliar.
The SLPs introduce concepts progressively to your learners. Knowledge is built up across all the
activities and often, prior learning is used to introduce new concepts or skills. In many of the
SLPs, the Note to educator will make reference to what has already been taught as well as what
is still to follow. You need to go through both the preceding and the follow-up activities when
preparing to teach an activity so that all the links are understood.
The scripting of the lessons means that a higher level of engagement happens with you through the SLPs
on what must be taught, what learners must learn and how to assess learners. The notes may prompt
and alert you to important aspects of the activity, and may flag issues related to how the activity can be
improved. The expectation is that you will feel supported as you teach content that may be difficult or
unfamiliar.
The SLPs have been designed to introduce concepts progressively to learners. Knowledge is built up
across all the activities and often, prior learning is used to introduce new concepts or skills. In many of
the SLPs, the note to the educator will make reference to what has already been taught as well as what
is still to follow. You need to go through both the preceding and the follow-up activities when preparing to
teach an activity so that all the links are understood.
4.11 Teaching and learning resources

Readings, resources and worksheets are included in the Learner Book for the SLPs. They are structured to
encourage independent learning and the consolidation of knowledge. The focus is on raising awareness
about behaviour as a first step to behaviour change. Peer support and an enabling environment important
elements. Encourage your learners to work individually and where necessary, to practice the changes
encouraged in the SLPs with their peers.
4.12 Glossary
A glossary of terms has been developed for each SLP and is found at the end of the lesson. The terms are
explained as they have been used in the activities in the SLP. This will ensure a common understanding
of concepts that may be less familiar or completely new to both you and your learners. With a glossary
at hand, your learners will feel more comfortable to learn and use the terms. Use the glossary to build
vocabulary with learners and to get them to use the terms with confidence and understanding.
4.13 Bibliographies
All resource material used for the SLPs is referenced. You might want to follow up some of the references
to broaden your own understanding and knowledge in a structured and directed way. Some learner
activities give links to content that learners can research for themselves.

5. THE CORE MESSAGES TO BE INTEGRATED THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM
Core messages have been written for Grades 7 to 9, spelling out the value statements that will be
reinforced in all the activities in the SLPs.
Use the messages; put them up in the classroom; insert them in newsletters to parents etc., so that your
learners hear and see them constantly.
Core Messages (7, 8 and 9)

1. The Safest choice is not to have sex.
2. You have the right to say no to sex in any situation.
3. If you choose to have sex, use a condom every time.
4. Stay faithful to one partner at a time to protect yourself, your partner and your community.
5. If you are having sex, get tested for hiv and other STIs regularly.
6. Both men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.
B. C
LASSROOM MANAGEMENT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF
THE SLPs
This section describes measures you can take to manage your classroom and your learners well, and
to create an environment conducive to learning. The main focus is on facilitating the new content for
Sexuality Education and strengthening how you will teach and assess each of the activities. Learners in
Grades 7 to 9 have varied levels of experience with relationships, are able to better understand issues
of risk and risky behaviour, and can be encouraged to be more self-regulating that learners in earlier
grades.
1. Maintaining your role as educator

Your role, as the educator, is critical in the delivery of the SLP content and in creating an environment
conducive to learning.
Here are some tips:
1. Help your learners feel comfortable to talk about difficult and sometimes embarrassing topics.
2. Build trust amongst your learners so that they keep the confidences of their peers.
3. Ensure that discussions do not cross boundaries to issues that may be overly personal or feel unsafe
to individual learners. No one should be pushed to disclose personal information about themselves,
their sexuality, or their families, decide how much complexity, related to CSE, your learners are ready
to talk about to one another.
4. Respect diversity – these SLPs and the LO CAPS recognise that not all learners (or educators) will
be heterosexual, or identify with their assigned gender identity. The needs of all learners must be
respected throughout all lessons.
5. Initiate and end topics of conversation in a respectful, open but trusting manner.
6. Maintain professionalism even when challenged by learners who may not have relevant and
appropriate information to make good decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
7. Remind yourself to be non-judgmental, unbiased, caringly critical and open to the difficulties that
your learners experience regarding sex, sexuality and the adoption of safe behaviour that will reduce

their risk of acquiring HIV. Model empathy and compassion in the way that you communicate. Some of
your learners and/or their family members may be HIV-positive, affected by sexual violence, or early
pregnancy. Take care to ensure discussions are respectful of those already affected by the problems
we are trying to prevent and address.
8. Most importantly, when a learner does share sensitive information or experiences with you, and it is
clear that they are emotionally and psychologically distressed, take time to debrief the learner about
how he/she is feeling. Make the learners comfortable about the confidentiality of the information
shared. If necessary refer a learner for professional support.
2. Create a safe, conducive classroom environment
Your role in fostering an open, safe and trusting-inspiring environment in which healthy discussions
and relationships can thrive - in the classroom, on the playground and even at home- can’t be stressed
enough. In each of these settings, your learners will be dealing with issues that arise in CSE. The CSE
material aims to help your learners to make informed choices and adopt healthy behaviours related to
content presented in the SLPs.
2.1 Feeling challenged by new SE content

The SLPs for each grade will be taught across the four terms. An indication of where the SLPs can be taught
throughout the year within the ATP is given for each SLP. You may want to find your own appropriate links
to the LO learning outcomes in the work schedule. Use the table referred to above to guide your planning.
To increase your confidence in teaching the new content found in the SLPs, be as thoroughly prepared for
each activity in the SLP as possible.
The content in the SLPs is reliable, age-appropriate and linked to the content in the Life Orientation CAPS.
If information that is not in the CAPS has been included in the SLPs, the content is well-researched, simply
presented and explained clearly.
It may help to discuss your lessons beforehand with your colleagues and share with each other what
activities and approaches are to be followed for the week.
You are not expected to deal with issues and concerns that your learners raise that should be referred
to more professional practitioners like nurses, counsellors or your district-based support team (DBST).
The activities suggest where professionals may be consulted to deal with content which you may not be
equipped to handle.
2.2 Safe learning spaces

Building good values and attitudes can be more challenging than teaching new or unfamiliar content or
topics.
Teaching and learning aids used to convey relevant lesson content may include models of the human
anatomy or explicit posters of harmful diseases. You may feel culturally, religiously or ethically challenged
when teaching some of the content using these teaching and learning aids. Your learners may have similar
feelings. The most important consideration must be how important it is for your learners to know and

understand the content, and how they are likely to be more disadvantaged from not being exposed to the
specific content. Again, you are encouraged to share your concerns and seek advice from your colleagues,
local clinic or professional resources to get the support you need to teach the material effectively.
Values and attitudes are intangible qualities which can be observed and measured. You may consider
allowing your learners to express what they would like to see happening in the classroom. Don’t feel
threatened by strong opinions or views from your learners. If activities are set up to do this, let your
learners work together to find their comfort zones. There are no right or wrong responses. What is most
important is to pitch the content at a level at which learners can internalise it so that they are able to show
a change in behaviour. Activities and messages are given to create a positive experience in the classroom.
The classroom often extends into the home

To ensure that positive learning is reinforced at home, it is important that parents or care-givers understand
what is being taught and why. You will know when parents or care-givers should be included in what is
being shared with your learners in the classroom. Parents or care-givers can be kept abreast of what is
being taught. The school management team (SMT) and School Governing Body (SGB) have a crucial role
in communicating with the parent body about why the content is included in the school curriculum. Make
parents and care-givers feel comfortable and trusting of what you are teaching in the classroom.
2.3 Managing discussion in the classroom

Classroom discussions are contextualised in the activities; they are controlled, stimulated and encouraged
through activities. There is no reason for you to feel unsupported or at a loss about what needs to be
taught. All relevant and appropriate content is provided. For some activities, learners will be expected
to do their own research. Some learner activities encourage learners to do their own research or find out
more about certain content. You need to provide a sense of safety in the classroom, so that discussions
are valuable, healthy and beneficial to all learners.
Use group activities, practical approaches and self-reflection to facilitate discussion

Some activities ask learners to keep a journal of their experiences, decisions, challenges, fears and
strengths in relation to what is being learned. This will assist you in monitoring learners’ responses.
In large classes it is not possible for every group to give feedback back on every activity. The time allocated
will only allow for only some groups to give feedback on their group discussions. Manage group report
backs in a way that all learners hear all the feedback and can make notes on what they have not discussed
in their group.
Also, find a way to rotate group feedback over all activities so that by the end of the SLPs all learners have
had a chance to feedback on their discussions.
2.4 Monitoring peer discussions and engagements

In the SLPs, you are supported to facilitate and guide discussions and to understand how learners relate
to and with each other. You are encouraged to be unobtrusive and unimposing while peer discussions are
happening. In these discussions, peers are building relationships and trust with each other. Allow this to
happen in an unthreatening manner.

The activities require that learners complete tasks that reflect what and how discussions have taken
place. You can intervene in or support these tasks based on what is picked up from learners’ responses to
tasks. Where necessary, make referrals to relevant professional services.
2.5 Building the confidence of learners

Learners in this age group typically go through various stages of development at different times, which
means that in any class levels of maturity and associated behaviour are diverse. Here are some useful
characteristics to consider for this developmental stage.11
INTELLECTUAL EMOTIONAL
• thrives on arguments and discussions • frequently sulks
• increasingly able to memorise and relate to • directs verbal anger at authority figures
• worries about grades, appearance, and
stories; to think, logically, about concepts;
popularity
to engage in reflection and introspection;
• is withdrawn, introspective
to probe own thinking; to think realistically
about plans for the future
• needs to feel important amongst peers
PHYSICAL SOCIAL
• girls: gradually reaching physical and • withdraws from parents and sees them as
sexual maturity old-fashioned and ignorant of new social
• boys: beginning to mature physically and practices
sexually • boys: usually resist any show of affection
• much more concerned with appearance • girls: show more interest in opposite sex than
• increased likelihood of acting on sexual boys do
desires • rebellious and feels parents are too restrictive
• starting to move away from family
MORAL companionship and interaction
• happy to make own decisions • has less intense friendships with those of the
• knows difference between right and wrong same sex, boys usually have whole gang of
• is concerned about fair treatment of friends
others
• is usually reasonably thoughtful
11 The numerous research articles used to compile these lists of characteristics are provided in the Bibliography.

2.6 Factors that impact on learner participation

Use the following mind map to think about and be guided by factors that impact on learner participation.
This graphic will help you make links between the factors you find in your classroom and/or school and
what possible measures you can put in place to address those factors.
• relevant • positive
• contextual • open-minded
• age-appropriate • trusting • healthy school environment
• structured • self-confident • poverty
• relevant subject links • motivated • unsafe
• appropriate methodology • poor guidance from adults
• values-driven may impose • social influences
(Grades 4 to 6) or have • cultural and religious
influence(Grades 10 to 12) on Attitude beliefs
thinking
Content environment
factors
impacting
learner
learner participarion
readiness educator
readiness
• Language
competence
• well-prepared
• appropriate level
• good facilitation
of maturity
• inviting
• trusting
• good feedback
• reflective relationship
building • rapport with learners
• bad experiences
• own comfort levels and
For learners: confidence
For educators:
• good peer • methodology and
• support from
relations teaching style
SMT and district
• respect office • mediate negative
• trust stereotypes
• peer support
• confidence • confidentiality
• confidentiality • psycho-social
• psycho-social support
support

For example:
• If educators’ attitudes aren’t open-minded, learners might struggle to participate fully because they
feel judged.
• A teacher who is well-prepared and who provides good feedback to learners during class discussions
will increase the confidence of learners to discuss difficult SE content.
• Learners come from different cultural and religious backgrounds, and will interpret the discussion
on SE issues against those backgrounds. The teacher’s role is to facilitate the different opinions
that emerge during discussion with learners. This builds confidence, facilitates participation from
learners, and builds mutual tolerance and respect between learners from different backgrounds or
contexts.
3. Managing diversity
The SLPs take an inclusive approach to strengthening teaching, learning and assessment for Sexuality
Education. This is done by modelling good teaching approaches for new content and providing model
assessment tasks. The SLPs also support educators to motivate for behaviour change and good decision-
making about sex, sexuality, HIV and other STIs, and reproductive health.
There are a number of considerations that should be taken into account when accommodating and
responding to barriers to teaching and learning encountered by educators in the classroom:
3.1 Inclusive classrooms

Your classroom must be accepting of all learners. As an educator, ask yourself the following questions:
a. Will learning and engaging with each other in activities build social skills, encourage respect and
tolerance of different views, and foster empathy?
b. Does the learning context promoting interaction equally for all learners?
c. Is learning promoting effective communication, including assertiveness and informed decision-
making?
d. What can be done to ensure empathy for those who are affected by the issues covered by the SLPs?
e. Do activities foster collaboration and learning together?
f. Are the backgrounds, cultural views and experiences of all learners valued?
g. Are opportunities provided for learners with barriers (emotional, intellectual, social, physical, etc.) to
participate fully?
h. Do all learners participate equally in group activities?
i. Is the report back on group discussions shared by all learners?
3.2 Different ages and experiences

The SLPs have been designed to gradually introduce the content at a level that is appropriate for each
grade, taking into consideration the diverse individual experiences between learners.
a. All teaching and learning needs to be age-appropriate, and given at the level that learners are ready
to receive it. You will be able to use the SLPs within and across the three grades of the senior phase
to assist with correct pitching of the content.
b. Your learners’ experiences and knowledge about CSE will influence your teaching and discussions.
c. Home influences impact on experiences and perceptions of learners about sexuality. The SLPs can
be used to create a safe context for learners to deal with challenging sexuality education concepts.

In older learners, peer influences play an important role in decision-making.

d. There is room for diverging points of view; as an educator, you need to ensure that the environment
remains respectful and safe for open discussion.
e. Parents/care-givers need to feel confident that you are able to teach these difficult concepts and are
dealing with the divergent feelings of learners.
f. The practical approach to teaching taken in the SLPs will help you bring learners of different ages and
experience into a common learning space. The practical approach aims to address the needs who are
at varying stages of maturity and readiness.
3.3 Language
a. The activities in the SLPs have been written in a style that is appropriate to the level of understanding
of your learner. Information is presented in a variety of different forms. Some learners may find it easier
to interpret texts that are given in visual formats, such as comic strips, graphic representations, etc.
Learners may also present their thoughts visually, by, for example, using pictures, drawings, etc.
b. Keep in mind that for many learners, English language competence may affect their readiness or ability
to express their thoughts, feelings or decisions and influence their confidence to engage difficult
topics.
c. It is not possible to cater for the language levels of individual learners. The language competency levels
of your learners are too diverse to allow for this. You will need to facilitate these activities as you would
do all other subject lessons, so that your learners participate fully.
d. Many of the SLPs have included suggestions for linkages to other subjects.
e. What your learners write and the journals they are encouraged to keep may be used as part of the
language written work.
4. Parental involvement and consent
a. In the context of learning about the effects of HIV and AIDS and other STIs, it is necessary to consider
that many homes may have no parents and that child-headed- homes are a reality in many of our
communities. The household situation of each learner is an important consideration when planning to
teach CSE.
b. Some activities require that learners engage with their siblings and/or parents and/or caregivers at
home or in their communities. Many family members may have their own views or prejudices about
their children dealing with some of the content in the SLPs. For this reason, the SLPs have been linked,
very clearly, to the content of the LO CAPS. A separate outreach to parents and community members
has been planned as part of the roll-out of the CSE SLPs.
c. The school management team (SMT) plays a crucial role in sharing what the SLPs are about and what
their purpose within the LO CAPS is with parents and other stakeholders in the school. Use the eight
core messages to share what learners will be taught about Sexuality Education when doing the SLPs.
d. All educators and learners should treat discussions as confidential. If any points of discussion are
shared beyond the classroom, this should be with permission, and without disclosing who said what.
The exception to this is when a learner may be in danger and in the best interest of the child action
needs to be taken.

Note to educator
• Below is a breakdown of the CAPS topics with the associated content from the SLPs, and how
each topic and its content can be taught across the year in an integrated manner.
• Each SLP has been developed to be covered in ONE HOUR, with the exception of two lessons in
Grade 10 that are allocated 90 minutes, for extended learner application. Schools have different
timetable allocations for LO, e.g. 30 minutes, 45 minutes or 60 minutes. The indication of time
given here for the SLPs will allow you to fit the SLPs into the total amount of time allocated for
LO in the CAPS.
• Remember the SLPs are to be taught across all four terms, as part of the CAPS content dealing
with the specific content included in the SLPs.

APPENDIX 1: SLPS AT A GLANCE
Grade 7
Time al- Teaching in annu-

CAPS topic CAPS subtopic SLP lesson Content
located al plan term
Development Concept: self-im- 7.1 Setting goals • identifying the learners’ personal qualities; 1 hr. 1
of the self in age and reaching • identifying their personal interest, abilities and potential;
society your potential
• learning what SMART goals are;
Substance abuse
Health, social • learning how to set SMART goals; and
and environ- Common diseases • understanding how unhealthy behaviour and choices can
mental respon- be an obstacle to reach your goal.
sibilities Value and impor-
tance of work in
World of work fulfilling personal
needs and poten-
tial
Development Concept: Self-im- 7.2 Appreciation • explaining the changes that occur in boys and girls, where 1 hr. 1
of the self in age and acceptance learners are shown the importance of accepting them-
society of self and others selves and others as they are;
• defining the word “values” and give several examples of
important values related to sexual health;
• clarifying personal values about gender, relationships and
sex;
• discussing the importance of having clear values and
behaving in accordance with one’s values; and
• discussing negative stereotypes associated with men/
boys and women/girls and identify ways to redefine these
stereotypes.

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:
27
28
Development Peer pressure 7.3 Is there a dif- • describing how peer pressure may influence an individu- 1 hr. 1
of the self in ference between al’s behaviour: use of substances, crime, sexual behaviour,
society gender and sex? bullying and rebellious behaviour;
• explaining the difference between the terms sex, gender
and sexual orientation;
• identifying at least two gender messages that girls and

boys receive within their community;
• distinguishing between characteristics and attitudes that
are determined by our sex, and those determined by our
gender; and

• explaining how harmful gender messages can affect
health and well-being.
Development Changes in boys 7.4 Understand- • identifying 4 to 6 internal and external physical changes 1 hr. 1
of the self in and girls: puberty ing puberty – that occur during puberty for girls and boys;
society physical, social • defining and describe the process of menstruation;
and emotional
• defining and describe the processes of erection and ejac-
changes
ulation; and
• describing how to care for oneself during puberty.
Development Concept: self-im- 7.5 Healthy and • explaining how peer pressure can influence an individual; 1 hr. 1
of the self in age unhealthy rela- • understanding how peer pressure affects teenagers;
society tionships
Common diseas- • responding appropriately to peer pressure: assertive and
Health, social es: TB, diabetes, coping skills;
and environ- epilepsy, obesity, • identifying characteristics of healthy and unhealthy rela-
mental respon- anorexia, HIV and tionships;
sibility AIDS • identifying abusive behaviours and the five categories of
abuse;
• describing how unhealthy gender messages play a role in
promoting unhealthy behaviours and abuse within rela-
tionships;
• understanding the concept of a relationship non-negotia-
ble point;
• identifying which healthy behaviours are most important in
relationships, as well as identifying personal “deal-break-
ers” ; and
• describing parents’, or other trusted adults’ ideas about
what constitutes a healthy relationship.
Development Concept: self-im- 7.6 Making deci- • Reviewing: “Appreciation and acceptance of self and oth- 1 hr. 1
of the self in age sions about sex ers”;
society • describing the seven-steps of the “CLARIFY” deci-
Peer pressure
sion-making model presented in this lesson;
Health, social
and environ- Common diseas- • applying the “CLARIFY” decision-making model to make
mental respon- es: TB, diabetes, decisions about sex for characters in a case study;
sibility epilepsy, obesity, • discussing how personal values influence decision- mak-
anorexia, HIV and ing;
AIDS • employing the steps of decision-making for a personal
decision and
• accepting others
Development Peer pressure 7.7 Assertive • defining non-verbal communication; 1 hr. 1
of the self in communication • explaining the importance of non-verbal communication
society matching verbal communication;
• describing three approaches to communication: passive,
aggressive and assertive; and
• explaining how inequitable gender norms may affect boys’
and girls’ ability to communicate assertively.
REVIEW REVIEW 7.8 Revisiting • explaining how setting goals will help them to realise their 1 hr. 1
your goals and potential;
moving forward • formulating SMART goals;
• reciting a SMART goal that describes something they feel
is important to accomplish this year;
• identifying the obstacles that unhealthy behavioural
choices would present for goal attainment; and
• conducting a force field analysis of factors and influences
that encourage or inhibit healthy behaviour.

29
30
Grade 8

Development of Concept: Self-con- 8.1 Setting goals • Explain why every human being has worth 1 hr 1
the self in society cept formation and and reaching • Explain the importance of reaching one’s potential
self-motivation your potential

• Set long-term goals
• Create a plan for meeting those goals
• Identify possible barriers to reaching goals and strategies to over-
come those barriers

• Talk to parents (or other trusted adults) about reaching future goals
and how acquisition of HIV would making reaching these goals
more challenging
• Review key points, messages and skills learned during Grade 7
• Make a commitment to engage in healthy behaviour and work
toward future goals (review again at end of Lesson 8.8)
Constitutional Concept: Gender 8.2 (A) and (B) • Describe how inequitable, rigid gender norms can affect the health 1 hr 4
rights and respon- equity Healthy and un- and well-being of girls and boys (women and men) especially with
sibilities healthy messages regard to reproductive and sexual health
about our gender • Propose alternative gender norms that are healthy and equitable
for men and women
• Challenge inequitable gender norms in a safe way
• Identify human rights and South African laws and policies that
protect gender equality
Development of Concept: Sexuality 8.3 Making healthy • identifying your own personal limits regarding sexual behaviour; 1 hr 1
the self in society sexual choices and • describing the personal feelings that impact sexuality;
knowing your limits
• understanding the influence of friends and peers on one’s sexual-
ity;
• listing sexually transmitted infections;
• discussing sexual choices; and
• knowing your limits.
Development of Concept: Sexuality 8.4 Sexuality is more • explaining the difference between the concepts of “sex” 1 hr 3
the self in society than sex and “sexuality” and provide examples of sexuality from their
Health, social and social context;
environmental Decision-making • identifying the difference between love and related emo-
responsibility about health and tions; and
safety: HIV and AIDS • discovering ways to show love and affection in a relation-
ship without engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour.
Development of Concept: Sexuality 8.5 What young • identifying the names of common STIs; 1 hr 1
the self in society Decision-making adults need to know • describing how STIs are transmitted;
Health, social and about health and about STIs and HIV
• listing common symptoms of STIs with no symptoms;
environmental safety: HIV and AIDS and 3
• explaining the importance of getting tested regularly for
responsibility
AIDS STIs if sexually active;
• explaining the transmission of HIV; and discussing ways to
prevent STIs.
Development of Concept: Sexuality 8.6 Your risk for • identifying the high level of risk for becoming pregnant or 1 hr 1
the self in society Decision-making STIs, HIV and causing a pregnancy by having unprotected sex;
Health, social and about health and • identifying the low risk of getting pregnant and acquiring
safety: HIV and AIDS AIDS and pregnancy
environmental HIV and other STIs through the correct use of contraception
responsibility and condoms;
• identifying zero probability of becoming pregnant or
causing a pregnancy if an individual abstains from having a
sexual relationship; and
• differentiating between facts and myths regarding the risk
for pregnancy and infection with HIV and other STIs.
Health, social and Decision-making 8.7 HIV and AIDS • defining stigma; 1 hr 1
environmental about health and and stigma • explaining the negative effects of stigma on both victim and
responsibility safety: HIV and perpetrator in terms of:
3
• feelings and
AIDS
• self-esteem; and
• giving examples of how stigma violates human rights and
the danger thereof.

31
32
Development of Relationships and 8.8 The art of saying • Identify the strategies one can use to refuse unwanted or 1 hr 1
the self in society friendships “No, thanks” unprotected sex
Health, social and Decision-making • Use refusal strategies in scripted and unscripted role-play
3
environmental about health and • Identify challenges to using refusal strategies and ways to
responsibility safety: HIV and AIDS over those challenges

• Discuss how inequitable gender norms can affect a boy’s or
girls ability to refuse unwanted or unprotected sex

Grade 9

Development of Goal-setting skills: Lesson 9.1 Setting • formulating SMART goals; 1 hr 1
the self in society Personal life style goals and reaching • reciting a SMART goal that describes something they feel is
choices your potential important to accomplish this year;
• explaining the relationship between behaviour and goals
and identifying that some behaviours can assist in accom-
plishing their goals and others that cannot;
• conducting a force field analysis of factors and influences
that encourage or inhibit engaging in healthy behaviour;
• identifying several goal-supporting behaviours they have
chosen, to make a commitment in the upcoming year to
support accomplishing their goals; and
• articulating their commitment to specific behaviours that
will support them in achieving their goals and help them to
prevent HIV, AIDS, STIs and teenage pregnancy.
Development of Sexual behaviour and Lesson 9.3 Safer sex: • listing the benefits of using a condom; 1 hr 1
the self in society sexual health Using condoms • listing the steps for using a male and female condom cor-
rectly,
• identifying places in the community where teenagers can
obtain male and female condoms;
• using a male and female condom correctly; and dispelling
myths about condoms.
Development of Sexual behaviour and Lesson 9.4 Barriers • identifying barriers associated with using male condoms; 1 hr 1
the self in society sexual health to condom use • identifying responses or solutions to these barriers; and
• identifying how alcohol or drug use can affect one’s ability
to use a condom.
Development of Sexual behaviour and Lesson 9.5 One • identifying at least two reasons to be faithful to one partner 1 hr 1
the self in society sexual health partner at a time if having sex;
• identifying at least one gender norm that accounts for dif-
ferences between women’s and men’s reasons for choosing
mutual monogamy and multiple concurrent sexual part-
ners; and
• identifying at least two ways to overcome or diminish some
of the reasons they might have for wanting multiple concur-
rent partners if having sex.
Development of Sexual behaviour and Lesson 9.6 Using • identifying where to access information and services relat- 1 hr 1
the self in society sexual health sexual and repro- ed to contraceptives, and prevention and treatment of STIs
ductive health and HIV;
resources in the • describing the reproductive and sexual health services
community available in their area; and
• reflecting a positive attitude toward health seeking be-
haviour
Development of Sexual behaviour and Lesson 9.7 Are you • listing ways in which their lives would be affected by preg- 1 hr 1
the self in society sexual health ready for parent- nancy and parenting;
Goal-setting skills: hood? • identifying how boys and girls might experience parenthood
Personal lifestyle similarly and differently; and
choices • discussing ways to postpone parenthood until they are
ready.
Health, social and Health and safety Lesson 9.8 Sexual • defining consensual sex; 1 hr 3
environmental issues related to consent • identifying what clear sexual consent sounds like and looks
responsibility violence like;
• clarifying sexual consent that sounds, looks and feels am-
biguous; and

• discussing how unhealthy gender norms play a role in not
giving, getting and accepting sexual consent.
33
34
Health, social and Health and safety Lesson 9.9 Power • defining power; 1 hr 3
environmental issues related to and control in rela- • identifying four ways that power can be used;
responsibility violence tionships
• describing ways that power and control can play a role in
romantic relationships;

• describing how harmful and/or controlling uses of power in
relationships contribute to STIs, HIV acquisition and teen-
age pregnancy;
• identifying warning signs that a sexual partner may be un-
comfortable and wanting to withdraw consent even if s/he

has not communicated this clearly or explicitly; and
• listing 1-3 phrases they might use to communicate to a
partner that s/he respects a partner having set sexual
limits/boundaries.
Development of Sexual behaviour and Lesson 9.10 Con- • interpreting non-verbal communications clues; 1 hr 1
the self in society sexual health doms: Being asser- • communicating assertively;
tive and staying
• identifying commonly used “pressure lines”: phrases others
protected
use to coerce; and
• describing how inequitable gender norms can influence
boys’ and girls’ ability to negotiate condom use.
REVIEW REVIEW Lesson 9.11: Consol- • setting goals for improving their life during the next year; 1 hr 3
idating intentions for • identifying the obstacles that unhealthy behavioural choic-
Grade 9 es would present for goal attainment;
• conducting a force field analysis identifying factors and
influences that encourage engaging in healthy behaviour,
as well as factors and influences that inhibit healthy be-
haviour choices;
• conducting an advanced force field analysis, identifying
strategies to maximise factors and influences that promote
healthy behaviours.
APPENDIX 2: OVERVIEW OF BRIEF SUMMARIES FOR GRADES 7 TO 9

Grade 7 Brief Summaries
Grade 7 Lessons Brief Summary

Lesson 7.1 During Lesson 7.1, in the Setting goals and reaching your potential SLP, your
learners learn why setting SMART goals is important and generate short-term goals related
Setting goals and reaching your to various aspects of their lives. They learn to formulate these as SMART goals. They also
potential identify the obstacles that pregnancy, HIV and other STIs can present to goal achievement.
Lesson 7.2 During Lesson 7.2: Appreciation and acceptance of the self and others, your
learners will first participate in a classroom discussion where the terms “appreciation” and
Appreciation and acceptance of self “acceptance” are defined. The purpose of this lesson is to discuss how one’s values and
and others value system influences how one appreciates and accepts oneself and others. Examples of
learners’ values will be explored through discussion. Your learners will then participate in
a “forced-choice” or “value clarification” activity where they are asked to think about, and
then defend, their values related to a variety of sexual health situations.
After this activity, there is a classroom discussion about the importance of being clear
about one’s values and how, for example, negative gender stereotypes may affect how one
thinks and acts out one’s values.
Lesson 7.3 During Lesson 7.3: Is there a difference between gender and sex? your learners
will explore the difference between the concepts of sex, gender, and sexual orientation.
Is there a difference between gen- Your learners will then discuss a variety of gender messages that girls and boys receive
der and sex? from multiple forces in their community about how girls and boys are expected to behave
and express themselves. Your learners will then read a story about a pair of twins, Samuel
and Sarah. They will then participate in a classroom discussion about how harmful gender
messages can affect health and well-being.
Lesson 7.4 During Lesson 7.4: Understanding puberty - physical, social and emotional
changes, your learners will learn about the changes that happen in their bodies during
Understanding puberty – physical, puberty and how to manage them. The lesson begins with a definition of puberty. Learners
social and emotional changes then break up into small groups and read a brochure about puberty. Each of your learners
will prepare a presentation on a portion of the brochure. Your learners will then deliver
their presentations in groups of six. While each learner is presenting, the other learners
will categorise the changes discussed in the presentation by type and depict the changes
on a figure drawing. Your learners will then return to the whole class to offer their reac-
tions to what they learned about puberty. The lesson ends with a homework assignment
to write a letter to a fictional aunt posing some questions about puberty.

Lesson 7.5 During Lesson 7.5: Healthy and unhealthy relationships, your learners will under-
stand the meaning of peer pressure and its effects, how it can influences them and how to
Healthy and unhealthy relationships respond appropriately to such pressure. Your Learners will also define, through exam-
ples, the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships. Your learners will then
analyse sample relationship behaviours and determine whether each behaviour is healthy
or unhealthy. Learners look at the extreme end of unhealthy behaviours by identifying ac-
tions that constitute abuse of varying levels of severity, across five categories. A definition
of abuse is presented. The lesson concludes with a presentation of a four-step process that
your learners can use to address unhealthy behaviours that may arise in their relation-
ships. Your learners will go home with an assignment, to reflect on and record what they
want their relationships to look like to ensure that they are healthy and to discuss these
issues with a parent or other caring adult that they trust.
Lesson 7.6 During Lesson 7.6: Making decisions about sex, there will be a focus on the changes,
especially bodily and emotional changes, that boys and girls go through and how to ap-
Making decisions about sex preciate and accept the self and others. Your Learners will also be oriented to a seven-step
decision-making model called “CLARIFY”. They will apply these steps to a case study
related to making sexual decisions, taking into account gender-based power differenc-
es. For homework they will each apply the steps of decision-making to one of their own
decisions. This can be used as an assessment and form part of individual learner portfolios
of evidence.
Lesson 7.7 During Lesson 7.7: Assertive communication, your learners will learn the definition of
non-verbal communication and its role in both unclear “mixed- message” communication
Assertive communication and clear communication. Your learners will then learn definitions for three approaches to
communication: passive, aggressive and assertive. They will observe a skit that demon-
strates these three approaches to communication and will identify the characteristics
of each approach. Finally, your learners will identify ways in which gender messages can
shape approaches to communication, focusing on difficulties that stem from gender norms
that both men/boys and women/girls can experience when trying to communicate assert-
ively.
Lesson 7.8 During Lesson 7.8: Revisiting your goals and moving forward, your learners begin
with an assessment of their progress on the SMART goal they set for themselves at the be-
Revisiting your goals and moving ginning of the SLPs in Grade 7 Life Orientation. They will revise the goal or set a new goal
forward to practice the SMART goal-setting technique. The lesson continues with your learners ex-
amining how their behaviours can either support them in accomplishing their goals or get
in the way of reaching their goals. Your learners will think critically of their behaviours and
decisions and the impact of certain decisions, to bring about behaviour change. The lesson
ends with your learners making a commitment to positive, goal-supporting behaviours
related to health and sex.


Lesson 8.1 Lesson 8.1: Setting goals and reaching your potential begins with a review of the
concept and relevance of goal-setting. Your learners will review the technique of SMART
Setting goals and reaching your goal-setting and write a SMART goal that they want to accomplish in the next year. The les-
potential son continues with a review of the ways that the behaviours learners choose – especially
sexual behaviours – can either support them in accomplishing their goals or get in the way
of reaching their goals. The force field analysis technique will be introduced and applied,
building on to the decision-making analysis model that they learned in Grade 7. The lesson
ends with learners making a commitment to positive, goal-supporting behaviours related
to health and sex.
Lesson 8.2A During Lesson 8.2A: Healthy and unhealthy messages about our gender, your
learners will revisit important definitions related to gender that they learned in Grade 7.
Healthy and unhealthy messages Your learners then work in small groups to explore some of the harmful and unhealthy
about our gender messages that exist in society about how boys and girls should behave. In Lesson 8.2B:
Healthy and unhealthy messages about our gender, your learners will work to
change harmful and unhealthy gender messages into healthy ones.
Lesson 8.2B During Lesson 8.2B: Healthy and unhealthy messages about gender, your learners
continue their discussion about healthy and unhealthy messages about gender from the
Healthy and unhealthy messages previous lesson. In Lesson 8.2B, the focus is on having your learners think about new ways
about our gender to define unhealthy gender messages and the behaviours and characteristics associated
with them, into healthier, more equitable ones.
Lesson 8.3 During Lesson 8.3: Making healthy sexual choices and knowing your limits, your
learners will explore safe and unsafe choices regarding sexual behaviour. Your learners will
Making healthy sexual choices and learn about “personal limits” and three important steps they can take to protect their per-
knowing your limits sonal limits and avoid unsafe sexual choices. Later in the lesson your learners will further
explore their personal limits and how to stick to them.
Lesson 8.4 During Lesson 8.4: Sexuality is more than sex, your learners will brainstorm the
meanings behind the concepts of “sex” and “sexuality” and provide contextually relevant
Sexuality is more than sex examples of each. They will work in small groups to distinguish love from other related
emotions and consider ways to express affection in a relationship without having sex.
Lesson 8.5 During Lesson 8.5: What young adults need to know about STIs, HIV and AIDS,
your learners observe a simulation that highlights the fact that you cannot tell if someone
What young adults need to know has HIV or an STI, just by looking at them. Your learners then read a comic-book-style
about STIs, HIV and AIDS information booklet to learn foundational information about STIs. Your learners also test
their comprehension of the information in the booklet in small groups using a competitive,
head-to-head quiz. The lesson ends with a diagram-based mini-lecture that illustrates the
increased risk of acquiring STIs and HIV resulting from the practice of multiple, concurrent
sexual partners within a community or social circle.

Lesson 8.6 During Lesson 8.6: Your risk for STIs, HIV and AIDS and pregnancy, your learn-
ers start out working in small groups rating the riskiness of ten sexual behaviours. Your
Your risk for STIs, HIV and AIDS and learners then participate in an interactive simulation that demonstrates the likelihood of
pregnancy STI or HIV acquisition and becoming pregnant if engaging in unprotected sex. Finally, your
learners will indicate, anonymously, what lifestyle choice – in terms of sexual behaviours –
they plan to make in the near future.
Lesson 8.7 During Lesson 8.7: HIV, AIDS and stigma, your learners will participate in an experien-
tial learning exercise about what it feels like to be a victim of stigmatisation. Your learners
HIV, AIDS and stigma then critically reflect on the negative effects stigma has on a person’s self- esteem and
dignity. They will learn that no one is immune to stigma and the only way to stop it is to
change the way we treat others and make a commitment to not tolerating stigmatising
behaviour.
Lesson 8.8 During Lesson 8.8: The art of saying: No, thanks, your learners are presented with
techniques to refuse sex in general and refuse sex without using a condom specifically. A
The art of saying: “No, thanks” scripted role play is performed by the educator and a learner-volunteer to demonstrate
the techniques.

Lesson 9.1 Lesson 9.1: Setting goals and reaching your potential, begins with a review of the
Setting goals and reaching your SMART goal-setting technique. Your learners will write a SMART goal they want to accom-
potential plish in the next year. The lesson continues with a review of the behaviours your learners
choose – especially sexual behaviours – that can either support them in accomplishing
their goals, or not. Your learners will practise the force field analysis technique that they
first learned at the end of Grade 7 Life Orientation and later practised in Grade 8. The les-
son ends with your learners writing a letter to themselves where they make a commitment
to positive, goal-supporting behaviours regarding health and sex.
Lesson 9.2 During Lesson 9.2: Safer sex: Hormonal contraception, your learners begin by
Safer sex: Hormonal contraception participating in an interactive simulation that highlights the risk of teenage pregnancy due
to unprotected sex. The lesson provides a general explanation of hormonal methods of
contraception. It then leads your learners through a detailed examination of seven specific
types of hormonal contraception. The lesson ends with a discussion of how unhealthy
gender norms have traditionally labelled contraception as “a woman’s responsibility”, and
how men can play an active role in a sexually active couple’s in choice and use of hormonal
contraception.
Lesson 9.3 During Lesson 9.3: Safer sex: Using condoms, your learners begin the lesson by
Safer sex: Using condoms reviewing the importance of preventing pregnancy by keeping the sperm and egg apart.
The lesson continues with your learners identifying the unique benefits of choosing to use
condoms, especially their effectiveness at preventing both pregnancy and STIs and HIV
transmission. Learners also identify the places in their community where they can obtain
male condoms. The C of the lesson is an educator demonstration of the correct way to put
on a male condom, using a penile model.

Lesson 9.4 During Lesson 9.4: Barriers to condom use, your learners start the lesson with a
Barriers to condom use reminder on the effectiveness of male condoms in preventing STIs, HIV and teenage
pregnancy, if used correctly and consistently. Your learners will then compete in pairs to
brainstorm on barriers and challenges to condom use. In small groups, your learners will
create an advertising slogan that promotes one or more strategies for overcoming a specif-
ic barrier to condom use.
Lesson 9.5 Lesson 9.5: One partner at a time, begins with a diagram-based mini-lecture that
One partner at a time illustrates the increased risk of acquiring STIs and HIV resulting from the practice of mul-
tiple, concurrent sex partners within a community or social circle. Then, your learners will
brainstorm the reasons why young people – both women and men – might choose sexual
relationships that are mutually monogamous as well as multiple, concurrent sexual rela-
tionships. The lesson ends with your learners assessing the advantages and disadvantages
of these two types of relationships, taking into consideration the increased risk for STIs
and transmission of HIV illustrated in the first activity.
Lesson 9.6 During Lesson 9.6: Using sexual and reproductive health resources in the com-
Using sexual and reproductive munity, a guest speaker from the local department of health or a local clinic is invited to
health resources in the community speak about the sexual and reproductive health services available to adolescents at the
clinic, the issue of confidentiality of all services offered and the importance of practising
safer sex if one chooses to have sex. The speaker will then answer any questions your
learners may have. For homework, your learners (in small groups or pairs) will visit their
local clinic and/or other service providers in their area and complete a questionnaire on
the services offered.
Lesson 9.7 During Lesson 9.7: Are you ready for parenthood?, your learners will explore the ways
Are you ready for parenthood? parenthood would affect a teenage father and teenage mother with respect to relation-
ships, school and education, finances, legal responsibilities, social life and physical and
emotional health. At the conclusion of the lesson, your learners will discuss steps they can
take to postpone parenthood until they are ready to become parents.
Lesson 9.8 During Lesson 9.8: Sexual consent, your learners will learn the definition for sexual
Sexual consent consent and the importance of getting clear, verbal consent is emphasised. Your learners
will examine why there is often ambiguity with the communication of sexual consent as
well as how unhealthy gender norms can promote this ambiguity. Your learners are given
a checklist-type tool for determining whether clear, verbal consent is being given in sexual
situations and they will practise using this tool to analyse sexual situations. The lesson
ends with your learners developing some communication skills aimed at eliminating ambi-
guity about consent in sexual situations.
Lesson 9.9 During Lesson 9.9 Power and control in relationships, your learners will review a
Power and control in relationships definition of “power” and learn about a framework that presents four ways in which pow-
er can be used. Your learners then work in small groups to generate examples of these four
ways of using power within romantic relationships. Your learners will discuss how differ-
ences in levels of personal power between two people in a relationship, as well as harmful
or controlling uses of power, might lead to STIs, HIV acquisition or teenage pregnancy. The
lesson ends with your learners developing two communications skills pertaining to sexual
consent that add to the skill they learned in the last lesson.

Lesson 9.10 During Lesson 9.10: Condoms: Being assertive and staying protected, your
Condoms: Being assertive and stay- learners review what they learned in Grades 7 and 8 Life Orientation about: (a) non-verbal
ing protected communication or body language, (b) communicating assertively, and (c) setting bound-
aries and saying “no” to sex while still maintaining a positive relationship with the other
person. Your learners will familiarise themselves with the “lines” that other people will
use to try to pressure them into having sex without using condoms. The lesson ends with
an open discussion of how gender norms can serve to pressure others into having sex or
having unprotected sex.
Lesson 9.11 During Lesson 9.11: Consolidating intentions for Grade 9, your learners begin by
Consolidating intentions for Grade 9 assessing their progress on the SMART goal they set for themselves at the start of the
Grade 9 Life Orientation curriculum. The lesson continues with your learners learning an
advanced version of the force field analysis technique they have been practising through-
out Grades 7 and 8. This advanced technique adds two steps: (a) brainstorming strategies
that will promote factors and influences that, in turn facilitate healthy behaviours, and (b)
brainstorming strategies to eliminate or mitigate factors that inhibit healthy behaviours
or lead to other, negative behaviour choices. The lesson ends with your learners writing a
letter to their parent(s) or other trusted adult(s) describing the most important things they
learned in the HIV , STI and pregnancy prevention portion of the three-year Life Orien-
tation curriculum. The letter describes the knowledge and skills acquired, commits your
learners to three healthy behaviours, and identifies what your learners’ parent(s) or other
trusted adult(s) can do to support them.

Appendix 3: O
verview of Assessment Programme for Grades 7 to 9
Grade 7
Type of Assess-
Lesson Title of SLP Form of Assessment
ment
7.1 Setting goals and reaching Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet
your potential Informal Self Written task: Journal writing
Informal Group Brainstorm
Practical task: Making a collage
Informal Peer Group discussion
Pair discussion
Test your knowledge questions
7.2 Appreciation and accep- Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet

tance of self and others Informal Self Group discussion
Informal Group Individual task: Self-reflection activity
Informal Peer Written task: Case study
7.3 Is there a difference be- Informal Educator Written task: Reading passage
tween gender and sex? Informal Self Group discussion: Poster
Informal Group Group discussion: Review of Quiz
Peer assessment: Quiz
Informal Peer Test your knowledge
7.4 Understanding puberty – Informal Educator Written task: Labelling diagram

physical, social and emo- Informal Self Written task: Jigsaw activity
tional changes
Informal Group Group discussion: Poster
Pair group work
7.5 Healthy and unhealthy rela- Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet - Reading activity
tionships Informal Self Group discussion
Informal Group Written task: Research activity
Group discussion: Oral presentation
7.6 Making decisions about sex Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet – Case study
Informal Self Written task: Answer the Questions activity
Informal Group Group discussion
Informal Peer
7.7 Assertive communication Informal Educator Written task: Communication skills
Informal Self Written task: Reading activity
7.8 Revisiting your goals and mov- Informal Educator Written activity: Review of goals
ing forward Informal Self Written task: Worksheet – Smart goals
Informal Peer Written task: Answer the Questions activity

Grade 8
Lesson Title of SLP Type of Assessment Form of Assessment

8.1 Setting goals and reaching your Informal Educator Group discussion: review of goals
potential Informal Self Written Task: Review of goals
Informal Group Written task: Journal writing (self-reflection)
Practical tsk: Poster making
8.2 A Healthy and unhealthy messag- Informal Educator Written task: Worksheets
es about our gender Informal Self Group discussion: brainstorm
Informal Group Individual task: Review activity
Written task: Answer the Questions activity
Informal Peer
8.2B Making healthy sexual choices Informal Educator Written task: Worksheets
and knowing your limits Informal Self Group discussion: review of content
Informal Group Written task: journal writing (self-reflection)
Test your knowledge
Informal Peer
8.3 Sexuality is more than sex Informal Educator Written task: Worksheets
Informal Self Group discussion: Brainstorm
Informal Group Written task: Journal writing (self-reflection)
Test your knowledge
Informal Peer
8.4 What young adults need to Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet
know about STIs, HIV and AIDS Informal Self Group discussion: Brainstorm
Informal Group Group discussion: Responding to questions
Written task: Responding to questions (informal
Informal Peer task)
8.5 Your risks for acquiring STI’s, HIV Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet
and AIDS and pregnancy Informal Self Group discussion: practical demonstration
Informal Group Group activity: Collecting facts (research)
Group activity: Visual literacy activity
Informal Peer Written task: Reading activity
Practical task: Project – poster making
Test your knowledge
8.6 HIV, AIDS and stigma Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet
Informal Self Group discussion: Conceptual development
Informal Group Practical task: Voting and debrief
Written task: Mind map
Informal Peer Written task (group): Plan of action
Test your knowledge

8.7 The art of saying “No, thanks” Informal Educator Group discussion: Visual literacy and interpreta-
Informal Self tion
Informal Group Group practical task: Game
Classroom discussion: Answer questions
Informal Peer Written task: Essay writing
Test your knowledge
8.8 The art of saying “No, thanks” Informal Educator Class discussion: Communication skills
Informal Self Group Activity: Practical task – role-play
Informal Group Group Activity: Practical task - Communication
skills
Informal Peer Written task: Answer the Questions activity
Grade 9
Lesson Title of SLP Type of Assessment Form of Assessment

9.1 Setting goals and reaching Informal Educator Class discussion: Review of goals
your potential Informal Self Written task: Worksheet
Informal Group Pair work: Practical activity – Force-field analysis
Written task: Letter writing
Informal Peer Class discussion: Review of worksheet
Pair discussion – Feedback on worksheet
Test your knowledge
9.2 Safer sex: Hormonal contra- Informal Educator Group activity: Practical demonstration – Num-
ception Informal Self bered cups
Informal Group Class activity: Reading activity
Written task: Worksheet
9.3 Safer sex: Using Condoms Informal Educator Class discussion: Demonstration
Informal Self Group work: Brainstorm
Informal Group Written task: Mapping of practical steps for
Informal Peer condom use
Test your knowledge
9.4 Barriers to condom use Informal Educator Pair work: Written task
Informal Self Practical task: Demonstration
Informal Group Written task: Journal writing
9.5 One partner at a time Informal Educator Class discussion: Brainstorm

Informal Self Class discussion: Worksheet
Informal Group Written task: Worksheet

9.6 Using sexual and reproduc- Informal Educator Written task: Worksheets
tive health resources in the Informal Self Class discussion: Presentation by guest speaker
community
Informal Group Group discussion: Role-play
Pair / group activity: Worksheet
9.7 Are you ready for parent- Informal Educator Group discussion: Brainstorm
hood? Informal Self Written task
Informal Group Pair / group work: Worksheet
Written task & feedback: Research
Informal Peer Class discussion: Oral presentation
Test your knowledge
9.8 Sexual consent Informal Educator Group activity: Card game

Informal Self Practical task: Role-play
Informal Group Class discussion: Question & answer task
Written task: Checklist
Informal Peer Pair work: Brainstorm
Test your knowledge
9.9 Power and control in rela- Informal Educator Group discussion: Worksheet
tionships Informal Self Group activity: Brainstorm
Informal Group Written task: Summary of feedback
Group activity: Role-play
9.10 Condoms: Being assertive, Informal Educator Group discussion: Worksheet

and staying protected Informal Self Group activity: Role-play
Informal Group Group discussion: Debrief from role=plays
Peer assessment: Observation of role-plays
9.11 Consolidating intentions for Informal Educator Written task: Worksheet

Informal Self Class discussion: Review of goals
Informal Group Group activity: Brainstorm
Written task: Assignment – letter writing
Informal Peer Written Task: Question sheet

Appendix 4: L
EARNER ASSESSMENT TASKS ACROSS SLPS FOR ALL
GRADES
Grade 7
Lesson Assessment Tasks

7.1 Activity A.2: Class discussion on SMART GOALS
Written task: Worksheet 1
Homework: self-image collage
Journal writing
Practical work: self-portrait
Written test: Test your knowledge – consolidation of content
7.2 Activity A.1: consolidation of terms and concepts
Activity A.2: group activity
Homework: Written task
Case study: Reading comprehension
7.3 Written tasks
Homework: Individual task – consolidation of class discussion
Peer Assessment: Quiz and True or False questions
7.4 Individual activity: dealing with concepts and understanding terms
Worksheets 1 (A) and (B)
Group activity: Reading assignments
Written task: letter writing
Paired Activity: consolidation of terms and concepts
7.5 Class discussion: dealing with concepts and understanding terms
Written tasks: using reading activities answer questions
Written task: Research
Practical work: oral presentation
Written task: reading assignment
Written test: Test your knowledge – consolidation of concepts
Written task (homework): Complete Worksheet 7.6.1 Making a decision
Written activity: Case study
Group activity: Reading activities
Group activity: practical work – test your assertive communication skills
7.8 Group discussion – review of goal setting and SMART goals using Worksheets 1 Review of SMART Goals, Work-
sheet 2 Example of Force Field Analysis and Worksheet 3 Vote for Behaviours
Written task: Complete Worksheet 3 Vote for Behaviours

Grade 8

8.1 Class discussion: Review of goal setting (from Lesson 7.1 and 7.8)
Written task: Worksheet 2 Vote for behaviours that support your goals
Written task: Journal writing – self reflection
Practical task: Poster making
8.2 A Class discussion: dealing with concepts and understanding terms
Group activity: Brainstorm using Reading Activities
Written task: Answer the questions
8.2 B Class discussion: dealing with concepts and understanding terms
Written task: Complete Worksheet 1 How I choose to be a man and Worksheet 2 How I choose to be a woman
Individual task: Journal writing
Group activity: Brainstorm – using scenarios
Individual written task: Journal reflection
Group activity: Brainstorm using Reading 1 Circles of Sexaulity, Reading 2 The Difference between Love and Oth-
er Emotions and Reading 3 Sexual Rights and Responsibilities
Group activity: using Reading 1 Martine and Jaco (comic) talk about STIs, HIV and AIDS
Written task (Homework): consolidation of concepts taught and discussed
Practical assignment: Project
Written task (homework): Mind map of concepts
Practical task (homework): collecting information from nearest health facility
Written task: Design a plan of action
Written task: Make own notes using picture images
Written task: Essay writing
Group activity: Role plays
Written task (Homework): Definition of terms

GRADE 9
9.1 Class discussion: Review of goal setting (from Lesson 7.1 and Lesson 8.1) using Worksheet 1: Review of
SMART Goal
Written task: Self analysis of goals - using Worksheet 3 Second example of a “Force field analysis”
Individual task: Worksheet 2 Writing a letter to your future self
Individual task: Reading task
Written task: complete Worksheet 1 True or False
Class discussion: dealing with new and difficult concepts and terms
Class activity: Brainstorm and reflection of own values
Written task – using Reading 1 Using a male condom
9. 4 Class discussion: dealing with new and difficult concepts and terms
Written task : Group activity – brainstorm and presentation
Homework: Journal writing task
9. 5 Class discussion: dealing with concepts and terms
Group discussions – using Resources 1 How STIs and HIV spread in communities
Small group activity: brainstorm
9. 6 Practical task: Engaging with a guest speaker (presentation)
Class discussion - using Worksheet 1 Visiting a reproductive health care provider
Group activity: Role play
Written task – using Worksheet 2 What sexual and reproductive health resources are available in my area
9. 7 Class discussion: dealing with concepts and terms
Group activity: brainstorm
Written task: pair activity
Written task: Research task and presentation of findings
9. 8 Class discussion: dealing with concepts and terms – using Reading Definition of sexual consent
Group activity: discussion using Reading resources
Homework: Discussion activity with family or care givers at home
9. 9 Pair discussion: practical activity and using Worksheet Uses of power
Small group activity: brainstorm using Worksheet 1 Power – Diagramming a complex concept
Homework activity: Role play

9. 10 Class discussion: Review of communication and refusal skills – using Reading1 Assertive, passive and ag-
gressive communication and Reading 3 Three approaches to communication
Group activity: Role play
Class discussion: Debrief from role play
9. 11 Class discussion: Review of goals set in Lesson 9.1
Written task – using Worksheet 1 Review of SMART goal criteria
Practical small group activity: Brainstorm and practicing force field analysis
Individual written task: reflection using Worksheet 2 Strategising around Influences identified in a Force
field analysis

Lesson 7.1
Setting goals and reaching
your potential

Lesson 7.1
Setting goals and reaching your potential
Grade 7
CAPS topic(s) Development of the self in society.
CAPS subtopic(s) Concept: self-image

• Identify and reflect on personal qualities: relationship with self, family, and friends
• Personal interests, abilities and potential
Link to other Substance abuse:

subtopics in CAPS • Personal factors that contribute to substance abuse: intrapersonal and interpersonal
• Protective factors that reduce the likelihood of substance abuse
• Common diseases: tuberculosis, diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, anorexia and HIV and
AIDS
• Strategies for living with tuberculosis, diabetes, epilepsy and HIV and AIDS
This lesson will • identifying the learners’ personal qualities;

deal with the • identifying their personal interest, abilities and potential;
following
• learning what SMART goals are;
• learning how to set SMART goals; and
• understanding how unhealthy behaviour and choices can be an obstacle to reach
your goal.
Concepts • ability
• potential
• gender norms
• goal
• smart goal
• healthy and unhealthy behaviour
• respect for self, self image
• actions
Teaching • brief lectures

methodologies • case studies/scenarios
• homework assignments
• individual reflection
• problem-solving activities
• small group work
• worksheets
• discussion
Time 60 minutes

BRIEF LESSON SUMMARY

During Lesson 7.1, in the Setting goals and reaching your potential SLP, your learners learn why setting
SMART goals is important and generate short-term goals related to various aspects of their lives. They learn
to formulate these as SMART goals. They also identify the obstacles that pregnancy, HIV and other STIs can
present to goal achievement.
KEY POINTS
1. It is important to know your own qualities and values.
2. SMART goals will help you to achieve success.
3. Setting goals is important to help you to make the best of your life.
4. By identifying obstacles and planning ahead you can overcome the obstacles to achieving your goals.
5. Avoiding HIV and other STIs and teenage pregnancy can help you to achieve your goals.
6. Message: I am strong, smart and in charge of my future!

RESOURCES/MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk
• flip chart paper
• Koki pens (various colours)
• Prestik
• watch or cell phone for time-keeping
• Post-it notes
• Educator Resource 7.1.1: Explaining SMART goals
• Poster 7.1.1: SMART goals (Reading 7.1.1 in your learners’ books)
• Worksheet 7.1.1: SMART goal criteria (Worksheet 7.1.1 and Homework 7.1.1 in your learners’ books)

PREPARATION FOR THE LESSON
1. Please refer to the front of this guide for a comprehensive glossary of terms that defines all the new
concepts used in the Grade 7 SLPs.
2. Use Educator Resource 7.1.1: Explaining SMART goals, so that you can feel confident to explain SMART
goals to your learners. Make up examples to use in conjunction with the resource if you wish.
3. On the board or flip chart, draw four large squares and label each one with one of the following headings:
family, school, friends, and health.
4. Prepare a poster using Poster 7.1.1: SMART goals, as a model.
5. Prepare an example of a vague goal and how it can be turned into a SMART goal.
ACTIVITIES
NOTE TO THE EDUCATOR

Interests: things one enjoys doing.
Abilities: skills, talents and things one does well.
Potential: all the things one could do well if given practice and experience.
Understanding or thinking about what our interests, abilities and potential are can help us feel positive
and confident about ourselves. This self-knowledge can give us direction for the future; it can show us
what we need to work on to improve ourselves. It also has an effect on our self-image.
Activity A1 Understanding concepts

1. Ask your learners to work in pairs. Provide them with a list of all the concepts and ask them to discuss
and give the meanings of these concepts.
2. Ask your learners for feedback and provide them with the correct meanings.
3. Discuss with your learners why it is important that we all understand the meaning of interests, abilities
and potential. These concepts are used again later in the activities.
4. Refer your learners to the first activity in the Grade 7 Learner Workbook and ask them to write down their
understanding of the concepts: interest, abilities and potential.
5. Discuss what a goal is and ask your learners to share some of their goals with the class.
6. Write down the goals that have been shared. It is not necessary for everyone to respond as you are only
getting examples for discussion, at this point.


1. A goal is a specific thing that we want to achieve. We all have the ability to make the best of ourselves
and goal-setting helps us to do that.
2. Goals help us to plan our lives and to get what we want.
3. Goals can be short-term or long-term. For example, a long-term goal would be something like, “I want
to be a lawyer when I have finished studying” and a short term goal would be something like, “I want
to pass my math exam with at least 70% in Grade 7”.
4. Long-term goals can be broken down into short-term goals. For example, if you have the long-term
goal to become a lawyer, short-term goals that would support that long term goal would be: (a)
passing every subject with more than 70% in Grade 7, (b) finding out how much it costs to study a law
degree, and (c) speaking to your parents about planning to finance your studies.
5. Without goals, we will have no direction in life.
6. We need to set goals for the different areas in our life: family, friends, health, work, etc.
7. Summarise their answers and elaborate, as needed, to cover the main points below:
8. Write down the word SMART on the board and explain to your learners what each letter stands for i.e., S
(specific);
M (measureable); A (action-oriented); R (relevant and realistic); T (time-bound).
9. Ask your learners to identify a goal and to use the SMART principles to see if this goal is achievable.
Activity A2 Writing a SMART goal

Encourage your learners to try out writing a number of different SMART goals. They may even want to share
them with a friend and evaluate each other’s goals. These activities can be used to consolidate what was
taught in the previous activity.
1. Ask your learners to copy the four squares with the headings: family, school, friends and health, which
you drew on the board on a piece of paper.
2. Ask your learners to spend five minutes writing down things they want to accomplish or avoid in each
of these areas, during the next 12 months.
3. After your learners have filled the four boxes on their own, divide them into pairs.
4. Explain to your learners that first, they should pick one of the things they want to accomplish from the
previous activity. Ask them to write a goal statement related to the item they have chosen. They must
do this part on their own.
5. After they have each written a goal statement, they should take turns working with their partner to
evaluate each other’s goals using the SMART criteria on Worksheet 7.1.1: SMART goals criteria.
6. After evaluating the first draft of the goal, each pair of learners should work together to make any
improvements to the goal that are necessary for the goal to meet the SMART criteria. When they have
completed the assignment, both learners should have a revised second draft goal that meets the
SMART criteria.
7. Spend a minute explaining how to use Worksheet and Homework 7.1.1: SMART goals.

Activity A3 Identifying obstacles to reaching your goals

Possible responses may include:
• I will not be able to reach my goal.
• I may be too sick to reach my goal.
• I may have to spend all my money on medicine/hospitals/a baby and not be able to reach my goal.
• I might lose the support of my family.
Activity A3.1 Possible obstacles

1. Now that all your learners have one well-written SMART goal, ask them to brainstorm in their pairs on
the obstacles they might face in reaching this goal, e.g. if they were to become pregnant/get someone
pregnant and/or acquire HIV or another STI.
2. Ask one or two of your learners to share their goal and the obstacles they have identified.
3. Write these up on the board as the learners are sharing.
Activity A3.2 Avoiding obstacles

1. Brainstorm with the whole class on strategies for avoiding the obstacles identified.
2. Write your learners’ suggestions up on the board or flip chart.

Possible responses may include:
1. I must wait until I am older to have sex.
2. If I do have sex, I must always use a condom correctly and consistently.
3. I must wait to have a steady relationship until I leave school.
4. I must tell my boy/girlfriend that I do not want to have sex.
5. I must set goals to make sure I keep healthy.

HOMEWORK
1. Ask your learners to make a self-image collage keeping in mind their interests, abilities and potential.
Your learners can do this outside of the classroom. You may even want to discuss with the art educator
how the activity can be used across the curriculum.
2. Direct your learners to their second copy of Worksheet and Homework 7.1.1: SMART goal criteria.
3. Ask your learners to review, briefly, the instructions for the homework assignment listed below:
a) Write your name at the top of the page.
b) Find a parent or other adult that you trust to complete the assignment with you.
c) Explain how to create a SMART goal to the person helping you.

d) Work together with the adult you trust to write a goal for yourself related to avoiding an unplanned
pregnancy and contracting STIs.
e) Work together with the adult you trust to check your goal against the criteria on the worksheet and
revise it to meet the criteria, e.g. if you have not included a date for when the goal will be reached,
then change it to add this.
f) Once all criteria have been met, rewrite the revised goal in the last row.
g) Make sure that the adult you worked with signs the completed worksheet.
CONSOLIDATION
1.
Review the key points for the lesson.
a) Success can be achieved if you plan for it, using SMART goals.
b) Setting goals will help you to reach your potential.
c) You can overcome the obstacles to achieving your goals.
d) Avoiding HIV and other STIs and unplanned pregnancy can help you achieve your goals.
e) Message: I am strong, smart and in charge of my future!

ASSESSMENT
1. Ask your learners to keep a journal for seven days. This journal will be a record of their identified goals,
and the things that challenge and support their focus on achieving these goals.
2. Ask your learners to make a collage that shows how they see themselves. They should focus on their
strengths, abilities and talents. They should also show their interests, likes and dislikes. They can draw
or cut out words and pictures from magazines, newspapers or wrapping paper. They can use interesting
items like fabric, sweet wrappings, labels or things from nature.

Learners would have done a collage in the Arts and Culture class in grades 5 and 6.

Test your knowledge
Answer the following questions:

1. How would you define a “goal”?
2. Why are goals important to our lives?
3. What does the acronym “SMART” stand for?
4. What is the impact of acquiring HIV and other STIs or an unplanned pregnancy to reaching
your goals?
5. What is one (or more) goal(s) you are determined to achieve in the next six months?
RESOURCES/MATERIALS
POSTER 7.1.1: SMART GOALS
SMART goals
SMART goals help us to achieve success. A SMART goal specifies exactly what someone is trying to
accomplish, enabling that person to know, concretely, when the goal has been achieved.
A SMART goal is:
Specific: States exactly what you want to do.
Answers the question: What?
Measurable: The success toward meeting the goal can be measured.
Answers the questions: How much? How well?
Action-oriented: The goal contains an action word that will help you to do something
to reach your goal.
Answers the question: What will you do to accomplish it?
Relevant and realistic: The goal is something that will fit in with your larger plans. It requires
things you are already able to do or are able to learn in order to accomplish the goal.
Answers the question: Why is this goal right for you?
Time-bound: SMART goals have a clearly defined time-frame including a deadline or due date.
Answers the question: When?

EDUCATOR RESOURCE 7.1.1: EXPLAINING SMART GOALS

(FOR SHORT-TERM GOALS)
SPECIFIC
This allows you to decide exactly what you would like to do or achieve.
Examples:
Not specific: I want to find a job to earn money.
Specific: I want to volunteer in a community clinic to get experience so that I can study to become a nurse.
MEASURABLE
This makes sure that you know when you have attained your goal. Put a measure of success in place that is
as specific as possible.
Examples:
Not measurable: I want a job.
Measurable: I want to find a job for the December school holidays.
ACTION-ORIENTED
The goal must contain an action.
Examples:
Not action-oriented: want to find a job
Action-oriented: I want to apply to 5 supermarkets for a job as a shelf-packer.
REALISTIC
The goal must be something that is feasible for you to achieve with the knowledge, skills and resources you
have and can apply to the process of achieving the goal.
Examples:
Not realistic: I want to obtain a managerial position in a supermarket.
Realistic: I want to obtain a job as a shelf-packer in a supermarket.
TIME-BOUND
Your goal should have a specific deadline by which it must be met.
Examples:
Not time-bound: I want to find a job as a supermarket shelf-packer.
Time-bound: I want to apply a job as a shelf-packer by 15 October 2016.
Thus, based on the criteria that have been explained above, a complete SMART goal example would be as
follows:
In order to get a job as a shelf packer for the December holidays, I will apply to 5 supermarkets and have
these applications submitted by October 15th.

WORKSHEET 7.1.1: SMART GOAL CRITERIA
Instructions
These instructions are for the classroom activity:
Use the table below to construct your goal and to evaluate if it is SMART.
Criteria Goal Criteria Met?
Smart: What exactly do you want to

S
achieve?
Measurable: You must be able to know

when you have attained your goal. Does
M
it answer the questions how much/how
many/how well?
Action-oriented: What action(s) are

A you going to take to achieve the results
you have specified?
Realistic: It must be something that

R you can do with your current skills or
resources available to you.
Time-bound: You need to set a specific

T
date by when the goal will be attained
Rewritten goal that meets SMART criteria.

HOMEWORK 7.1.1: SMART GOAL CRITERIA
These instructions are for the homework assignment:

1. Write your name at the top of the page.
2. Find a parent or other adult that you trust to complete the assignment with you.
3. Explain how to create a SMART goal to the person helping you.
4. Work together with the adult you trust to write a goal for yourself related to avoiding an unplanned
pregnancy and contracting STIs.
5. Work together with the adult you trust to check your goal against the criteria on the worksheet and
revise it to meet the criteria, e.g. if you have not included a date for when the goal will be reached, then
change it to add this.
6. Once all criteria have been met, rewrite the revised goal in the last row.

Smart: What exactly do you want to

S
achieve?
Measurable: You must be able to know

when you have attained your goal. Does
M
it answer the questions how much/how
many/how well?
Action-oriented: What action(s) are

A you going to take to achieve the results
you have specified?
Realistic: It must be something that

R you can do with your current skills or
Time-bound: You need to set a specific

T
date by when the goal will be attained


GLOSSARY
• ability
• gender norms
• goal
• SMART goal
• healthy and unhealthy behaviour
• HIV and AIDS
• interest
• obstacles
• personal
• personal qualities
• positive actions
• potentials
• pregnancy
• pregnant
• respect for self
• self-image
• smart
• STI

Lesson 7.2
Appreciation and acceptance
of self and others

Lesson 7.2
Appreciation and acceptance of self and others
Grade 7
CAPS subtopic(s) Changes in boys and girls: puberty and gender constructs
• Appreciation and acceptance of the self and others
Peer pressure: Effects of peer pressure
• How peer pressure may influence an individual: use of substances, crime,
unhealthy sexual behaviour, bullying and rebellious behaviour
Link to other Changes in boys and girls: puberty and gender constructs:
subtopics in CAPS • Physical and emotional changes
• Understanding the changes and how these impact on relationships
• Respect for own and others’ body changes and emotions
This lesson will • explaining the changes that occur in boys and girls, where learners are shown the
deal with the importance of accepting themselves and others as they are;
following
• defining the word “values” and give several examples of important values related to
sexual health;
• clarifying personal values about gender, relationships and sex;
• discussing the importance of having clear values and behaving in accordance with
one’s values; and
• discussing negative stereotypes associated with men/boys and women/girls and
identify ways to redefine these stereotypes.
Concepts • acceptance
• appreciation
• value
• gender
• gender constructs
• negative stereotypes
• puberty
• sexual health
Teaching
methodologies • brief lectures
• forced-choice
• classroom discussions
Time 60 minutes


During Lesson 7.2: Appreciation and acceptance of the self and others, your learners will first participate
in a classroom discussion where the terms “appreciation” and “acceptance” are defined. The purpose of
this lesson is to discuss how one’s values and value system influences how one appreciates and accepts
oneself and others. Examples of learners’ values will be explored through discussion. Your learners will then
participate in a forced-choice/value clarification activity where they are asked to think about, and then
defend, their values related to a variety of sexual health situations.
After this activity, there is a classroom discussion about the importance of being clear about one’s values
and how, for example, negative gender stereotypes may affect how one thinks and acts out one’s values.
KEY POINTS
1. Knowing your values gives you control over your decisions about relationships and sex.
2. Not being true to your values can lead to regret.
3. Sticking to your values sometimes takes courage.
4. Courage is part of being a strong man or a strong woman.
5. Using alcohol or other substances can make it more difficult to stick to your values.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk
• Prestik
• Poster 7.2.1: What are values? (Reading 7.2.1 in your learners’ books)
• Poster 7.2.2: Value statements (Reading 7.2.2 in your learners’ books)
• Agree” and “Disagree” signs

concepts used in all the Grade 7 SLPs.
2. Review the lesson and be sure that you understand the content, methodology and the time allocated for
the lesson.
3. Post “Agree” and “Disagree” signs on opposite sides of the room.
4. Prepare Poster 7.2.1: What are values? and post it up on a wall. The content for this poster can be found
after the lesson plan below.
5. Prepare Poster 7.2.2: Values statements and post it up on a wall. Cover the poster with another piece
of flip chart paper or newsprint so that none of the value statements are visible. The content for this
poster can be found after the lesson plan below.


ACTIVITIES
Activity A1 Discuss the changes that take place during puberty

1. Discuss the concepts.
2. Focus on the physical and emotional changes.
3. Discuss what your learners understand by accepting themselves and what they understand by
accepting others.
4. Ask your learners why we should be accepting of ourselves and others.

Explain that people often judge others harshly or are critical of others. They may do this because they
think it makes them feel better about themselves. However this does not work. In fact, people tend to
feel better and more positive about themselves if they are kind and caring towards others.
Activity A2 Values and how values influence the way we think and behave
1. Discuss the concepts relating to values.
2. Ask your learners how they would define the term “values.” Take a few responses and then share the
definition written on Poster 7.2.1: What are values?
3. Explain to your learners that you are going to talk about values and how values influence the ways we
think about and behave with regard to our relationships, sex and the expectations we have of being a
girl/woman or a boy/man.
4. Ask your learners to give you some examples of the values they have. Take a few responses. Examples
may include things like: getting an education, staying healthy, being honest, making money, spending
time with family, having freedom, equality, respect, caring, compassion, etc.

1. Values are what we consider important or of great worth.
2. Values serve as guidelines to help us make decisions about our life choices. They help us to decide
between right and wrong. Values are a like a compass: they tell us which direction to follow.
3. As a general rule, when we act in accordance with our values, we tend to feel good about ourselves
and our actions.
Activity A3 Forced choices (value clarification)

1. Explain to your learners that they are going work on an activity that will help them to think about some of
the values they have about relationships, sex and about what type of boy/man or girl/woman they want
to be.
2. This activity is designed to challenge learners’ current ideas and opinions and help them to clarify how
they feel about the issues described above.
3. Explain to your learners that in a minute you will ask everyone to stand up. You will read a short statement

to them and they will have to vote on whether they agree or disagree with the statement by walking over
to one of the “agree” or “disagree” signs posted in the room.
4. After everyone has selected a place to stand, you will invite them to share why they voted the way they
did. Tell your learners that no one will be forced to share if they do not want to share.
5. Emphasise that there are no right or wrong answers. Everyone has a right to their opinion. And while it is
perfectly acceptable to disagree with the viewpoints of your peers, it is expected that everyone remain
respectful of each other.
6. Tell your learners that any time, if they change their minds about the statement, they may move to the
other side of the room.
7. Reveal the first statement on Poster 7.2.2: Values statements and read it aloud. Ask your learners to
stand near the sign that matches what they think about the statement. After they have moved to their
respective signs, ask for one or two of the learners standing beside each sign to explain why they are
standing there and why they feel this way about the statement.
8. After a few of your learners have talked about their attitudes towards the statement, invite anyone who
wants to change their mind to move to the other sign.
9. Once a statement has been adequately discussed, bring everyone back together into the middle of
the room and read the next statement. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 until all of the statements have been
discussed.
10. Statements for this forced choice activity (value clarification) include:
a) It is easier to be a man than a woman.
b) Women are better parents than men.
c) It is alright for a man to be seen crying in public.
d) All men want to have sex with a lot of partners.
e) Women and men basically want the same things in a relationship.
f) It is alright for teenagers to have sex.
g) If a girl gets pregnant, it is her fault and her problem.
h) Sex is something you should share with only someone you love.

If all of your learners share the same view about a statement, play the role of devil’s advocate by walking
over to the opposite side of the room and asking, “Why would someone be standing on this side of the
room? What would someone say if they were standing here?”
If others cannot offer an alternative viewpoint, provide one for the group.
Some learners may say that they do not know whether they agree or disagree and do not want to stand
next to either sign. If this happens, ask them to say more about their reactions to the statement. Usually,
it comes down to how they interpret a statement. Help them to interpret it in a particular way and then
encourage them to choose a side.
If your classroom does not lend itself to learners walking to different sides of the room, consider
adapting this activity, by asking learners to hold up an open hand to agree and a closed hand (fist) to
disagree. Ask one of your learners to help you count the hands.
If you do not have access to flip chart paper, write the content of Posters 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 on the board
instead.


HOMEWORK

If you have time in class, then this activity can be done during teaching and learning time.
Discussion of the key points

1. Thinking about the key points of this activity on values (see above), lead a classroom discussion by
using the questions listed below:
a) How does knowing your values help you to make decisions that will keep you healthy?
Emphasise that knowing your values gives you control over your choices and helps you to make
decisions that are right for you.
b) What do you think about a person who can very clearly tell you what their value are,
but then behaves in ways that are contrary their values?
Provide some practical examples of what you mean – e.g. a politician who claims that they there
to serve the community and then is caught stealing public money. Emphasise that it is not enough
to just know what your values are – smart teenagers not only know what is right for them, but they
also behave in a way that is consistent with their values. This is not always easy to do, especially
when facing peer pressure. But doing so shows strength and maturity.
Stress that your learners are strong, smart and in charge of their futures!
The message is: I am strong, smart and in charge of my future!
c) How do you think a person feels when they act in a way that is against their values?
Emphasise that when a person does not behave according to their values, they often feel
regret later. Behaving according to your values takes courage. Courage is part
of being becoming an adult.
d) What negative stereotypes about boys/men did you hear during the activity?
e) For example, is it really true that all men want to have sex with a lot of partners? What
kind of pressure do you think this puts on young men? Is this fair?
Stress that BOTH men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other
STIs.
f) What negative stereotypes about girls/women did you hear?
g) For example, if a girl gets pregnant, did she get pregnant by herself? Should her partner also
take responsibility for preventing pregnancy?
Stress that BOTH men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.
h) How do you think abusing alcohol or drugs can affect a person’s desire to live in accordance
with their values?
Emphasise that drugs and alcohol can lower a person’s inhibitions and ability to think clearly.
When one feels this way it easier to be persuaded to do something that you do not want to do or
that is not in accordance with your values
i) What do you think are the most important values that should guide a person’s decision to have
sex or not?
Examples might include: having good, healthy or happy relationships; family beliefs; future goals;
faith-based beliefs, etc.

CONSOLIDATION
1. Conclude the activity by stating the following key points:

a) Knowing your values gives you control over your decisions about relationships and sex.
b) Not being true to your values can lead to regret.
c) Sticking to your values sometimes takes courage.
d) Courage is part of being a strong man or a strong woman.
e) Alcohol or any other substances can make it more difficult to stick to your values.
2. Suggest to your learners, only if they feel comfortable, to take a few minutes during the next week to
ask their parents about what they think are the most important values for a teenager to have.

ASSESSMENT
Case study1
Ask your learners to read the case study.
1. Then answer the questions below:
a) Why is Amrita sometimes embarrassed about her looks?
b) How does Amrita make herself feel better when she is having a bad day?
c) What does Amrita realise about her friends?
d) What have you learnt from Amrita’s story?
e) What values does Amrita attach to herself?
f) Is she being realistic about her values?
2. Give examples of some of your values and explain why they are important to you and why you believe
in them?
1 Taken from Euvrard G, Findlay H & Normand C. 2012. Life Orientation Today Grade 7 Learner’s Book. Maskew Miller.

CASE STUDY: AMRITA’S STORY

Sometimes when I look in the mirror, I am disappointed by the colour of my skin because I think that our society
finds blonde-haired, blue eyed girls more beautiful. Sometimes I tell the people at Starbucks that my name is
Amy so that they won’t have to ask me 10 times how to spell my hard to pronounce, foreign name. Sometimes
I cringe at my relatives’ thick Indian accents. Sometimes, I make sure to invite my friends over before my mom
cooks dinner so that the house doesn’t smell like spices and curries.
Even in such a diverse place as the California Bay area, a person can feel out of place and different from her
peers. It helps me when I’m having a bad day, however, to remind myself that the people in my life who I love
actually embrace all these things – my skin colour, my name, my family members’ accents and the scent of my
home. These things make up a large part of my identity. I would never have guessed that my best friends would
think that the food that stinks up my entire house smells delicious! They actually applauded my relatives for
speaking English with excellent grammar, rather than scoffing at their unusual accents.
When I tell people stories about the meaning of my name, the numerous Indian holidays and festivals, or the
mythical Hindu tales, they are engrossed and fascinated. This makes me even more proud of my background.
More importantly, I remember that all of the things I can be embarrassed by are the superficial aspects of my
life and that CASE it’s more significant to show others that I have a kind heart and bright mind rather than a
certain name or skin colour.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS
READING 7.2.1: WHAT ARE VALUES?
1. Values are what we consider important or of great worth.

2. Values serve as guidelines to help us to make decisions about life choices. They help us to decide
between right and wrong.
3. Values are a like a compass – they tell us which direction to follow.
4. As a general rule, when we act in accordance with our values, we tend to feel good about ourselves and
our actions.
READING 7.2.2: VALUE STATEMENTS
1. Both men and women are equally responsible for making decisions about their children.
2. All the members of a household share housekeeping chores.
3. Both boys and girls make responsible decisions regarding sex during puberty.
4. All teenagers are responsible for their own decisions about having sex.
5. Early unprotected sexual activity may lead to unplanned parenthood.
6. To love someone does not mean you must engage in sex.

GLOSSARY
• acceptance
• appreciation
• gender
• gender constructs
• negative stereotypes
• puberty
• sexual health
• stereotype
• value

Lesson 7.3
Is there a difference between
gender and sex?

Lesson 7.3
Is there a difference between gender and sex?
Grade 7
CAPS subtopic(s) Peer pressure: the effects of peer pressure

• How peer pressure may influence an individual: use of substances, crime,
unhealthy sexual behaviour, bullying and rebellious behaviour
This lesson will • describing how peer pressure may influence an individual’s behaviour: use of
deal with the substances, crime, sexual behaviour, bullying and rebellious behaviour;
following
• explaining the difference between the terms sex, gender and sexual orientation;
• identifying at least two gender messages that girls and boys receive within their
community;
• distinguishing between characteristics and attitudes that are determined by our
sex, and those determined by our gender; and
• explaining how harmful gender messages can affect health and well-being.
Concepts • behaviour
• sexual behaviour
• bullying
• crime influence
• peer
• peer pressure
• rebellious
• substance

methodologies • case studies/scenarios
• classroom discussions
• quizzes or
• myth or fact (comparison)
Time 60 minutes


During Lesson 7.3: Is there a difference between gender and sex? your learners will explore the difference
between the concepts of sex, gender, and sexual orientation. Your learners will then discuss a variety of
gender messages that girls and boys receive from multiple forces in their community about how girls and
boys are expected to behave and express themselves. Your learners will then read a story about a pair of
twins, Samuel and Sarah. They will then participate in a classroom discussion about how harmful gender
messages can affect health and well-being.
KEY POINTS
1. Our sex is determined by our biology.
2. Our gender or how we behave as a man or a woman is determined by the messages and expectations we
receive from our society.
3. Some gender messages are harmless. Some gender messages can put our health and well-being at risk.
4. Ultimately, YOU get to decide what it means to be a woman or man.
5. BOTH men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk
• Prestik
• Poster 7.3.1: Definitions (Reading 7.3.1 in your learners’ books)
• Reading 7.3.1: Sarah and Samuel (Reading 7.3.2 in your learners’ books)

1. Please refer to the front of this guide for a comprehensive glossary of the terms that defines all the new
2. Review the lesson and be sure that you understand the content, methodology and the time allocated for
the lesson.
3. Prepare Poster 7.3.1: Definitions and post it up on the wall/board. Cover the poster with another piece of
flip chart paper so that you can reveal the definitions progressively throughout the lesson as needed.
The content for this poster can be found at the end of this lesson plan.

ACTIVITIES
Activity A1 Clarification of the concepts “sex” and “gender”

1. Write the words “sex” and “gender” on a piece of flip chart paper or on the blackboard. Ask the group if
anyone can explain the difference between our sex and our gender. Take a few responses.
2. Reveal the first definition on Poster 7.3.1: Definitions. Explain that sex is the biological way in which
people are born, either male or female, and is based on their sex organs (penis or vagina), as well as
their hormones, chromosomes and certain physical characteristics (e.g., men grow beards, women
grow breasts). We are born with our sex. Examples of sex differences are: women give birth to babies
(men do not), and men produce sperm (women do not).
3. Reveal the second definition on Poster 7.3.1: Definitions. Explain that “gender,” unlike sex, is determined
by society’s expectations of how we are supposed to act based upon our sex. Some gender messages
are harmless, for example, in many cultures parents dress their daughters in pink and their sons in
blue. However, other gender norms can be harmful to our health and well-being. For example, in many
cultures men are expected to be fighters, tough and strong all the time, and women are supposed to
be quiet and passive all the time. Having to behave in these ways all the time can be stressful and can
also put a boy at risk for physical injury and a girl at risk for doing something she does not want to do.
4. When these messages are rigidly assigned they can also be harmful. For example, there is no reason
why girls should not be tough and strong and no reason why boys cannot be nurturing and caretakers.
a) Whether these messages are harmful or not, also depends on how they are interpreted. For
example, a person can show their strength by defending a friend who is being bullied or by running
a marathon. Strength is not about beating someone up or forcing someone to have sex. In another
example, a person can be nurturing by caring for a sick parent or helping someone in need. However,
if a person puts everyone else’s needs ahead or their own or lets other people cross their personal
boundaries, they suffer.
b) These traits are not exclusive to one sex and each of these traits is important to being a
human being; masculine gender traits are not more important or better than feminine gender
traits.
5. Reveal the third definition on Poster 7.3.1: Definitions. Ask the group if someone can explain this term
“sexual orientation.” Take a few responses.
6. Clarify that sexual orientation describes who a person is romantically attracted to. If a person is
attracted to or wants to romance the opposite sex, then this person identifies as heterosexual. If a
person is attracted to and wants to romance the same sex, then they identify as homosexual. If a
person is attracted to and wants to romance both sexes, then they identify as bisexual.
7. Explain that people often get gender and sexual orientation confused. Gender has to do with how you
express yourself as a man or a woman, while sexual orientation has to do with who you are attracted to
romantically or whom you want to build a life with. We often make false assumptions that a man who
is considered tough must be “straight”, or that a man who is considered to be sensitive must be gay.
However, the opposite could be true, because gender expression and sexual orientation are two totally
different things.
Note: Please explain to your learners that it is preferable to use the word “heterosexual” instead of
the word “straight” because it implies that someone who is not heterosexual is somehow “crooked”.

Activity A2 Read the story about Sarah and Samuel

1. Explain to your learners that you would like to share the story of Sarah and Samuel. As they listen to the
story you would like them to pay careful attention to the messages Sarah and Samuel receive from other
people in their lives about how to be a girl or how to be a boy. Explain that after they hear the story, there
will be a classroom discussion about their thoughts and opinions.
2. Direct your learner to Reading 1: Sarah and Samuel in their workbooks.
3. Invite different learners to read the story of Samuel and Sarah out loud while others read along. Read the
story twice if you think your learners need to reinforce their comprehension.
Activity A2.1 A discussion about Samuel using the questions listed below
a. What were some of the messages that Samuel received about how to be a boy?
Examples of responses may be:
• boys are not supposed to play with dolls;
• boys are supposed to play soccer;
• boys should not do kitchen work;
• it is a girl’s job to do kitchen work; and
• in order to become a man you must have sex.
b. How fair do you think these messages are?
Emphasise that boys and girls have the right to do all the things that Samuel is doing. They
have this right because these behaviours are human behaviours; they do not belong to one
sex or the other. Society makes up the rules about what is appropriate for girls and for boys;
sometimesdenying us the experience of what it means to be a full human being.
c. How do you think these messages made Samuel feel?
Examples of responses may be: embarrassed, defensive, bad, shamed, anxious, etc.
d. What do you think about the pressure that Samuel is feeling right now to have sex? Does having
sex prove that you are a man?
Emphasise that having sex does not equate to manhood. Manhood is defined by responsibility,
consideration of others, living by your values, respecting others, being patience, etc.
e. What could happen to Samuel if he gives into the pressure of having sex?
• he could get his partner pregnant;
• he could acquire a sexually transmitted infection, like HIV; or
• he might feel bad afterwards for living against his values, etc.
f. If you were Samuel’s friend, what would you advise him to do?
Activity A2.2 A discussion about Sarahusing the questions listed below
a. What were some of the messages that Sarah received about how to be a girl?
• girls have to worry about their reputation;
• people in the village will make assumptions, about a girl spending time with boys;
• it is most important to get married and have children; and
• women should not choose big careers.
b. How fair do you think these messages are?
Emphasise that boys and girls have the right to do all the things that Sarah is doing. They have
this right because these behaviours are human behaviours; they do not belong to one gender or
the other. Society makes up the rules about what is appropriate for girls and for boys; sometimes
denying us the experience of what it means to be a full human being.

c. How do you think these messages made Sarah feel?

Examples of responses: sad, frustrated, shamed, worried, confused, etc.
d. What do you think about the advice that the neighbour gave Sarah about becoming a nurse
rather than a doctor? Do you think if Sarah was a boy, the neighbour would have said the same
thing? Why or why not?
Emphasise that career choice should be YOUR decision. You know what is best for you and
should be free to choose your career. Becoming a doctor would be a great achievement for Sarah.
And it is also possible to marry and have children if you are doctor; in fact, most doctors are
married and have children. There are also some people who opt not to have children; this does
not make them any less of a man or a woman.
e. If you were Sarah’s friend, what would you advise her to do?
HOMEWORK
1. Written task
If the activity on the “Sarah and Samuel” story is not complete, allow your learners to complete it at home.

CONSOLIDATION
1. Conclude the activity by stating the following key points:

a) Our sex is determined by our biology.
b) Our gender or how we behave as a man or a woman is determined by the messages and expectations
we receive from our society.
c) Some gender messages are harmless. Some gender messages can put our health and well-being
at risk.
d) Ultimately, YOU get to decide what it means to be a woman or man.
e) BOTH men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.
2. Tell your learners that in the next lesson, you are going to talk about puberty and the great changes
that boys and girls go through during this time of their lives.

ASSESSMENT
1. Peer assessment quiz

Ask your learners to quiz each other on the following questions to test each other’s knowledge. Keep a
score of the correct and incorrect answers and discuss.

2. Review quiz
As a review of the content just shared, conduct the short quiz below with the learners as a large group.
Tell your learners that you are going to read five statements and they need to tell you whether the
answer is true or false. If the answer is false, they should give you the correct answer.
a) Our gender is determined by our biology.
FALSE: Our gender is determined by the messages we receive from society, e.g., family, friends,
neighbours, television, magazines, etc.
b) We are born with our sex.
TRUE: Sex is determined by our reproductive organs, chromosomes, hormones and certain
physical characteristics.
c) Sexual orientation and gender are the same thing.
FALSE: Sexual orientation is who we are attracted to romantically and whom we want to build
a life with. Gender is how we express ourselves as a man or woman based on the messages we
receive from society.
d) We learn our gender from our biology.
FALSE: We learn our gender from the messages and expectations we receive from society.
e) If a man is very sensitive, he must be gay (homosexual).
FALSE: Being sensitive is a human emotion that everyone has the right to experience. Being
sensitive has nothing to do with who you are attracted to physically or romantically.
Test your knowledge
Ask your learners the following questions:

1. What is the definition of sex?
2. What is the definition of gender?
3. What is the definition of sexual orientation?
4. What are two examples of common messages that boys in our community receive about how
they should behave as boys?
5. What are two examples of common messages that girls in our community receive about how
they should behave as girls?

Resources/Materials
READING 7.3.1: DEFINITIONS
Sex: Our sex tells us if we are male or female. It is determined by our biology.
Gender: Our gender is the set of behaviours and characteristics that are deemed appropriate for girls and
boys by a given society.
Sexual orientation: Our sexual orientation tells us who we are attracted to physically and whom we want to
build a life with. We can be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.

READING 7.3.2: SARAH AND SAMUEL
Background on Sarah and Samuel
Sarah and Samuel are 13-year old twins. They are both in Grade 7. Sarah, Samuel and their older brother and
sister live with their mother. Sarah and Samuel share a close bond and really enjoy spending time together.
About Samuel
When Samuel was about five years old he liked to play with Sarah and his other sisters, and he liked to play
with their dolls. But one day when he was playing outside with his sisters some boys from his village made
fun of him for playing with dolls. The boys said that Samuel should be a “real boy” and play soccer with them.
Sam left the dolls and started playing soccer.
Samuel’s mother worked very hard to support her four children. After Samuel’s mother prepared dinner each
night, Samuel could see how tired she was. So when Sam was about eight years old he started helping his
mother by washing dishes after dinner. But one day, his uncle was visiting and said to Samuel’s mother: “Why
do you have this boy washing dishes? This is not work for a boy. His sisters should be washing the dishes.”
Ever since that day, Sam finds excuses for not helping his mother to wash the dishes. He does not want
anyone to think he is a girl.
Now that Sam is 13, he hears some of his friends talk about having sex. One if his friends said that he had sex
and now he feels like a man. Samuel is starting to feel pressure from his friends to have sex.
About Sarah
Last year, when Sarah was 12, she would often spend time with Samuel and his friends playing soccer. One
day, one of her girlfriends told her that she should stop playing with the boys. She said that people were
saying that if Sarah keeps hanging out with those boys she is going to get pregnant. Sarah worries about her
reputation so she stops playing with Samuel and his friends.
Sarah is a good student and she hopes to be a doctor one day. One day she talked about her dreams of being
a doctor with her mother while a neighbour was visiting. The neighbour commented that Sarah should think
about being a nurse, instead of a doctor. The neighbour said that becoming a doctor would take too much
time and would make it hard for Sarah to get married and have children.

GLOSSARY
• behaviour
• bullying
• crime
• influence
• peer
• peer pressure
• pressure
• rebellious
• sexual behaviour
• substance

Lesson 7.4
Understanding puberty – physical,
social and emotional changes

Lesson 7.4
Understanding puberty – physical, social and
emotional changes
Grade 7

Health, social and environmental responsibilities
• Physical and emotional changes
• Understanding the changes and how these impact on relationships
Link to other Concept: self-image

subtopics in CAPS • Strategies to enhance self-image through positive actions: respect for self
Common diseases: tuberculosis, diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, anorexia, HIV and AIDS
• Causes of diseases: social, economic and environmental factors including use of
alcohol and tobacco, poor eating habits and physical inactivity
This lesson will • identifying 4 to 6 internal and external physical changes that occur during puberty
deal with the for girls and boys;
following
• defining and describe the process of menstruation;
• defining and describe the processes of erection and ejaculation; and
• describing how to care for oneself during puberty.
Concepts • ejaculation
• erection
• external
• internal
• menstruation
• physical changes
• puberty
Teaching • individual reflection

methodologies • classroom discussions
• small-group work
• categorisation
• independent reading
• note-taking
• learner presentations
• drawing
Time 60 minutes


During Lesson 7.4: Understanding puberty - Physical, social and emotional changes – Part 1, your learners
will learn about the changes that happen in their bodies during puberty and how to manage them. The lesson
begins with a definition of puberty. Learners then break up into small groups and read a brochure about
puberty. Each of your learners will prepare a presentation on a portion of the brochure. Your learners will
then deliver their presentations in groups of six. While each learner is presenting, the other learners will
categorise the changes discussed in the presentation by type and depict the changes on a figure drawing.
Your learners will then return to the whole class to offer their reactions to what they learned about puberty.
The lesson ends with a homework assignment to write a letter to a fictional aunt posing some questions
about puberty.
KEY POINTS
1. Puberty is a normal process of physical, social and emotional changes.
2. During puberty, girls grow into women and boys grow into men. It is also a time when our bodies become
biologically able to reproduce.
3. Our bodies mature differently and at different times.
4. It is okay to be different. Everyone is unique.
5. Your body may mature before you feel emotionally ready; find adults and friends that you trust to talk
to about your feelings.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk (different colours)
• permanent markers (various colours)
• Prestik/tape
• Educator Resource 7.4.1: Jigsaw instructions and reading assignments (Resource 7.4.1 in your learners’
books)
• Educator Resource 7.4.2: Asking Sis Dolly about puberty
• Reading 7.4.1: Puberty – Expect big changes (Reading 7.4.1 in your learners’ books)
• Worksheet 7.4.1: Pre-pubescent human figure (Worksheet 7.4.1(A) and (B) in your learners’ books)
2. Study the lesson plan to ensure that you understand the content, methodology and the time allocated
for the lesson.
3. Make a large version of Resource 7.4.1: Jigsaw instructions and reading assignments, on the board or a
sheet of poster-sized paper.

4. Write the homework assignment on the board using Educator Resource: 7.4.2: Asking Sis Dolly about
puberty, as your reference. Write an appropriate due date in place of where the resource says <<DUE
DATE>>.
ACTIVITIES
Activity A1 Defining puberty

1. Ask your learners to raise their hands if they have heard of the word puberty before.
2. Ask your learners if they can give you a definition for the word puberty. Take a few responses and then
direct your learners to the definition of the word puberty that you have written on the board.
3. Review the definition with your learners:
“Puberty is a normal process of physical, social and emotional changes. Girls grow into women and
boys grow into men. It is also a time when our bodies become able to reproduce.”
4. Answer any questions that your learners have about clarifying the definition to ensure that the meaning
is clear. Table any other types of questions for another time.
Activity A2 The changes puberty brings

If your class cannot be divided evenly into groups of six it is recommended that you divide your learners
into groups of five and drop the sixth section of the reading. This information is important but is also
covered in other places in the Life Orientation curriculum. If your class doesn’t divide evenly into groups
of five of six, choose the divisor that leaves the largest possible undersized group and assign double
sections to your most academically advanced learners.
1. Explain to your learners that they are going to complete an activity called a “jigsaw”.
2. Explain that they are going to work in a group of six learners and that each group member will be
responsible for learning a portion of information about puberty and then teaching it to the other
members in their group.
3. Divide your learners up into groups of six learners.
4. Once your learners are in their groups, ask them to turn to the following in their workbooks:
a) Reading 7.4.1: Puberty – Expect big changes
b) Resource 7.4.1: Jigsaw instructions and reading assignments
c) Worksheet 7.4.1 (A) and (B): Pre-pubescent human figure.
5. Ask your learners to assign each group member a number between one and six. Remind your learners
to write their number down on their handout so they don’t forget. Explain the activity to your learners
while they read the instruction section of Resource 1: Jigsaw instructions and reading assignments in
their workbooks.


Assign the reading to individual learners as follows:
Group Member #1 – Introduction: the 1st three paragraphs: When?; What’s happening? and Breasts
Group Member #2 – Being seen as men and women; Hair, where?! and Pimples!
Group Member #3 – Curves and muscles, size differences ? and Wet dreams
Group Member #4 – Period, Voice breaking and New feelings
Group Member #5 – Sex and sexuality, Society sees you as adults
Group Member #6 – Some answers, Taking care of yourself
6. Each group member must read their assigned section of Puberty – Expect big changes, on their own.
7. Remind your learners that while they read their assigned section, they need to take notes on, underline
or highlight the main ideas.
8. Explain to your learners that they then need to turn their notes and/or underlines/highlights into a list
of NO MORE THAN FIVE MAIN IDEAS. They will use this list for a 90 second presentation to the rest of
the class. The presentation needs to be short and simple enough to be presented within the time limit.
9. When all the group members are prepared to present, take a moment to label one of your copies of the
human figure worksheet “Girl” and one “Boy”.
10. Allow your learners to take turns in doing their presentations.
11. During other learners’ presentations the changes they describe need to be drawn on the appropriate
human figure. For example, if the presenter says “During puberty girls develop breasts and hips”, draw
breasts and hips on the figure you labelled “Girl”.
12. After all of the presenters’ main ideas have been presented, your learners need to identify what kind(s)
of change(s) each of the presenter’s main ideas describes: physical, social or emotional. It is okay for
your learners to categorise an idea as representing more than one type of change.

When teaching topics such as puberty and the reproductive system, keep in mind that young people are
often sensitive about whether they are “normal.” Focus on the wide range of what is natural and avoid
using words such as “abnormal” and “unnatural.”Using technical/medical terms for body parts (e.g.
penis, vagina, uterus, etc.) will help learners feel more comfortable. Strongly encourage learners to do the
same.
HOMEWORK
1. Ask your learners to write an anonymous letter to “Sis Dolly” asking her as many questions as they can
think of about puberty in relation to both boys and girls.
2. Emphasise that your learners must NOT include their real name in the letter; they must give themselves
a pseudonym (an imaginary name).

CONSOLIDATION
1. Conclude the lesson by stating the following key messages:

a) Puberty is a normal process of physical, social and emotional changes.
b) During puberty, girls grow into women and boys grow into men. It is also a time when our bodies
become biologically able to reproduce.
c) Our bodies mature differently and at different times.
d) It is okay to be different - everyone is unique.
e) Your body may mature before you feel emotionally ready. Find adults and friends that you trust to
talk to about your feelings.
ASSESSMENT
1. Paired activity:
a) Your learners must work with a partner and discuss what physical changes happen to boys and girls
during puberty.
b) Ask your learners to draw and complete the diagram below by filling in the information.
boys and
only girls only boys
girls

Test your knowledge

1. What is the definition of puberty?
2. What are some of the physical and emotional changes that males experience at puberty?
3. What are some of the physical and emotional changes that females experience at puberty?
4. What is a “wet dream?”
5. What happens during a woman’s menstrual cycle?
6. Why is puberty a critical time to determine your personal values and limits in relation to
sexual behaviour?


RESOURCES/MATERIALS
READING 7.4.1: PUBERTY – EXPECT BIG CHANGES
Puberty is the time in your life when your body starts changing from that of a child to that of an adult.
At times you may feel like your body is totally out of control! Your arms, legs, hands and feet may grow faster
than the rest of the body. You may feel a little clumsier than usual.
Compared to your friends, you may feel too tall, too short, too fat or too skinny. You may feel self- conscious
about these changes, but many of your friends probably do too.
Everyone goes through puberty, but not always at the same time or in the same way. In general here’s what
you can expect:
WHEN?
There’s no right time for puberty to begin, but girls start a little earlier than boys: usually between 8 and 13
years of age. Puberty for boys usually starts at about 10-14 years of age.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
Chemicals called hormones will cause many changes in your body.
BREASTS
GIRLS: The first sign of puberty in most girls is breast development: small, tender lumps under one or both
nipples. The soreness goes away as your breast grow. Don’t worry if one breast grows faster than the other. By
the time your breasts are fully developed, they usually ended up being the same size.
When your breasts get larger, you may want to start wearing a bra. Some girls are excited about this. Other
girls may feel embarrassed, especially if they are the first of their friends to need a bra. Do what is comfortable
for you.
BOYS: During puberty, boys may have swelling under their nipples too. If this happens to you, you may worry
that you’re growing breasts. Don’t worry; you’re not. This swelling is very common and only temporary. But if
you’re worried, talk to your doctor.
HAIR, WHERE?
GIRLS AND BOYS: During puberty soft hairs start to grow in the pubic area: the area between your legs and
around your genitals, i.e. the vagina or penis. This hair will become thick and very curly. You may also notice
hair under your arms and on your legs. Boys might get hair on their faces or chests. Shaving is a personal
choice. If your shave, remember to use your own clean razor or electric shaver.

Being seen as “men” or “women”
Children are viewed as all the same - as children. After puberty, society starts to see you within your
gender role and sexuality. It can bring a new gap in boy’s and girls’ equalities and opportunities.
BOYS: You might start experiencing pressure to be brave and strong or disapproval of emotions
like vulnerability or tenderness. You’ll likely be pressured to have sex to prove your manliness and
heterosexuality.
GIRLS: In some settings your freedom may start being restricted or puberty may signal that it is time
for you to get married or take on more household duties. Your style of dress may be limited. You may
be expected to act only in ways considered appropriate to women and “ladies”.
PIMPLES
GIRLS AND BOYS: Another change that happens during puberty is that your skin gets oilier and you might
start to sweat more. This is because your glands are growing too. It is important to wash every day to keep
your skin clean. Most people use a deodorant or antiperspirant to keep odour and wetness under control. Do
not be surprised, even if your wash your face every day, that you still get pimples. This is called acne and it
is normal during this time, when your hormone levels are high. Almost all teenagers get acne at one time or
another. Whether your case is mild or severe, there are things you can do to keep it under control. For more
information on controlling acne, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.
CURVES AND MUSCLES
GIRLS: As you go through puberty, you will get taller, your hips will get wider and your waist will get smaller.
Your body also begins to build up fat in your belly, bottom, and legs. This is normal and gives your body the
curvier shape of a woman.
BOYS: As you go through puberty, you will get taller, your shoulders will get broader and, as your muscles get
bigger, your weight will increase.
Sometimes the weight gain of puberty causes girls and boys to feel so uncomfortable with how they look that
they try to lose weight by throwing up, not eating or taking medicines. This is not a healthy way to lose weight
and can make you very sick. If you feel this way or you have tried any of these ways to lose weight, please talk
to your parents or doctor.
SIZE DIFFERENCES?
BOYS: During puberty, the penis and testes get larger. There is also an increase in sex hormones. You may
notice that you will get erections (when penis gets stiff) more often than before. This is normal. Even though
you may feel embarrassed, try to remember that unless you draw attention to it, most people will not even
notice your erection. Also remember that the size of your penis has nothing to do with manliness or sexual
function.

WET DREAMS
BOYS: During puberty your testes begin to produce sperm. This means that during an erection, you may also
ejaculate. This is when semen (made up of sperm and other fluids) is released through the penis. This could
happen while you are sleeping. You might wake up to find that your sheets or pyjamas are wet. This is called
a nocturnal emission or a “wet dream”. This is normal and will stop as you get older.
PERIODS
GIRLS: Your menstrual cycle, or “period”, starts during puberty. Most girls get their periods 2- 2 ½ years after
their breasts start to grow (between 10-16 years of age). During puberty, your ovaries begin to release eggs.
If an egg connects with sperm from a man’s penis (fertilisation), it will grow inside your uterus and develop
into a baby. To prepare for this, a thick layer of tissue and blood cells build up in your uterus. If the egg does
not connect with sperm, the body does not need these tissues and cells. They turn onto a blood-like fluid
and flow out of your vagina. Your period is the monthly discharge of this fluid out of the body. A girl who has
started having periods is able to get pregnant, even if she does not have a period every month.
You will have to wear a sanitary pad and /or tampon to absorb this fluid and keep it from getting on your
clothes. Most periods last from 3-7 days. Having your period does not mean you have to abandon any of your
former activities like swimming, horseback riding or gym class. Exercise can even help get rid of cramps and
other discomforts that you may feel during your period.
VOICE BREAKING
BOYS: Your voice will get deeper, but does not happen all at once. It usually starts with your voice breaking.
As you keep growing, the breaking will stop and your voice will stay at the lower range.
NEW FEELINGS
BOYS AND GIRLS: In addition to all the physical changes you will go through during puberty, there are many
emotional changes as well. For example, you may start to care more about what other people think about
you because you want to be accepted and liked. Your relationships with others may begin to change. Some
become more important and some less so. You will start to separate yourself from your parents and identify
more with others your age. You may begin to make decisions that could affect the rest of your life.
At times you may not like the attention of your parents and other adults, but they too are trying to adjust to
the changes that you are going through. Many teens feel that their parents do not understand them: this is
a normal feeling. It is best to let them know, politely, how you feel and then talk things through together. It is
also normal to lose your temper more easily and to feel that nobody care about you. Talk about your feelings
with your parents, another adult that you trust or your doctor. You may be surprised at how much better you
will feel.

SEX AND SEXUALITY
BOYS AND GIRLS: During this time, many young people also become very aware of their feminine and
masculine sides. A look, a touch, or just thinking about someone may make your heart beat faster and
produce a warm, tingling feeling all over. Talking to your parents or doctor is a good way to get information
and to help you think about how these changes affect you. You may ask yourself:
1. When should I start dating?

2. When is it okay to kiss?
3. Is it okay to masturbate (to stimulate your genitals for sexual pleasure)?
4. How far would I go sexually?
5. When will I be ready to have a sexual relationship?
6. Will having sex help my relationship?
7. Is oral sex really sex?
READING 7.4.2: SOME ANSWERS
MASTURBATION is normal and will not hurt you. Many boys and girls masturbate. Deciding to become
sexually active, however, can be very confusing. On one hand, you hear so many warnings and dangers about
having sex. On the other hand, movies, TV, magazines and even the lyrics in songs all seem to be telling you
that having sex is okay.
The fact is, sex is a part of life and like many parts of life, it can be good or bad. It all depends on you and
the choices you make. Take dating for example: if you and a friend feel ready to start dating and it is ok with
your parents, that is fine. You may find yourself in a more serious relationship. But if one of you wants to
stop dating, try not to hurt the other person’s feelings; just be honest with each other. After a breakup both
partners may be sad or angry, but carrying on with normal activities and talking it over with an adult that you
trust is usually helpful.
Getting close to someone you like is okay too. Holding hands, hugging and kissing may happen, but this does
not have to lead to having sex. Deciding whether to have sex is one of the most important decisions you will
ever make. Why not take your time and think it through? It can help to talk to your parents or someone you
trust. Waiting to have sex until you are older – in a serious relationship and able to accept responsibilities
that come along with it – is a great idea. And you can avoid becoming pregnant, getting someone pregnant
or getting deadly diseases. There is only one way to avoid pregnancy and infections related to sex and that is
by not having sex. You don’t have to worry about infections like herpes, gonorrhea and HIV (virus that causes
AIDS).
However, if you decide to have sex, talk with a health provider about which type of birth control is best for you
and how to protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases.

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF
As you get older, there will be many decisions that you will need to make to ensure that you stay healthy.
Eating right, exercising and getting enough rest are important during puberty because your body is going
through many changes. It is also important to feel good about yourself and the decisions you make. Whenever
you have questions about your health or your feelings, do not be afraid to share them with your parents and/
or doctor.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS
EDUCATOR RESOURCE 7.4.1: JIGSAW INSTRUCTIONS

AND READING ASSIGNMENTS
1. Assign each group member a number between one and six. Write your number down on your handout
so you do not forget it.
2. Read along with your educator as they explain this activity (Resource 7.4.1: Jigsaw instructions and
reading assignment.
3. Each group member: individually read their assigned section of Puberty – expect big changes, as
follows:
a) Group Member #1 – Introduction: the 1st three paragraphs: When?; What’s Happening? and
Breasts
b) Group Member #2 – Being seen as men and women; Hair, Where? and Pimples!
c) Group Member #3 – Curves and muscles, Size differences? and Wet dreams
d) Group Member #4 – Period, Voice breaking and New feelings
e) Group Member #5 – Sex and sexuality, Society sees you as adults
f) Group Member #6 – Some answers, Taking care of yourself
4. Remember that while you read your assigned section, you need to take notes on underline or highlight,
the main ideas.
5. You then need to turn your notes, underlines or highlights into a list of NO MORE THAN FIVE MAIN
IDEAS.
6. You will now plan, as a group, to do ONE presentation of all your group members’ lists of the MAIN
IDEAS from each of the sections assigned to you.
7. Your group presentation to the rest of the class may only be 90 seconds long. This means your
presentation needs to be short and simple enough to be presented within the time limit.
8. Label Worksheet 7.4.1(A): The human figure before puberty as “Boy” and Worksheet 1(B): The human
figure before puberty as “Girl”.
9. During the other learners’/groups’ presentations your group will need to draw the changes they
describe on the appropriate human figure. For example, if the presenter says, “During puberty girls
develop breasts and hips”, draw breasts and hips on the figure you labelled “Girl”.
10. After all of the presenters’ main ideas have been presented, your group needs to identify what kind(s)
of change(s) each of the presenter’s main ideas describes: physical, social or emotional.

EDUCATOR RESOURCE 7.4.2: ASKING SIS DOLLY ABOUT PUBERTY
1. Write an anonymous letter to “Sis Dolly” asking her as many questions as you can think of about
puberty, in relation to both boys and girls.
2. Do NOT include your real name in the letter - give yourself an imaginary name.
3. Bring these letters to class on <<DUE DATE>> for Lesson 7.4B: Understanding puberty – physical, social
and emotional changes, Part 2.
WORKSHEET 7.4.1: The human figure before puberty

GLOSSARY
• ejaculation
• erection
• external
• internal
• menstruation
• physical changes
• puberty

Lesson 7.5
Healthy and unhealthy
relationships

Lesson 7.5
Healthy and unhealthy relationships
Grade 7
CAPS topic(s) Development of the self in society

Constitutional rights and responsibilities
CAPS Peer pressure: effects of peer pressure

subtopic(s) • How peer pressure may influence an individual: use of substances, crime, unhealthy
sexual behaviour, bullying and rebellious behaviour
• Appropriate responses to pressure: assertiveness and coping skills
• Negotiation skills: ability to disagree in constructive ways
• Where to find help
Link to other Human rights as stipulated in the South African Constitution

subtopics in Changes in boys and girls: puberty and gender constructs
CAPS • Understanding the changes and how these impact on relationships
Dealing with abuse in different contexts: between adults and children and between peers
This lesson will • explaining how peer pressure can influence an individual;
deal with the • understanding how peer pressure affects teenagers;
following • responding appropriately to peer pressure: assertive and coping skills;
• identifying characteristics of healthy and unhealthy relationships;
• identifying abusive behaviours and the five categories of abuse;
• describing how unhealthy gender messages play a role in promoting unhealthy
behaviours and abuse within relationships;
• understanding the concept of a relationship non-negotiable point;
• identifying which healthy behaviours are most important
in relationships, as well as identifying personal “deal-breakers” ; and
• describing parents’, or other trusted adults’ ideas about what constitutes a healthy
relationship.
Concepts • abuse • domestic violence (domestic abuse

• abusive relationship/ bullying or one of the healthy relationships
• constructive ways • intimate
• controlling behaviour (mental/ • lying, misleading, spreading rumours
emotional) (mental/emotional)
• cyber-bullying (social networking • manipulation (mental/emotional)
websites, texts, phone calls) (mental/ • negotiation skills non-negotiable
emotional) peer pressure
• deal-breakers • physical abuse/rape
• demeaning (verbal) • rebellious behaviour
• drug abuse (self-abuse) emotionally • sexual harassment (physical or
• gender messages emotional)
• unhealthy sexual behaviour • stalking (mental/emotional)
• verbal insults, unwanted teasing, • threats (mental/emotional)
unwanted sexual comments (verbal) • brainstorming

Teaching • brief lectures • classroom discussions

methodologies • homework assignments • small-group work
• individual reflection • worksheets
• interview
Time 60 minutes + 60 minutes

During Lesson 7.5 – Healthy and unhealthy relationships, your learners will understand the meaning of peer
pressure and its effects, how it can influences them and how to respond appropriately to such pressure. Your
learners will also define, through examples, the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
Your learners will then analyse sample relationship behaviours and determine whether each behaviour is
healthy or unhealthy. Learners look at the extreme end of unhealthy behaviours by identifying actions that
constitute abuse of varying levels of severity, across five categories. A definition of abuse is presented. The
lesson concludes with a presentation of a four-step process that your learners can use to address unhealthy
behaviours that may arise in their relationships. Your learners will go home with an assignment, to reflect
on and record what they want their relationships to look like to ensure that they are healthy and to discuss
these issues with a parent or other caring adult that they trust.
KEY POINTS
1. Healthy relationships are based on communication, honesty, equality, respect, and responsibility.
2. Abusive relationships often lead to poor health outcomes, like teenage pregnancy and STIs.
3. An important part of being in a relationship is figuring out what your deal-breakers are, i.e. the things that
are intolerable or unacceptable and should make you think about leaving the relationship.
RESOURCES /MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk
• Prestik
• notebook or scrap paper: one sheet for every three learners plus a few extra sheets of paper
• pens or pencils for your learners to write with
• Educator Resource 7.5.1: Behaviours in relationships
• Reading 7.5.1: Defining abuse (Reading 7.5.1 in your learners’ books)
• Reading 7.5.2: Taking action in an unhealthy relationship (Reading 7.5.2 in your learners’ books)
• Homework 7.5.1: The relationship I want (Homework 7.5.1 in your learners’ books)

2. Review the lesson and be sure you understand the content, methodology and time allocated for the
lesson.
3. The time allocated to this lesson is 2 hours. New concepts and the practical engagement given in the
activities for learners to do will need more time.
4. Write the definition of a relationship provided in Activity A1 on the board or on a poster-sized piece of
paper.
a. Two people are in a relationship when:
• they spend time with each other and relate in a way that is “more than friendship”;
• they may not be having sex but they are emotionally and physically intimate;
• they enjoy spending time together and become intimate; and
• they may not know how long this will last, but it is not a one-time thing, a “hook-up,” or a “fling”.
5. Make several sets of “relationship behaviour cards” by copying the relationship behaviours from
Educator Resource 7.5.1: Behaviours in relationships, onto large index cards or ½ notebook-sized sheets
of paper. Make enough sets to provide a set for every three learners in your class.
6. Draw a five-column chart on the board or across several poster-sized pieces of paper hung to a wall. The
blank chart should look like this:
Five categories of abuse
Physical abuse Verbal abuse Mental or Sexual abuse Self-abuse

emotional abuse
7. Create a poster-sized version of Poster 7.5.1: Defining abuse.

8. Create a poster-sized version of Reading 7.5.1: Taking action in an unhealthy relationship.
9. Complete Reading 7.5.1: Taking action in an unhealthy relationship by providing the name and contact
information of service providers that can provide support for your learners who are threatened with
violence or other harm in a relationship.
10. Ensure that you provide the contact information of the service providers that can provide support for
your learners in harmful relationships. Your learners can add this contact information to Reading 7.5.1:
Taking action in an unhealthy relationship.

ACTIVITIES
Activity A1 Peer-Pressure

Learners are introduced to the concept of peer pressure and what the effects of peer pressure can be.
Peer pressure is when a person feels that they have to change their behaviour, attitudes or values so that
they fit in and feel accepted. Most people want to fit in and be part of a group. People often give in to peer
pressure because they do not want to seem “un-cool” or they don’t know how to get out of a situation
1. Peer pressure can influence a person. Sometimes, this is a positive influence, for example, encouraging
one to study or to participate in a sport. Peer pressure can also have a negative influence, for example,
encouraging one to drink, smoke, have unprotected sex, bullying others or disrespect one’s elders.
2. It is often difficult to go against what the group is doing. Knowing how to be assertive and developing
coping skills are some of the ways that one can manage peer pressure. An assertive person is someone
who is confident and can stand up for their rights without being aggressive. Assertive behaviour can help
one to keep control of a situation when one feels under pressure.
3. Being assertive is the best way to cope with difficult situations. Understanding coping skills can help you
to manage difficult situations in assertive ways. It also shows your confidence and your ability to assert
yourself.
Activity A2 Relationships: Healthy and unhealthy behaviours

1. Discuss concepts relating to the topic.
2. Explain to your learners that you will assist them in exploring what makes a relationship healthy or
unhealthy.
3. Refer your learners to the posted definition of the term relationship.
4. Review this definition with them:
a. Two people are in a relationship when:
• they spend time with each other and relate in a way that is “more than friendship”, they may
not be having sex but they are emotionally and physically intimate; and
• they spend time together and share intimacy on an ongoing basis; they may not know how long
this will last, but it is not a one-time thing, a “hook up,” or a “fling”.
5. Some relationships are “exclusive”: the people in the relationship agree not to be intimate with other
people; others are not.
6. Slang terms that are used in place of “in a relationship” are “going steady”, “dating,” “having a thing” and
“going out (together)”.
7. For the purposes of this lesson we, will refer to the individuals in a relationship as “partners.”
8. On the board or a poster-sized piece of paper oriented the long way, write “Healthy” in middle of the left
half and “Unhealthy” in the middle of the right half. Explain to your learners that during this lesson you
will be discussing relationships in terms of their healthy and/or unhealthy aspects.

9. Do a one or two minutes brainstorming exercise with your learners about words that help define healthy
and unhealthy relationships. Write the words that your learners give on the poster-sized paper until you
have something that looks like the table below. Please note that the items listed are only examples of
what your learners could say:
Healthy relationship Unhealthy relationship
honesty lying
communication poor communication
equality cheating
respect violence
trust bossy
10. Review the list of words under the “Healthy” column. Point out that everyone has a right to enjoy
relationships with these characteristics, even though we may not always see this modelled in the
relationships around us.
11. Emphasise that in a healthy relationship each partner respects the other person’s decisions about
sexual play. Both partners have the RIGHT to say NO to sex in ANY situation.
Activity A3 Relationship behaviour cards

1. Ask your learners to divide into groups of three learners per group.
2. Explain to your learners that each small group is going to receive a set of 17 “relationship behaviours”
cards. Explain that their task will be to sort the cards into two piles: one pile for healthy behaviours and
a second pile for unhealthy behaviours. Point out that the result of their small group work will be just like
the two-column chart on the board or wall poster.
3. Choose one behaviour and use it as an example with the whole group. For example you might select
the relationship behaviour: “You listen to your partner’s opinions”. Read this sample behaviour to your
learners and ask them if they think it is healthy or unhealthy. This one is quite obviously, healthy. Mime
putting the behaviour card for this behaviour in a pile of healthy behaviours.
4. Explain to the small groups what to do if not everyone in the group agrees that particular behaviour is
either healthy or unhealthy. Explain that, first, all the members of the group should say why they think
the behaviour belongs in a particular pile. If the group still does not agree after every group member who
has an opinion has spoken, ask the group to vote and to put the behaviour into the pile with the most
votes. Ask the groups to make a note of any card for which they do not completely agree on which pile it
belongs.
5. Ask your learners to work quickly. Inform them that they have five minutes to sort their collection of 17
cards.
6. As the groups are working, move from group to group to provide clarifications or assistance, as needed.
Give your learners regular time warnings. After five minutes working-time, bring the whole class to order.
7. Ask your learners to identify behaviours that they had trouble agreeing on in their small groups. Spend
five minutes with the large group considering 2 to 3 cards identified by one or more small groups as ones
they found difficult to sort. If you are able to facilitate agreement on where a behaviour belongs, stick it

on the appropriate side of the healthy/unhealthy two-column chart you used in the first activity in the
lesson.
8. If the group is having difficulty coming to agreement on particular cards, identify the arguments for
sorting them into each pile. Ask your learners to indicate by show of hands which pile they believe a
particular behaviour belongs in. If, as is likely, the whole class cannot agree, go ahead and place disputed
cards under the correct sign. Clarify why the behaviour is placed where it is.

Even if the class comes to an agreement about where a behaviour belongs, if the consensus on a behaviour
is wrong, do not let it pass. Step in and categorise the behaviour correctly and explain the basis for your
correction. It is crucial that your learners leave this activity with a better sense of what constitutes healthy
and unhealthy relationships than when they started.
Activity A4 The extreme of unhealthy behaviours: Abuse and types of abuse

1. Inform your learners that some unhealthy behaviour is so serious that we give them a different name and
classification, namely abuse. Explain to your learners that all abusive behaviours are unhealthy, but not
all unhealthy behaviours are abusive, i.e. not all unhealthy behaviours have effects on a partner that we
would consider to constitute abuse.
2. Ask the group to come up with actions that they think are abusive.
3. Record learner responses in the five column poster/chart prepared before class using the categories
below, listed across the chart:
a. physical abuse
b. verbal abuse
c. mental/emotional abuse
d. sexual abuse
e. self-abuse.
4. Examples of learner responses could include:
a. physical abuse: hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking (physical) etc.;
b. rape (sexual);
c. demeaning comments and gestures (verbal);
d. verbal insults, unwanted teasing and unwanted sexual comments (verbal);
e. sexual harassment (physical or emotional);
f. cyber-bullying on social networking websites, texts or phone calls (mental/emotional);
g. stalking (mental/emotional);
h. manipulation (mental/emotional);
i. threats (mental/emotional);
j. controlling behaviour (mental/emotional);
k. lying, misleading or spreading rumours (mental/emotional);
l. drug abuse (self-abuse); and
m. domestic violence (domestic abuse or one of the other categories).

5. Write the responses from your learners in a category according to severity with least severe on top and
most severe at the bottom.
Mental and
Physical abuse Verbal abuse Sexual abuse Self-abuse
emotional abuse
• blocking • unkind words • silent • sexting • self-deprecation
• pinching • teasing treatment • making fun of • neglecting your
• pushing • private insults • manipulating a person’s body body
(body shaming) • drug abuse
• slapping • embarrassing the • criticising
person in public appearance • forcing a person • self-mutilation
• kicking
to touch your
• putting the person • making fun of • trying to commit
body
down in public person suicide
• touching a
• saying “shut- up” • lying • cutting or
person where
hurting yourself
she/he doesn’t
want to be
touched
• having sex with
person without
consent
6. After your learners have given enough responses to have examples of each of the five categories of abuse,
tell them that they did well in this brainstorming activity.
Activity A5 Definition of abuse

1. Tell your learners that you would like to share a definition of abuse. Review Poster 7.5.1: Defining abuse.
2. Discuss the concept of abuse.

The following statements on what meaning the word abuse has, can be given to your learners to discuss.
Get their views on what the word means to them.
Add any meanings that they agree on as a class, which may be valuable for them to remember.
3. Some meanings to consider:

a. Abuse is the ongoing misuse of power to achieve unfair advantages or control over another person.
b. Abuse causes harm to the person being abused.
c. Abuse can take many forms: physical abuse, verbal abuse, mental/emotional abuse, sexual abuse
or self-abuse.
d. Abuse can grow from something minor to something severe.
e. Abusers may shift their behaviour from one category to another; abusers often behave in abusive
ways in multiple categories at the same time, e.g., abusing someone physically AND emotionally.
f. Abuse of any kind is NEVER acceptable.
4. Make sure that your learners understand that unhealthy and abusive relationships often lead to poor
health outcomes. Examples of these outcomes include, but are not limited to: low self-esteem, mental
health issues and/or physical impairment due to injuries from violence.
5. Emphasise that in a healthy relationship each partner respects the other’s decisions about sexual play.

6. Remind your learners of the message: You have the RIGHT to say NO to sex in ANY situation.
7. Emphasise that unplanned pregnancy, STIs and HIV transmission are also negative health outcomes
that can result from unhealthy relationships. Explain how quite a few common unhealthy relationship
behaviours – especially ones stemming from unhealthy gender norms – promote sexual risk-taking in
relationships that can lead to these outcomes, e.g. in a relationship where one person makes all the
decisions, that person may decide not to use condoms, putting both partners at risk. In another example,
a partner who lies and does not keep his or her word might cheat on his or her partner, exposing that
person to possible STIs or HIV acquisition.
8. Ask your learners to think about what they learned in Lesson 7.3: Is there a difference between gender
and sex? Ask your learners how they think unhealthy messages about gender might contribute to abusive
behaviour.
9. Examples of responses might include:
a. Boys who have been taught that they should always be in control might believe that this
applies to romantic and intimate relationships.
b. Girls who have been taught to avoid conflict might accept abusive behaviour.
10. Emphasise that in healthy relationship each partner respects the other’s decisions about sex.
11. BOTH men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.

Some sensitive questions may not be answered immediately. Explain this to your learners. Also, if you
feel that a learner’s question needs to be dealt with confidentially; do so.
HOMEWORK
1. Explain to your learners that you have a homework assignment that they need to complete and bring
back to the next lesson.
2. Give your learners each a copy of Homework 7.5.1: The relationship I want.
3. Point out to your learners that the handout has two sections: one section they must complete on their
own and the other they must complete with information they obtain from a parent or another adult they
trust, after they share and discuss the first section with that adult.
4. Answer any questions, calling for clarification, that your learners may have.
CONSOLIDATION
1. Let your learners know that it is time to end the lesson.

2. Thank them for their participation, for sharing their ideas and perspectives and for thinking hard about
the skills and knowledge they need to acquire to create a happy, healthy life.
3. Summarise the lesson’s key points:
a. Healthy relationships are based on communication, honesty, equality, respect and responsibility.

b. Unhealthy and abusive relationships often lead to poor health outcomes, like teenage pregnancy
and STIs.
c. An important part of being in relationships is figuring out what your “deal-breakers” are: the things
that are intolerable and should make you plan to leave the relationship.
4. Explain to your learners that the next lesson will focus on the likelihood of acquiring an STI or HIV, or of
a teenage pregnancy if they engage in unprotected sex.
ASSESSMENT
1. Research:
Topic: Abuse experienced by teenagers in your community.
a) Do research on the various types of abuse experienced by teenagers. You may use information
from the internet, magazines, newspapers, interview questions.
b) You must also come up with solutions to prevent abuse among teenagers.
2. Oral presentation
Ask your learners to prepare an oral presentation on the following topic:
a) The importance of forming healthy relationships in the school environment, home and in the
community.
Test your knowledge

1. What is the definition of “abuse”?
2. List three examples or qualities of a healthy relationship?
3. List three examples or qualities of an unhealthy relationship?
4. List the five categories of abuse?
5. Give an example for each of the five categories of abuse.
6. True or False?
a. Sometimes abuse in a relationship is acceptable.
b. Sometimes boys/men in relationship cannot help but be violent.
7. What are two possible outcomes for a person who is being abused?
8. What are four steps that a person can take, to take action against abuse?
9. What do we mean by a “deal-breaker” when it comes to relationships?

Resources/Materials
EDUCATOR RESOURCE 7.5.1: BEHAVIOURS IN RELATIONSHIPS

1. You stay in the relationship because, although you are unhappy, it is better than being alone.
2. You talk with your partner about whether or not to have sex.
3. You make all of the decisions in the relationship.
4. You listen to your partner’s opinions.
5. You have a friend tell you about where your partner goes, who they spend time with and what your partner
does when you’re not with them.
6. You can make decisions on your own in the relationship.
7. You talk about problems with your partner when they come up.
8. You argue or fight almost every day.
9. Your partner asks you every day to start having sex; you have said you are not ready.
10. You keep your word.
11. You physically poke and push your partner to emphasise your point when the two of you argue.
12. You talk about avoiding pregnancy and STIs by using protection or abstaining from sex; you do not want
to “ruin a good thing”.
13. You ask your partner to break the rules set by their parents.
14. You tell your partner how good they look.
15. You look at your partner’s personal things without asking.
16. You think about how your partner feels when making decisions that will affect both of you.
17. Your partner hits you when the two of you argue and they get angry.
READING 7.5.1: DEFINING ABUSE
1. Abuse is the ongoing misuse of power to achieve unfair advantages or control over another person.
2. Abuse causes harm to the person being abused.
3. Abuse can take many forms: physical abuse, verbal abuse, mental/emotional abuse, sexual abuse or
self-abuse.
4. Abuse can seemingly grow from something small to something big.
5. Abusers may shift their behaviour from one category to another; abusers often behave in abusive ways
in multiple categories at the same time, e.g., abusing someone physically AND emotionally.
6. Abuse of any kind is NEVER acceptable.

READING 7.5.2: TAKING ACTION IN AN UNHEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
Step 1) Recognise the unhealthy behaviour and remember, it might be coming from you.
Step 2) If it is safe to do so, discuss the behaviour with your partner. If you are
behaving in an unhealthy way, admit it to yourself and your partner.
Step 3) Get support from trusted friends, family or other caring adults.
Step 4) Consider and/or plan to end the relationship if the unhealthy
behaviour continues.
Note 1: Any behaviour that goes against the way you want to be treated and/or in a way that immediately
makes you think you should end or leave the relationship is called a “deal-breaker”. Although
your deal-breakers may change over the course of your life, it is very important to figure out what
your deal breakers are, early on in every relationship,
Note 2: If the behaviour jeopardises your safety because it includes any form of violence, threats of
violence, forced sex, coerced sex or possible transmission of a disease, talk with an adult you
trust, so that they can help you to stay safe during and after the break-up if you need help,
please contact your nearest clinic and speak to a professional health care provider.
HOMEWORK 7.5.1: THE RELATIONSHIP I WANT
Instructions: Complete Section 1 on your own. Then share Section 1 with a parent or other caring adult that
you trust and ask them to help you to complete Section 2.
SECTION 1 (To be written by the learner)
1. For me, three important behaviours in a healthy relationship are:
2. For me, the most important behaviour of a healthy relationship is: Because:

3. Three unhealthy behaviours I would not tolerate in a relationship are:
Deal-breakers are negative behaviours in a relationship that a person should immediately walk away
from. We call this behaviour a “deal-breaker” because it is unacceptable and non-negotiable.
4. For me, a deal-breaker is:
SECTION 2 (Parent or caring adult speaks – learner writes)
Name of Parent(s)/Adult(s):
1. What do YOU think is the most important healthy behaviour for me to look for in a relationship?
2. Are there behaviours other than the one(s) I listed that you would want to be “deal breakers” for me in
relationships?

Additional Activity
How peer pressure affects teenagers

Read the article below and answer the following questions.
1. Why is Mandy under constant pressure?
2. What does she say she, and other young people, are under pressure to do?
3. What do you understand to be the result of being pressured to have sex?
4. Name five reasons why young people give in to peer pressure.
PEER PRESSURE SLOWS DOWN BATTLE AGAINST AIDS
In South Africa, there are six million people who are HIV-positive. There has been some progress
in the battle against this alarming figure. However, the message on how to prevent infection is not
getting through to teenagers fast enough.
Nearly 14 percent of pregnant girls in South Africa are testing positive for HIV. According to official
figures, which highlights teenagers’ behaviour is a challenge, that AIDS education campaigns still
needs to overcome.
A recent survey released publicly by the Medical Research Council states that only 31 percent of
sexually active South African teenagers regularly used condoms. Considering that these teenagers
are young people who have received education on the prevention of HIV the figure is alarming.
South African teenagers seem to indulge in risky sexual behaviour, making the country’s fight against
AIDS even harder. Judging by what teenagers say themselves, peer pressure clearly has a huge role to
play in their decisions about sex.
Mandy, 14, says there is constant pressure to fit in. “Being a virgin makes you the odd one out,” she
said, describing the peer pressure she faces. “It is common to take pictures of yourself posing sexy or
better yet have a sex video and post it on Facebook or circulate them; then you’re really cool.”
Her words are confirmed by Musa, 16. “Everybody in the movies takes sexual risks. Why can’t we?
Having sexual adventures is something we all enjoy; why think too deeply about it? There are so many
girls out there who are willing.”
It seems that what is often sexy to teenagers is the idea of risk itself. This, along with the need to be
popular and liked by peers, makes it very difficult for safe sex campaigns to succeed. Add to that
the idea that “everyone is doing it, why not me?” and the fight becomes an even more difficult, uphill
battle.

APPROPRIATE RESPONSES TO PRESSURE
It is difficult to go against what the group is doing. Knowing how to be assertive and developing coping skills
are some of the ways that we can manage peer pressure.
An assertive person is someone who is confident and can stand up for their rights without being aggressive.
Assertive behaviour can help you to keep control of a situation when you feel under pressure.
Passive people Aggressive people Assertive people
accept things the way they are try to control others stand up for their rights but also
respect the rights of others
give in easily to others can be rude, mocking or violent
express their views but also listen
go along with what others want want their own way to the other person’s views
do not stand up for themselves do not listen to other people’s are calm and polite even if they
views don’t agree
do not voice their
opinions attack other people’s opinions respond by looking relaxed, have
a friendly face and make eye
do not take action easily lose their tempers easily contact
For you to do
SITUATION
A person in your grade asks to borrow money. This has happened before and they never pay you back.
Here are three different responses. Decide if each one is passive, aggressive or assertive.
1. Look them in the eye and explain that you cannot lend them money and maybe they should ask someone else.
2. You get angry and shout at them, telling them to go away and never to ask you for anything again.
3. You give them the money as you feel too embarrassed to mention the money they owe you.
Examples of coping skills: Being assertive
Being assertive is the best way to cope with difficult situations. Understanding coping skills helps you
to manage difficult situations in assertive ways. It also shows your confidence and your ability to assert
yourself. The following coping skills are examples of how to manage difficult situations in assertive ways. If
you are in a situation where you are feeling pressured, there are a few skills that you can practise that can
help you.

1. You can make a joke. A joke can help change the atmosphere.
2. You can give a reason why you cannot do what they are asking you to do.
3. Just say no in an assertive way. Be firm and polite to show you are not interested.
4. You can suggest something else to do instead.
5. You can ignore what the person has said. Talk about something else.
6. You may have to repeat yourself. Carry on saying no. Do not give in.
7. Get away from the situation. If you don’t like what is happening, leave.
8. Make an agreement with friends to stick together and support each other. If you know your
friends will support you, you will have confidence to deal with peer pressure.
9. Be clear on what you believe is right and wrong. This can give you confidence and help you to
say no to peer pressure.
10. Talk to an adult you can trust or a friend who can give you advice on how to assert yourself.
GLOSSARY
• abuse
• abusive relationship
• bullying
• constructive ways
• controlling behaviour (mental/emotional)
• cyber-bullying (social networking websites, texts, phone calls) (mental/emotional)
• deal breakers
• demeaning (verbal)
• drug abuse (self-abuse)
• emotionally
• gender messages
• healthy relationships
• intimate
• lying, misleading, spreading rumours (mental/emotional)
• manipulation (mental/emotional)
• negotiation skills
• non-negotiable

Lesson 7.6

Lesson 7.6
Grade 7
• Respect for own and other’s body changes and emotions

subtopics in CAPS • Personal interests, abilities and potential
• Strategies to enhance self-image through positive actions: respect for self
Peer pressure: effects of peer pressure
• How peer pressure may influence an individual: use of substances, crime, unhealthy
• Where to find help
Dealing with abuse in different contexts: between adults and children and between
peers
• Identify threatening and risky situations
This lesson will • reviewing: “Appreciation and acceptance of self and others”;
deal with the • describing the seven-steps of the “CLARIFY” decision-making model presented in
following
this lesson;
• applying the “CLARIFY” decision-making model to make decisions about sex for
characters in a case study;
• discussing how personal values influence decision- making; and
• employing the steps of decision-making for a personal decision.
Concepts • accepting others • changes in boys

• accepting self • personal values
• appreciation • changes in girls
• appreciating self • decision-making
• body changes • brainstorming
Teaching • case studies/scenarios • classroom discussions

methodologies • homework assignments • skill demonstrations
• individual reflection • small-group work
• interview • worksheets
Time 60 minutes


During Lesson 7.6: Making decisions about sex, there will be a focus on the changes, especially bodily and
emotional changes, that boys and girls go through and how to appreciate and accept the self and others.
Your learners will also be oriented to a seven-step decision-making model called “CLARIFY”. They will apply
these steps to a case study related to making sexual decisions, taking into account gender-based power
differences. For homework they will each apply the steps of decision-making to one of their own decisions.
This can be used as an assessment and form part of individual learner portfolios of evidence.
KEY POINTS
1. An important part of growing up is learning to make good decisions.
2. Decisions should always be guided by our values.
3. In decisions related to sex, we need to consider possible short-term and the long-term consequences.
4. I am strong, smart and in charge of my future! I make smart decisions!
RESOURCES/MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk
• Prestik
• Worksheet 7.6.1: Case study: Thabo and Pamela’s story (Worksheet 7.6.1 in your learners’ books)
• Poster: 7.6.1: CLARIFY decision-making steps
• Poster 7.2.1: What are values? from the Lesson 7.2: Appreciation and acceptance of the self and others
• Worksheet 7.6.2: Making a decision (Worksheet 7.6.2 in your learners’ books)
concepts used in all the Grade 7 SLPs. Study the lesson and be sure that you understand the content,
methodology and the time allocated for the lesson.
2. Prepare Poster 7.6.1: CLARIFY decision-making steps and post it up on the wall/board.

ACTIVITIES
Activity A1 Physical and emotional changes

Recap on information from Lesson 7.4 on Puberty.
1. Discuss concepts pertaining to physical and emotional changes.
2. Discuss what happens to girls.
3. Discuss what happens to boys.
4. Complete the activity called “Dear Diary”.
Activity A2 Decision-making steps: CLARIFY decision-making model

1. Explain to your learners that an important part of growing up is being able to make decisions that are
based on good judgment. Certain core steps generally help people to make decisions that they can be
proud of in the long term.
2. Emphasise to your learners that they are strong, smart and in charge of their future. They make smart
decisions!
3. Ask your learners to identify the steps they think are needed to make a good decision. Write their
responses on the board. If your learners need an example, ask them to think about what steps they would
go through if they were going to buy a cell phone or some other item.
4. Below, find the seven steps of the CLARIFY decision-making model with some illustrative examples.
a. CLARIFY the decision you want to make.
Example: What career do you want to have? Should I smoke cigarettes? Should I lie to my parents
about where I am going tonight? Should I have sex with my girlfriend/boyfriend? How can I earn
extra money to help to pay for my school fees? How can I make sure that I do not acquire HIV?
b. Create a LIST of your possible options.
Example: In order to avoid acquiring HIV I have several options. I could: abstain from sex, this would
be a 100% foolproof choice; if I have sex, I can minimise my risk by using a condom correctly every
time I have sex; I can ask my partner to get tested for HIV before we have sex and I can stay faithful
to one partner.
c. Identify the ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of each option.
Example: Abstaining from sex (not having sex)
Advantages:
• It is a 100% foolproof method for avoiding HIV and unplanned pregnancy.
• When I am older, I will be more equipped to make decisions about sex as well as deal with the
possible consequences.
• Abstinence is more in line with my personal, religious and/or family values.
Disadvantages:
• I may feel left out if my peers pressure me into having sex.
• I may feel pressured by my boyfriend/girlfriend into having sex.
• I may feel sexually frustrated.

d. Where appropriate, REFER to the people that you trust to get advice from.
It is important to identify the people who could advise you in making this decision, e.g. parents,
health workers, other trusted adults, your educators, etc.

It is a good idea to get learners to make a list of the people that they would trust to ask about matters
related to their sexuality and sexual decisions. The class can jointly make a list of possible resources that
they could use to assist them to make healthy decisions about sex and sexuality. This could be placed in
the classroom and be added to throughout the year.
e. IDENTIFY the values that should guide your decision.

Example: self-respect, respect for others, trust, religious values, importance of education and
career, etc.
f. FOLLOW THROUGH and make your decision.
Explain that the decision should be made after taking into account the advantages and
disadvantages of each option; our values (the things we believe in) and based on the advice of
adults that we trust.
g. YOU can evaluate and reconsider the decision if necessary.
Explain to your learners that they can always reconsider the decision. For example, some young
people may make the decision to have sex without thinking through all the consequences. This
does not mean that they have to continue to have sex. They can decide to stop and then wait until
later or until marriage to become sexually active again.
5. Ask your learners whether they have any questions about the CLARIFY decision making model. Respond
to their questions.
Activity A3 Applying the decision-making steps

1. Introduce the topic of sexual decisions to your learners. Tell your learners that many decisions related
to sex are important decisions, as the consequences can have both short and long-term effects. Sexual
decisions can also be quite difficult to make. Ask your learners to provide some examples of decisions
related to sex and sexuality that are big decisions. Examples of responses may include:
a. whether or not to have sex;
b. whether or not to use a condom;
c. whether or not to have sex in exchange for money or gifts; and
d. whether or not to have an abortion.
2. Read the story of Thabo and Pamela found in Worksheet 7.6.1: Thabo and Pamela.
3. Depending on the class size, either divide the class into small groups or let each learner work with a partner.
Half of the pairs/groups should play the role of Thabo and the other half of the group should be Pamela. Each
group/pair should apply the first six steps of the CLARIFY decision-making model to decide:
a. For Thabo: Should I continue to pressure Pamela into having sex with me?
b. For Pamela: Should I have sex with Thabo in order to prove that I love him?
4. Make sure that the learners understand that they need to apply each of the first six steps of the CLARIFY
decision-making model.
5. Ask each group to elect (a) a scribe, (b) a reporter and (c) a timekeeper, by raising their hands. Give the
small groups 15 minutes to complete this task.
6. Move around the classroom while the small groups are working and provide support as needed. Provide
regular time-checks so that your learners know how much time they have left for the task.


An acceptable alternative way to conduct this activity is to collect a number of letters or emails written
to magazines, bloggers or on social media asking for help with problems, for example an agony aunt
such as Dear Aunt Dolly letters. Let your learners answer these questions using the steps of the CLARIFY
decision-making model. You can also make up case studies for learners to analyse. This exercise can be
done in pairs or in small groups.
Here is an example of a letter or email:

I am in Grade 8 and my boyfriend is in Grade 11. He wants to have sex, but I am not sure about this
at all. He says if we do not have sex, he will leave me. I don’t want to lose him. What should I do?
Activity A4 Feedback and review of the process

1. Ask at least two groups/pairs to report on their work to the rest of the learners. One group should report
on Thabo and the other on Pamela. Ask each group to explain how they went through each of the six
decision-making steps.
2. Lead a classroom discussion with the questions listed below.
a. What differences and similarities are there in the decisions made by Thabo and Pamela? What is
the reason for these differences?
At this point, there should be some discussion about gender and power inequality. If gender does
not come up in the discussion then consider asking the following probing questions:
b. What pressures does Thabo face, as a boy, to have sex?
c. What pressures does Pamela face, as a girl, to have sex?
d. Do you think these pressures are fair? Why or why not?
e. What could Thabo and Pamela do to resist these pressures?
3. Ask your learners to think back to Lesson 7.2: Appreciation of self: What are values? Take a few responses
from your learners. Review Poster 7.2.1: What are values?
4. Ask your learners about what values they think should influence Thabo and Pamela’s decisions.
5. Ask your learners what they think about the CLARIFY decision-making model.
6. Ask your learners if they think they could use these steps in real life and why or why not.
7. Emphasise the following statements to your learners:
a. I am strong, smart and in charge of my future!
b. You have the RIGHT to say NO to sex in ANY situation.
c. BOTH men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.


Remember that there may be learners in your class who are already sexually active and/or HIV-positive.
There are others who may have experienced sexual abuse. Deal sensitively with the issue of decision-
making. In many instances, your learner did not have a choice on whether or not to participate in sex. There
is also tremendous peer pressure to engage in sex at this age and all teenagers want to belong or fit in.
Teenagers are in an experimental stage of their development and sex and sexuality should be portrayed
as positive with the right partners, values and timing. Be careful to not give the message that all sex is
negative.
Your learners should be encouraged to weigh the long-term consequences against the short-term
pleasures of having sex. Link this lesson with the lessons on goal-setting and values (Lessons 7.1: Setting
goals and reaching your potential and 7.2: Your values, your compass).
HOMEWORK
1. For homework, ask your learners to choose a decision which they are personally struggling with.
2. Ask them to practise using the first six steps of the CLARIFY decision-making process they learned today.
3. They should complete Worksheet 7.6.2: Making a decision and hand it in at the next lesson.
4. Learners are encouraged to continue this activity until they feel satisfied that they have made the right
decision.
5. This assignment can then be used for assessment purposes and used as part of a learner’s portfolio of
evidence.
CONSOLIDATION
1. Conclude the lesson by stating the following key points:

a. An important part of growing up is learning to make good decisions.
b. Decisions should always be guided by our values.
c. In decisions related to sex, we need to consider possible short-term and long-term consequences.
d. I am strong, smart and in charge of my future! I make smart decisions!
Written Activity
Ask your learners to answer the questions below:
1. List each of the steps of the CLARIFY decision-making model.
2. Let us say that a friend of yours is trying to make a decision about whether or not to get tested for HIV.
What are three examples of the OPTIONS they have with regard to this decision?
3. Pick one of the options you identified in the question above. List at least one advantage and one
disadvantage of choosing that option.
4. Pick one of the options you identified in the question above. Give two examples of personal values that
would guide a person in choosing this option.

5. What is one example of negative peer pressure that boys face in our community to have sex? Do you
agree or disagree with this pressure? Explain your answer.
6. What is one example of negative peer pressure that girls face in our community not to have sex? Do you
agree or disagree with this pressure? Explain your answer.

Resources/Materials
POSTER 7.6.1 CLARIFY DECISION-MAKING STEPS
1. CLARIFY the decision you want to make.

2. Create a LIST of your possible options.
3. Identify the ADVANTAGES and DISADVANTAGES of each option.
4. Where appropriate, REFER to the people you trust to get advice.
5. IDENTIFY the values that should guide your decision.

6. FOLLOW THROUGH and make your decision.
7. YOU can evaluate and reconsider the decision if necessary.
WORKSHEET 7.6.1: CASE STUDY
CASE STUDY: THABO AND PAMELA’S STORY

Thabo and Pamela are in Grade 7. They are starting to feel serious about each other. One day after
school they go to Thabo’s house, when no one else is at home. They start to hug and kiss each other
and Thabo tells Pamela that he loves her. She is happy to hear that, but when he says to her that they
must have sex in order to prove that they love each other, she is uncertain about what to do.
Apply the first six steps of the CLARIFY decision-making model to decide:
a. For Thabo: Should I continue to pressure Pamela into having sex with me?
b. For Pamela: Should I have sex with Thabo in order to prove that I love him?
(Show all your decision-making steps)

2. Create a LIST of your possible options.
4. Where appropriate, REFER to the people you trust, to give you advice.
5. IDENTIFY the values that should guide your decision

8. Take as much time as you need to go through all the steps of the decision-making process.
9. We often feel happier with our decisions when we really think about them.
WORKSHEET 7.6.2: MAKING A DECISION
“To worry about sex now (already); does this make me a nerd? Why does everything feel so different
from a year ago?”
(Show all your decision-making steps)

2. Create a of your possible options.
4. Where appropriate, REFER to the people you trust, to give you advice.
5. IDENTIFY the values that should guide your decision
8. Take as much time as you need to go through all the steps of the decision-making process.
9. We often feel happier with our decisions when we really think about them.
GLOSSARY
• accepting others
• accepting self
• appreciating self
• appreciating others
• body changes
• changes in boys
• changes in girls
• decision-making
• personal values

Lesson 7.7

Lesson 7.7
Grade 7

CAPS subtopic(s) Peer pressure

• Negotiation skills: ability to disagree in constructive ways

subtopics in CAPS • Identify and reflect on positive personal qualities: relationship with self, family,
friends
Changes in boys and girls: puberty
Peer pressure
• How peer pressure may influence an individual: use of substances, crime, unhealthy
This lesson will • defining non-verbal communication;

deal with the • explaining the importance of non-verbal communication matching verbal
following
communication;
• describing three approaches to communication: passive, aggressive and assertive;
and
• explaining how inequitable gender norms may affect boys’ and girls’ ability to
communicate assertively.
Concepts • aggressive
• assertive
• communication
• gender norms
• inequitable
• non-verbal communication
• passive

methodologies • classroom discussions
• skits/dramas
• small-group work
• other: straw poll
Time 60 minutes


During Lesson 7.7: Assertive communication, your learners will learn the definition of non-verbal
communication and its role in both unclear “mixed- message” communication and clear communication.
Your learners will then learn definitions for three approaches to communication: passive, aggressive and
assertive. They will observe a skit that demonstrates these three approaches to communication and will
identify the characteristics of each approach. Finally, your learners will identify ways in which gender
messages can shape approaches to communication, focusing on difficulties that stem from gender norms
that both men/boys and women/girls can experience when trying to communicate assertively.
KEY POINTS
1. Communication is a combination of what you say with your body and your words.
2. It is very important in romantic and sexual situations to match what you say with your body to your words.
3. “Mixed messages,” or not matching your body language to your words often leads to miscommunication,
which can cause problems in relationships.
4. Assertive communication is the best kind of communication.
5. Reject gender norms that make assertive communication difficult for women and men.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk
• Prestik
• notebook or scrap paper: one sheet for every 3 learners and a few extra sheets of paper
• pens or pencils for your learners
• Poster 7.7.1: Three approaches to communication (Reading 7.7.1 in your learners’ books)
• Poster 7.7.2: Non-verbal communication (Reading 7.7.2 in your learners’ books)
• Reading 7.7.1: Assertive, passive and aggressive communication (Reading 7.7.3 in your learners’ books)
• Poster 7.7.3: How do gender norms affect communication? (Reading 7.7.4 in your learners’ books)
concepts used in all the Grade 7 SLPs. Review the lesson and be sure that you understand the content,
methodology and the time allocated for the lesson.
2. Prepare Poster 7.7.1: Three approaches to communication, and put it up on the wall/board. Content for
the poster is found at the end of this lesson plan.

3. Prepare Poster 7.7.2: Non-verbal communication, and put it up on the wall/board. Content for poster is
found at the end of this lesson plan. Cover the list so that your learners cannot see it until you reveal it
as needed for the lesson.
4. Prepare Poster 7.7.3: How do gender norms affect communication? and put it up on the wall/board.
Content for poster is found at the end of this lesson plan. Cover the list so that your learners cannot see
it until you reveal it, as needed for the lesson.
ACTIVITIES
Activity A1 Verbal and non-verbal communication
1. Define the concepts: communication, verbal and non-verbal.

2. Perform a short demonstration for your learners. Perform the made-up message below, about how you
feel about delivering today’s lesson. When you deliver the message, use an demeanour or body language
that is very flat or a little depressed; do not make eye contact: look around at the floor instead; shuffle
your papers; look at your watch or make other signs of distraction and give a big sigh at the end and say:
“Today I’m very excited to be teaching you about approaches to communication. I believe this topic
is very important for you to learn, so that you can have a healthy and successful future. I want you
to know that all of my focus, today, is on this topic.”
End this statement with a loud sigh.
3. Change back to your normal, confident, authoritative demeanour or teaching persona.
4. Ask your learners to raise their hands to indicate their individual responses to the following:
a. Raise your hand if what I just said made you believe that I was excited.
b. Raise your hand if what I just said convinced you that I think today’s topic is important.
c. Raise your hand if what I just said convinced you that my focus is on teaching today’s topic.
5. Ask your learners that did not raise their hands to any of the statement above, why they did not believe
you or were not convinced. Take a few responses from these learners.
6. Your learners’ responses should indicate that your body language, attitude and demeanour did not match
your words.
7. Explain to your learners that all of the non-verbal cues that we observe when someone is communicating
are what we call non-verbal communication. Uncover and explain each of the elements on Poster 7.7.2:
Non-verbal communication or ask your learners to give you examples of each, for example:
a. eye contact or engagement;
b. posture and body language;
c. gestures and movement;
d. facial expressions;
e. demeanour, mood and attitude;
f. tone of voice;
g. non-verbal expressions of emotion, e.g. sighing, crying, sweating (indicating nervousness or
anxiety); and
h. closeness: the distance between the two people who are communicating.

Activity A2 Importance of non-verbal communication

1. Explain to your learners that research tells us that about 65% of the meaning we take from other people’s
communication comes from non-verbal elements.
2. Ask your learners what they think could go wrong in a sexual/romantic situation if someone’s body
language or non-verbal communication does not match what they are saying. Ask them what the
likelihood is that the other person will understand clearly and comply with, or listen to, their intended
message?
3. End the activity by delivering the key message about non-verbal communication: matching non-verbal
cues with the words you are speaking is the best way to communicate clearly and make sure the other
person has a clear understanding of the message that you are giving them. This is extremely important
in romantic and sexual relationships.
Activity A3 Approaches to communication

1. Explain to your learners that they will be looking at three different approaches to communicating their
needs and feelings: passive, aggressive and assertive. Explain that in order to communicate clearly and
to be understood by other people, in the exact way that one wants, it helps to be able to recognise and
to understand the differences between these three approaches.
2. Ask your learners to turn to Reading3: Assertive, passive and aggressive communication in their
workbooks.
3. Define the terms assertive, passive, aggressive and passive- aggressive to your learners.
a. When you communicate assertively:
• speak clearly and directly;
• provide specific information, i.e. don’t use broad generalisations like, “You ALWAYS do such-
and-such…”;
• own your message by using “I-statements”;
• do not blame other people for your feelings or experiences;
• do not try to hurt or offend the other person (though the receiver may not take it this way);
and
• acknowledge that others have different beliefs, feelings, opinions, experiences and
perspectives.
b. When you communicate passively:
• you don’t express what you really feel or want. You may not say anything at all;
• you probably look defensive, withdrawn or avoidant;
• your non-verbal communication or body language does not line up with the words that you
are speaking;
• you are indirect;
• you may, yourself, be unclear about what message you are trying to communicate;
• you use words that say “yes” when your message is really “no”; and
• you try to avoid conflict or avoid hurting the other person’s feelings by not communicating the
message you really want to deliver. This is driven by fear or worry about what will happen if
the person you are talking to does not like what you have to say.
c. When you communicate aggressively:
• you are hostile and forceful;
• you are confrontational or intentionally hurtful;
• you threaten, pressure or force another person to get your way;

• you do not take the other person’s feelings or rights into consideration;
• you manipulate, i.e. saying or doing something to control or force the other person to doing
something that you want;
• Your verbal and non-verbal cues match up, i.e. your words AND your body language are
hostile, aggressive and over-active; and
• alternatively, your body language may be intensely defensive: arms folded, eyes glaring.
4. Ask your learners if they have any questions about the three definitions you have just given to them.
Answer any questions they may have about the definitions.
Activity A4 Gender and assertive communication

1. Review the definition of gender messages that your learners have already learned.
2. Remind your learner that our gender helps us to express ourselves as boys/men and as girls/women. We
learn our gender from the messages we receive from our society.
3. Ask your learners to think back to Lesson 7.3: Is there a difference between gender and sex? Ask them
to remind you of the gender messages that boys and girls receive. For example, girls are often taught to
kind, gentle and passive and boys are often taught to be strong, fearless and aggressive.
4. Ask your learners to turn to their peers and form a group of four. Ask them to think about the two questions
below and the questions you have written on Poster 7.7.3: How do gender norms affect communication?
a. How are boys taught to behave – in order to be considered to be “real men”– that makes it difficult
for them to communicate assertively, and instead, causes them to communicate aggressively or
passively?
b. How are girls taught to behave – in order to be considered to be “a lady” or “feminine” – that makes
it more difficult for them to communicate assertively, and instead, causes them to communicate
aggressively or passively?
5. Ask the groups to spend three minutes to come up with as many answers as they can to the question
posed. Ask the groups to appoint a member who can write quickly and clearly to record the group’s
answers.

Your learners may find it difficult to see how the gender messages that apply to their own gender work
as obstacles to assertive communication. In particular, learners who are boys in a male-dominant
culture may have a difficult time seeing past their male privilege, in order to identify the problems
created for them by gender norms that generally appear to favour them. You may wish to have a few
groups answer the questions or conduct their analysis on a gender different to the one with which their
small group identifies, i.e., have a few groups of young women/girls complete the task thinking about
young men/boys and vice versa.
6. After three minutes, call your learners back to attention. Ask the groups to read one of their answers to
the questions. Ask the groups not to repeat an answer if another group has already shared the same
answer. They must share a different answer that hasn’t already been shared when their turn comes.
Spend three to four minutes hearing answers from a few groups and discussing them. Look for answers
to include the following:

a. Girls:
• are taught to be “demure” and “ladylike,” not outspoken;
• learn, in a sexist culture, to get what they want or need indirectly or through subtle approaches;
for example, it was traditionally considered too “forward” for a woman/girl to ask a man/boy
out on a date, so women/girls employed flirtation to show that they were attracted to a man/
boy;
• are conditioned to take care of others or put their needs before others’;
• are told that girls who speak out are “mouthy” or “bitchy”;
• are taught that the sign of a “good boyfriend” is that they know your needs without having to
be told or shown;
• are taught to avoid conflict and keep the peace;
• are taught that physical appearance is very important;
• are taught not to talk too much about sex for fear of developing a reputation for being “easy”;
and
• Are taught that men are “in charge” and more powerful.
b. Boys:
• are taught to be tough and self-sufficient and to show this by pretending that they do not
have needs and by not communicating (their needs);
• are taught that being a “real man” means “taking it,” or “toughing it out,” not “complaining;”;
this leads to stoicism and boys not expressing their needs, wants or feelings;
• are taught that “real men” take what they want and they do not ask or negotiate for what they
want;
• are conditioned to only express a limited number of emotions, primarily anger or aggression,
which leads to aggressive rather than assertive communication;
• are taught not to take on behaviours or characteristics that can be interpreted as feminine;
• are taught to be ready for sex all the time; and
• are taught that men are superior and in charge and that women are weaker and subordinate.
7. If any of the above points are not made by your learners, introduce them to the discussion with your
learners.
8. Be sure to point out the statements below to your learners.
a. It is VERY important that girls are able to communicate assertively, because one of the unhealthy
gender messages in society taught to boys is to ignore the needs or boundaries expressed by girls,
i.e. the “she says no but she really means yes” phenomenon.
b. Skillfully delivered assertive communication helps to combat another inequitable gender
message in society – the norm of accepting aggressive communication from boys and finding it
acceptable – the “boys will be boys” attitude, while labelling assertive communication from girls
as “bitchy,” “mouthy,” or “unladylike”.
c. BOTH men and women are responsible for preventing pregnancy, HIV and other STIs.

HOMEWORK
1. Activities that were not completed by your learners in class, may be taken home as their homework
assignment.

CONSOLIDATION
1. Summarise the lesson’s key points:

a. Communication is a combination of what you say with your body and your words.
b. It is very important in romantic and sexual situations to match what you say with your body to your
words.
c. “Mixed messages,” or not matching your body language to your words often leads to
miscommunication, which can cause problems in relationships.
d. Assertive communication is best kind of communication.
e. Reject gender norms that make assertive communication difficult for women and men.
ASSESSMENT
1. Group work
a. Work in a group of six. In this activity you will practise the skill of assertiveness.
b. Do a role-play in your group. Four learners must try to persuade the remaining two to do something
wrong. The four should think hard about what to say to the two who do not want to do this thing.
The two learners who are resisting negative peer pressure should also think about what they can
say to avoid being pressurised.
c. Take turns to be the ones trying to resist negative peer pressure.
d. Write down three good things you can say to resist negative peer pressure.
e. In pairs, change this sentence into an “I statement”: “You are always so pushy and you don’t listen
to what I want.”
f. In the same pair, practise saying your new “I statement” assertively.
g. Remember, this includes keeping your voice calm and your body language confident.

Test your knowledge

1. Define passive communication.
2. Define aggressive communication.
3. Define assertive communication.
4. What are three examples of “body language”?
5. What happens when one’s body language does not match with one’s words?
6. Why is assertive communication needed in a romantic relationship?
Resources/Materials
POSTER 7.7.1: THREE APPROACHES TO COMMUNICATION

Passive:
Not expressing what you really think, feel, want or need.
Aggressive:
Expressing yourself in a hostile manner without consideration for the other person’s feelings.
Assertive:
Expressing yourself in a direct, honest, confident, and respectful way – taking ownership of your messages.
POSTER 7.7.2: NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION

• eye contact or engagement
• posture or “body language”
• gestures or movement
• facial expressions
• demeanour, mood or attitude
• tone of voice
• non-verbal expressions of emotion such as sighing, crying, sweating (indicating nervousness or anxiety)
• closeness: the distance between the two people who are communicating.
READING 7.7.1: ASSERTIVE, PASSIVE AND AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION

When you communicate assertively:
• speak clearly and directly;
• provide specific information, i.e. don’t use broad generalisations like, “You ALWAYS do such-and-such…”;

• own your message by using “I-statements”;

• do not blame other people for your feelings or experiences;
• do not try to hurt or offend the other person (though the receiver may not take it this way); and
• acknowledge that others have different beliefs, feelings, opinions, experiences and perspectives.
When you communicate passively:

• you don’t express what you really feel or want. You may not say anything at all;
• you probably look defensive, withdrawn or avoidant;
• your non-verbal communication or body language does not line up with the words that you are speaking;
• you are indirect;
• you may, yourself, be unclear about what message you are trying to communicate;
• you use words that say “yes” when your message is really “no”; and
• you try to avoid conflict or avoid hurting the other person’s feelings by not communicating the message
you really want to deliver. This is driven by fear or worry about what will happen if the person you are
talking to does not like what you have to say.
When you communicate aggressively:

• you are hostile and forceful;
• you are confrontational or intentionally hurtful;
• you threaten, pressure or force another person to get your way;
• you do not take the other person’s feelings or rights into consideration;
• you manipulate, i.e. saying or doing something to control or force the other person to doing something
that you want;
• your verbal and non-verbal cues match up, i.e. your words AND your body language are hostile, aggressive
and over-active; and
• alternatively, your body language may be intensely defensive: arms folded, eyes glaring.
POSTER 7.7.3: HOW DO GENDER NORMS AFFECT COMMUNICATION?

1. How are boys taught to behave – in order to be considered to be “real men”– that makes it difficult for
them to communicate assertively, and instead, causes them to communicate aggressively or passively?
2. How are girls taught to behave – in order to be considered to be “a lady” or “feminine” – that makes it more
difficult for them to communicate assertively, and instead, causes them to communicate aggressively or
passively?

GLOSSARY
• aggressive
• assertive
• communication
• gender norms
• inequitable
• non- verbal communication
• passive

Lesson 7.8
Revisiting your goals and
moving forward

Lesson 7.8
Revisiting your goals and moving forward
Grade 7

CAPS subtopic(s) Concept: self-image

• Strategies to enhance others’ self-image through positive actions: respect for others
and respect for diversity
Link to other Common diseases: tuberculosis, diabetes, epilepsy, obesity, anorexia, HIV and AIDS
subtopics in CAPS • Causes of diseases: social, economic and environmental factors including use of
alcohol and tobacco, poor eating habits and physical inactivity
This lesson will • explaining how setting goals will help them to realise their potential;
deal with the • formulating SMART goals;
following • reciting a SMART goal that describes something they feel is important to accomplish
this year;
• identifying the obstacles that unhealthy behavioural choices would present for goal
attainment; and
• conducting a force field analysis of factors and influences that encourage or inhibit
healthy behaviour.
Concepts • abstinence
• decisions
• forced field analysis
• having multiple sexual relationships during the same period of time
• intentions
• kissing
• having a sexual relationship
• touching
• using a condom
Teaching • individual reflection

methodologies • worksheets
• force field analysis
• SMART goal-setting
• setting intentions
• content review
• progress check on goal
Time 60 minutes


During Lesson 7.8: Revisiting your goals and moving forward, your learners begin with an assessment of their
progress on the SMART goal they set for themselves at the beginning of the SLPs in Grade 7 Life Orientation.
They will revise the goal or set a new goal to practice the SMART goal-setting technique. The lesson continues
with your learners examining how their behaviours can either support them in accomplishing their goals or
get in the way of reaching their goals. Your learners will think critically of their behaviours and decisions and
the impact of certain decisions, to bring about behaviour change. The lesson ends with your learners making
a commitment to positive, goal-supporting behaviours related to health and sex.
KEY POINTS
1. Setting goals will help you to reach your potential.
2. Though obstacles and people will get in the way of you accomplishing your goals, you still have the power
to make your life better.
3. There are people and resources that can help you to achieve your goals.
4. Avoiding HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancy can help you achieve your goals.
5. Making a commitment to positive and healthy behaviours is key to achieving your goals.
6. I am strong, smart and in charge of my future!
RESOURCES/MATERIALS
• chalkboard
• chalk
• tape or Prestik
• Poster 7.1.1: SMART goals (Reading 7.1.1 in your learners’ books)
• Worksheet 7.8.1: Review of SMART goal criteria (Worksheet 7.8.1 in your learners’ books)
• Poster 7.8.1: Example of a “force field” analysis (Worksheet 7.8.2 in your learners’ books)
• Worksheet 7.8.2: “Vote” for behaviours that support your goals (Worksheet 7.8.3 in your learners’ books)
• two of your learners’ SMART goals from Lesson 7.1

2. Study the lesson and be sure that you understand the content, methodology and the time allocated for
each lesson.


This lesson contains a brief review of the skill of setting SMART goals that your learners learned in Life
Orientation SLP Lesson 7.1: Setting goals and reaching your potential. If you have not taught that lesson
you should familiarise yourself with it.
3. Prepare and display Poster 7.8.1: Example of a force field analysis model on the board or a large sheet of
newsprint. If you think it will be difficult for all your learners to see a single poster, make more than one
poster or photocopy the poster to provide as handouts for your learners to share in groups.
4. Prepare and display a large-sized version of Poster 7.1.1: SMART goals on the board or a large sheet of
newsprint.
5. On the board or flip chart, draw four large squares. Write each of the following four themes in one of the
boxes: family, school, friends, and health.
6. Write the following questions on the board or flip chart:
a. Has the due date for this goal passed?
b. What progress have you made on the goal? Have you accomplished it? If you have not accomplished
it: why not? Is it still a goal you want to accomplish?
ACTIVITIES
Acticity A1 Review of goal-setting

1. Explain to your learners that in today’s lesson you are going to look at the way that their choices of healthy
behaviours – especially concerning sex – can either help them to achieve their goals or get in the way of
those goals.
2. Explain that healthy behaviour can be more difficult to engage in – or less difficult – depending on the
circumstances in our lives and what we choose to allow to influence us.
3. Explain that this lesson is going to teach them a technique called a “force field analysis” that will help
them to:
a. identify behaviours that will help them achieve their goals;
b. identify factors and influences that can support those behaviours; and
c. identify factors and influences that make it more difficult to choose healthy behaviours.
Acticity A2 Review of SMART goals

1. Refer your learners to the definition of a goal written on the board:
“A goal is something that we want to achieve. We all have the ability to make the best of ourselves and
setting and achieving goals helps us to do that.”
2. Refer your learners to Poster 7.1.1: SMART goals. Remind your learners that developing SMART goals was
a skill they learned at the beginning of the year in an earlier SLP for Grade 7 Life Orientation.

3. Remind your learners of the five characteristics of a SMART goal:

S goals should be Specific;
M goals should be Measurable in terms of their outcome(s);
A goals should be written in terms of the specific Action(s) that will be done to achieve them;
R goals should be Relevant (matter to you) and Realistic (actually achievable); and
T goals should be “Time-bound”, that is they have a specific due date.
4. Ask your learners if they have any questions about the definition of a goal or how to write a SMART goal.
5. Answer the questions and hold off other types of questions for another time.
Acticity A3 This year’s goal

1. Ask your learners to turn to the two SMART goals they wrote for Lesson 7.1 (one during class and one for
homework, from Worksheet and Homework 7.1.1: SMART goal criteria); or, if learners have these stored in
a notebook or portfolio of evidence have them find it and take it out.
2. Ask your learners to review the SMART goals they set in Lesson 7.1. Learners who did not complete the
SMART goal worksheets should work with another learner, using Worksheet 7.8.1: Review of SMART goal
criteria
3. Instruct them to choose one of the two goals and assess their progress on that goal by writing answers
to the following questions in the margins or in the space at the bottom of the SMART goal worksheet:
a. Has the due date for this goal passed?
b. What progress have you made on the goal? Have you accomplished it? If you have not accomplished
it: why not?
c. Is it still a goal you want to accomplish?
4. Direct your learners’ attention to the four squares you drew on the board labelled with the themes:
family, school, friends, and health.
5. Ask your learners to spend four or five minutes writing a SMART goal for something they want to achieve,
in one of these areas, in the next 12 months. Tell your learners that if they did not accomplish the goal
they assessed from their worksheet, and the goal is still important to them, they should write a new
version of THAT goal in the appropriate box.
6. While learners are working on the task, move around the room offering assistance, supervising your
learners’ progress and helping them to manage their work time.
Acticity A4 The relationship of behaviour choices to accomplishing goals

1. Direct your learners’ attention back to Poster 7.1: SMART goals.
2. Point out the “A” in the SMART acronym and ask your learners to identify what the “A” represents in the
technique of setting SMART goals.
3. Take responses from your learners until you receive the correct response:
“The ‘A’ stands for ‘action-oriented’ which means that a good goal has the actions necessary to
accomplish it spelled out in detail.”
4. Write the word “behaviour” on the board and explain that behaviour is a synonym for action.
5. Ask your learners to give you a few examples of behaviours. Possible responses will be varied and diverse
and could include the following:
a. watching TV,
b. exercising or playing sports,
c. brushing your teeth,
d. studying, or
e. arguing with someone.

6. Make sure that your learners include some sexual behaviours in their list. Prompt them as necessary to
generate items on the list such as:
a. having a sexual relationship;
b. using a condom;
c. having multiple sexual relationships, during the same period of time;
d. kissing;
e. touching; and
f. abstinence.
7. Explain to your learners that many of our actions – or our behaviours – are subconscious. They come
from our personality, our upbringing, etc. Examples of subconscious behaviours may include scratching
an itch, doing things with your right or left hands or drinking water when you feel thirsty.
8. Stress to your learners that we can also make conscious choices about our actions and behaviours. Part
of becoming an adult is to choose our behaviours and accept responsibility for those choices and the
results of those behaviours.
9. Ask your learners to tell you what they think the relationship is between behaviours and accomplishing
goals. Take a few responses from your learners.
10. Summarise your learners’ responses in a way that covers the key points, below:
a. Behaviours can be the actions we take to pursue and accomplish our goals.
b. Some behaviours can support the actions we need to take, to accomplish our goals.
c. Some behaviours can also get in the way of us accomplishing our goals.
d. At their age, the choices learners make regarding sexual behaviour can influence their ability to
accomplish important short-term and long-term goals.
Acticity A5 Overview of the “force field” analysis technique

1. Explain that the next activity presents a technique for looking at the behaviour they choose and assessing
whether these behaviours will help them, or get in the way of accomplishing their goals.
2. Direct your learners to Poster 7.8.1: Example of a “force field” analysis.
3. Walk your learners through the example on the poster.
4. Point out how the analysis starts with a SMART goal.
5. Show your learners how the example has generated two lists:
a. Behaviour choices that will help to accomplish the goal.
b. Behaviour choices that will get in the way of accomplishing the goal.
6. Show your learners how the example brings one behaviour that can help with accomplishing a goal
down into the box in order to focus on it. Point out:
a. What is in the box is written as a behaviour and should always be written as a behaviour in this
step of the process.
7. The behaviour must be chosen for the box SUPPORTS ACCOMPLISHING THE GOAL.
a. The example uses a sexual behaviour and they should too!
8. Show learners the part of the analysis that identifies factors or influences that can support the
BEHAVIOUR, which in turn SUPPORT THE GOAL.
9. Show your learners the part of the analysis that identifies factors or influences that hinder or inhibit the
BEHAVIOUR or lead to other, negative or unhealthy behaviours, which in turn become AN OBSTACLE TO
ACHIEVING THE GOAL.
10. Point out that this example only looks at one behaviour. Explain to your learners that they could do a
force field analysis on ANY behaviour that they could brainstorm as one that might help or hinder the
achievement of their goal.

Acticity A6 Practising force field analysis

1. Ask your learners to spend five minutes conducting a force field analysis on their SMART goal.
2. Have them reproduce a blank version of Poster 7.8.1: Example of a “force field” on a sheet of paper and
fill it in as they conduct their analysis.
3. Ask your learners to come up with at least one sexual behaviour in their lists of behaviours AND to
choose a SEXUAL behaviour to put in the box to analyse.
4. Inform them that their analysis should identify at least two factors or influences that encourage the
positive behaviour they write in the box and at least two factors or influences that hinder it or lead to
other behaviour choices.
5. Leave your learners to work on the task. While your learners are working on the task, move around the
room offering assistance, supervising their progress and helping them to manage their work time.
Acticity A7 Making a commitment to behaviour choices

1. Explain to your learners that they now know:
a. how to identify behaviours that will support them in accomplishing their goals; and
b. how to identify factors and influences that will encourage or hinder their ability to choose
healthy, positive behaviours.
With this knowledge it is time for them to commit to behaviour choices that will support the goal
they set at the start of the lesson.
2. Ask your learners to turn to Worksheet 3: “Vote” for behaviours that support your goals in their workbooks.
3. Remind your learners that when they get older they will vote in elections, choosing people to run the
government and accomplish the goals of their town, or the nation. Explain that when someone casts a
vote for someone running for office it is called “committing to a candidate”.
4. Explain that on this worksheet they are going to cast imaginary votes for behaviours; committing to
those behaviours so that they can better accomplish their goal.
5. Spend a few minutes going over the worksheet with your learners:
a. Tell them to write their name on the sheet.
b. Show them where to write the SMART goal they set at the start of the lesson.
c. Review the chart that presents the positive, goal-supporting behaviours they learned throughout
the SLPs for Grade 7 Life Orientation.
d. Point out the box in the chart next to each behaviour where they will “vote” for that behaviour.
e. Explain that their task is to commit to one or more behaviours that will support their goal, by
marking votes in the boxes next to each behaviour which they are committing to.
f. Explain that they have six votes that they can cast. Explain that they cast a vote and commit to a
behaviour by ticking the box to the left of a behaviour on the chart.
g. Explain that they may cast more than one vote for the same behaviour.
h. Explain that casting multiple votes for the same behaviour indicates that they think the behaviour
is very important to them, in order to accomplish their goal.
i. Explain that it also indicates an extra level of commitment on their part to behaving that way
during the next twelve months.
j. Also show your learners where they need to write a few sentences explaining how they expect
these behaviours to help them accomplish their goal.
k. Show your learners where they need to identify people who can help them to keep their
commitment.
6. Ask your learners if they have any questions about their assignment.

7. Answer any questions that require you to clarify the instructions and put aside any other types of
questions for another time.
8. Set your learners to work on the task. While learners are working on the task, circulate around the room
offering assistance, supervising their progress and helping them to manage their work time. They should
have about five minutes to complete the assignment.

HOMEWORK
Learners are encouraged to reflect on what has been dealt with in this activity.
CONSOLIDATION
1. Review the key points of the lesson:

a. Setting goals will help you to reach your potential.
b. Though obstacles and people will get in the way of you accomplishing your goals, you still have the
power to make your life better.
c. There are people and resources that can help you achieve your goals.
d. Avoiding HIV, STIs and teenage pregnancy can help you achieve your goals.
e. Making a commitment to positive and healthy behaviours is key to achieving your goals.
f. I am strong, smart and in charge of my future!
ASSESSMENT
1. Written activity
Ask your learners to answer the questions below:
a. What is a goal?
b. Why are goals important to our lives?
c. What does the acronym “SMART” stand for?
d. What is the significance of HIV, STIs and teenage pregnancy to goal attainment?
e. What is one (or more) goal(s) you are determined to achieve in the next six months?
f. How does your choice of behaviours affect your ability to achieve your goals?
g. How do circumstances and influences affect our behaviour choices?
h. How do you conduct a “force field” analysis?
i. How would you define what a commitment is?
j. What commitments have you made to yourself or your family that embody your personal values or
limits?

Resources/Materials
POSTER 7.8.1: SMART GOALS
SMART goals help us achieve success. A SMART goal specifies exactly what someone is trying to accomplish,
enabling that person to know, concretely, when the goal has been achieved.
A SMART goal is:

Specific: States exactly what you want to do.
Answers the question: What?
Measurable: The success toward meeting the goal can be measured.

Answers the questions: How much? How well?
Action-oriented: The goal contains an action word that will help you to do something to reach your goal.
Answers the question: What will you do to accomplish it?
Relevant and Realistic: The goal is something that will fit in with your larger plans. It requires things you are
already able to do or are able to learn in order to accomplish the goal.
Answers the question: Why is this the right goal for you?
Time-bound: SMART goals have a clearly defined time frame including a deadline or due date.
Answers the question: When?

WORKSHEET 7.8.1: REVIEW OF SMART GOAL CRITERIA
Instructions: Use the table below to construct your goal and to evaluate if it is SMART.
Smart: What exactly do you
S want to achieve?
Measurable: You must
M be able to know when
you have attained your
goal. Does it answer the
questions how much/how
many/how well?
Action-oriented: What
A action(s) are you going to
take to achieve the results
you have specified?
Realistic: It must be
R something that you can do
with your current skills or
POSTER 7.8.2: EXAMPLE OF A “FORCE FIELD” ANALYSIS

This is a completed example. See the blank one for YOUR learners’ reference in the learners’ workbooks
SMART Goal: In order to get a job as a shelf packer for the December holidays. I will apply to three
supermarkets and have these applications submitted by October 15.
Things that would get in the way of accomplishing my goal or behaviours:

1. If I do not get good grades my parents will not let me have a job.
2. If I have bad references they will not give me a job.
3. If I had a baby I would not have time to apply.
4. If I acquired HIV I could be too sick to work.
Things that would help me to accomplish my goal or behaviour:

1. Spending more time studying math.
2. Volunteering to help clean up the park.
3. Abstaining from sex until I finish school.

Factors that positively support Factors that make behaviour

behaviour difficult or lead to negative
behaviours
My friends and I
Peer pressure to
plan for our future
have sex
and talk
BEHAVIOUR
CHOICE
Abstain from sex until

My family I finish school Drinking when we
supports me and I
go to parties
can talk to them
None of my close My friends say that “real

friends are having sex men” need to be sexually
experienced

WORKSHEET 7.8.2: “VOTE” FOR BEHAVIOURS THAT SUPPORT YOUR GOALS

Name:
Behaviour Behaviour
Keep a clear set of positive values in mind. Actively discuss my thoughts and feelings with trusted
adults.
Stand up for gender equality. Abstain from sex.
If sexually active, I will use a condom AND STAY FAITHFUL to one partner to protect myself, my partner
contraception EVERY TIME I have sex. and my community.
If I’m having sex I will get tested for HIV and other Take good care of my health through diet, exercise and rest.
STIs regularly.
Take on new responsibilities that come with Use an assertive, clear and respectful communication style.
becoming an adult.
Work hard to succeed in school. Believe in myself.
Use good judgment in choosing friends. Use good judgment about whom I show love and affection.
Put effort into helping my family. I will take AT LEAST a 3-month break between sex partners, if
I choose to have sex.
Avoid or leave friendships or relationships where Maintain constant awareness of the high risk of pregnancy
the other person mistreats or abuses me. or HIV and other STIs involved in having sex.
Use the CLARIFY decision-making process to make Create a list of “must-haves” and “deal-breakers” and use
sure I think things through. that list to evaluate potential romances.
SMART Goal: Positive, goal-supporting behaviours you learned in this Life Orientation unit:

I (your name) am committing to the behaviours I have checked

above because they will help me to accomplish my goals.
These behaviours will help me accomplish my goal by:
The names of three or more people who will help me commit to these behaviours are:
Your Signature
GLOSSARY
• abstinence
• decisions
• forced field analysis
• having multiple sexual relationships during the same period of time
• intentions
• kissing
• having a sexual relationship
• touching
• using a condom

ANNEXURES
ANNEXURE A: ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND READING AND CONTEXT
HIV and AIDS in South Africa

The generalised HIV epidemic in South Africa is characterised by significant geographic and population
heterogeneity. Preliminary results of the recently completed, population-based South African National HIV
Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey, 2012, indicate that South Africa has about 6.4 million people
living with HIV (PLHIV). The survey found average HIV prevalence across all age groups to be 12.3%, up from
10.6%1 in 2008. KwaZulu-Natal had the highest HIV prevalence at 27.6%, and Western Cape the lowest,
at 9.2 % . Earlier surveys indicate about half of all PLHIV in South Africa live in just two of nine provinces,
Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Similar to other generalised HIV epidemics, South Africa’s epidemic is largely, though not entirely, driven by
sexual transmission. A number of underlying individual behavioural, social, and structural factors underpin
the severe HIV epidemic in South Africa. These include: low rates of male circumcision; lack of knowledge
of HIV status; inconsistent and non-use of condoms; intergenerational and transactional sex; multiple and
concurrent sexual partnerships; alcohol and drug abuse, and harmful gender and social norms. Internal and
external migration and economic inequality together with incomplete education also fuel HIV transmission.
Low marriage rates and later age at marriage, among those who eventually marry, are additional structural
factors contributing to high HIV risk.2
Young people and HIV

Young people in South Africa, especially young women, are at high risk of HIV acquisition. In the 2012 national
survey, HIV prevalence rose from 3.1% among girls under age 14, to 5.2% among adolescent girls age 15-
19, and then jumped sharply to 17.9% in young adult women aged 20-24 . HIV rates continued to increase
steeply until they peaked at 36.7% among women aged 30-34. HIV prevalence among young males is much
lower than for their female peers: 2.2% for boys under age 14, 1.2% for boys aged 15-19, and 5.6% for young
men aged 20-24.
3
Some experts believe that incidence rises sharply after girls leave school owing to their lack of economic
opportunities and reliance on transactional sex for financial support. Most young women initiate
childbearing soon after they leave school, and some data suggest that pregnancy may be a co-factor for HIV
acquisition. Nonetheless, the 2012 national survey found some positive trends in HIV among young people.
HIV prevalence among 15 to 24-year-olds decreased from 8.7% in 2008 to 7.3% in 2012. The proportion of
young people aged 15-24 who reported sex before the age of 15 declined, with the decline especially marked
among young females. However, condom use, which increased among all segments of the population in
previous surveys in 2002, 2005 and 2008, declined in almost all age groups including young males and
females in 20124. The proportion of young people engaging in multiple sexual partnerships also continued a
steady upward trend from previous surveys.
1 South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behavior Survey 2012. Presentation delivered at the 6th SA AIDS Conference,
Durban ICC, 19th June 2013.
2 Ibid
3 Studies in Family Planning, 2008 - Pregnancy related school dropout and prior school performance in KwaZulu Natal South Africa
4 HIV/AIDS-related stigma and discrimination Module 4 R. Smart

A significant minority of young people who are either perinatally or behaviourally infected are living with HIV.
For these young people stigma, however it is felt or experienced, is still a reality and can make them feel
isolated, both at school and in the community. Evidence suggests that stigma and discrimination in schools
may contribute to dropout rate among infected and affected learners.
Overall, however, infection rates are still relatively low among school-age adolescents. These learners
represent a “window of hope” for the future. If they can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to make
healthy choices about their sexual behaviour as they transition to young adulthood, the potentially devastating
effects of the epidemic could be attenuated. Additionally, it is important to identify both perinatally and
behaviourally infected young people through schools. Linking these learners to HIV testing and counselling
with onward linkages to care, treatment and positive prevention can help reduce HIV transmission as they
initiate sexual activity.
The education sector and HIV

South Africa has roughly 12.4 million children in 25,850 public primary and secondary schools in 9 provinces.5
The education system is characterised by high levels of participation and completion compared to other
countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The education system has equal female to male participation in primary
and secondary education.6 Thus, schools provide a platform for reaching the majority of both female and
male learners with comprehensive sexuality and HIV prevention education.
As the HIV epidemic continues to mature, a growing number of learners are HIV-infected. Strong school-
based programmes are needed to address both the needs of children and adolescents who are infected
and/or are on treatment and care, and the need for primary prevention for the vast majority of uninfected
learners. To meet the needs of all school-going children, the National Department of Basic Education (DBE)
has developed an Integrated Strategy on HIV, STIs and TB, 2012-2016 to respond to the National Strategic
Plan (NSP). The DBE strategy was approved by the Council of Education Ministers in November 2012. The
strategy aims to achieve the following outcomes:
• increased HIV, STI and TB knowledge and skills among learners, educators and officials;
• decreased risky sexual behaviour among learners, educators and officials;
• decreased barriers to retention in schools, in particular for vulnerable learners ; and
• improved linkages with sexual reproductive health/family planning and HIV services and other relevant
government departments.
The DBE utilises the newly approved strategy to inform and guide life skills programme implementation to
improve the quality of the current programmes and introduce formally assessed targeted, age-appropriate,
gender-sensitive, and culturally competent comprehensive sexuality and HIV prevention activities within
the education system.
The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement for Life Orientation

The history, the related reviews and evaluations of the life skills programme are documented in the DBE
Integrated Strategy on HIV, STIs and TB 2012 – 2016. The life skills programme has evolved with the overall
DBE curriculum changes over the years and it is currently included in the Curriculum and Assessment Policy
Statements (CAPS). According to the DBE National Curriculum Statement (NCS), CAPS for the Senior Phase
– Grades 7, 8 and 9, Life Orientation is central to the holistic development of learners. It addresses skills,
5 Education Realities 2012, Department of Basic Education

6 Trends in Education Macro-Indicators: South Africa, Department of Education.

knowledge and values for the personal, social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth of learners. Life
Orientation guides and prepares learners for life and its possibilities and equips them for meaningful and
successful living in a rapidly changing and transforming society. Learners are guided to develop their full
potential and to make informed choices regarding personal and environmental health, study opportunities
and future careers. Life Orientation also helps learners to develop beneficial social interactions, and
promotes lifelong participation in recreational and physical activity. The health, social and environmental
responsibility life skills component is the area under which HIV programmes are mainly covered. 7
Teenage pregnancy
Data sets indicate that childbearing in South Africa begins early. The mean age at first sex in South Africa
amongst young people aged 16 – 24 in 2012 was 16.9 years. Adolescent girls aged 15-19 accounted for roughly
one in five of all pregnant women tested for the 2011 antenatal sentinel survey. Other data sources indicate
that approximately 94,000 schoolgirls became pregnant in 2011, with about 77,000 having had abortions
performed at public facilities. According to the DBE’s 2009/2010 Annual Survey for Ordinary Schools,
KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo account for about half of the total of 45,276 learners reported as pregnant
in 2009.8 In the 2011 General Household Survey, about 4.5% of all females in the age group 13–19 years
were reported to be pregnant during the reference period. High levels of teenage pregnancy demonstrate
that young girls are engaging in unprotected sex. Provincial education departments have started profiling
schools and districts with high levels of teenage pregnancy and are developing interventions to address this
issue.
The vast majority of pregnant adolescents are neither married nor in stable relationships. Many teenage
girls have sex with older, sexually-experienced men who are more likely to be HIV-positive. Girls may also
be less empowered to use condoms with older men, thereby increasing their risk of HIV acquisition. Once
pregnant, teenage girls may be forced to drop out of school and may face motherhood unprepared, at an
early age. Young women who struggle to meet immediate material needs, may engage in multiple and
concurrent transactional partners and other risky behaviours.9 In addition to contributing to school drop-
out, teenage pregnancy presents immediate health challenges such as higher maternal mortality among
younger adolescents. Conversely, while HIV has lifelong health, financial and social implications it is often
felt less “urgently” as an issue by many adolescents. Both HIV, sexual and reproductive health, are critical to
well-being and development and must be addressed simultaneously and in an integrated manner.
Sexual and gender-based violence

The official South African 2011/2012 statistics report a total of 64,514 cases of sexual offences. Children
(under 18 years) represented 40% of all cases; adult women 49%; and adult men 11%. The statistics are
high especially since it is likely that not all sexual offences are reported. Moreover, gender-based violence
(GBV) prevalence surveys based on ANC data capture only those who attend clinics, and exclude girls who
hide their pregnancies and give birth at home.
7 Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements – Grade 7 9 Life Orientation

8 Department of Basic Education 2009/2010 Annual Survey for Ordinary Schools.
9 Young People Most at Risk of HIV: A Meeting Report and Discussion Paper from the Interagency Youth Working Group, U.S. Agency
for International Development, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Inter-Agency Task Team on HIV and
Young People, and FHI. Research Triangle Park, NC: FHI, 2010.

Sexual abuse of boys is not a new phenomenon. Yet, globally very little is known about the nature and extent
of sexual violence against boys.10 While scant, South African research has shown that sexual abuse of boys
by men has serious health consequences, such as an increased risk of acquiring HIV and mental health
problems, including alcohol abuse.11 A survey with students in the Northern Province estimate that 8.8%
of males experienced sexual abuse.12 Similarly a general population survey with men in KwaZulu-Natal
and Eastern Cape estimate that nearly 10% of men have been forced into sex.13 One of the few qualitative
studies, conducted in the rural Eastern Cape expanded understanding of the sexual abuse of young boys
within a rural context.14 The lack of adult supervision while tending to duties such as herding of livestock,
places boys in remote settings, increasing the risk for young boys to be physically bullied and forced into sex.
Importantly this study highlighted the context of sexual coercion by women, is markedly different. Such acts
often occur in the safety of the boy’s home and female perpetrators were commonly older lodgers, domestic
helpers and family friends who subjected boys to unwanted touching or exposed themselves, culminating
in persuasion to have sex.15 The majority of such acts of abuse by men and women were not disclosed to
families or friends or reported to the police.16 Given the high rates of nondisclosure it is anticipated that rates
of sexual assault of boys is likely to be much higher than estimated. The HIV acquisition risk for children who
have experienced sexual violence is also largely unknown, because poor reporting, stigma and poverty can
result in failure to provide related testing, care and support.
SGBV is still one of the key structural drivers of the HIV epidemic in South Africa. Significant gender
inequalities inter-linked with traditional and cultural beliefs still impede efficient and effective integration
of intervention strategies to address sexual and gender based violence. When young women are involved in
relationships involving gender imbalances in power, in which men decide the conditions under which sex
occurs, coerced or forced sex is often the result.
According to UNICEF, “offering girls basic education is one sure way of giving them much greater power – of
enabling them to make genuine choices over the kinds of lives they wish to lead.”17 Globally, key strategies
to improve girls’ access to education include involving parents and communities, minimising the costs to
families of girls’ education, and maintaining flexible school hours. Girls also do better in school when they
are prepared through early childhood education. Finally, learning materials should be relevant to the girl’s
background, be in the local language, and avoid reproducing gender stereotypes. It is critical to identify and
support strategies that address girls’ needs that are most relevant to the South African context.
Poverty
In the 2011 academic year, 60% of public school learners were in no-fee schools; these are schools declared
poor, located in poverty-stricken areas, and learners are exempt from paying school fees. The “No-Fee
Schools” are part of the DBE policy aimed at improving education access for poor learners. Most of these
10 Finkelhor, D., Turner, H., Ormrod, R., Hamby, S., &Kracke, S. (2009). Children’s exposure to violence: A comprehensive national
survey. US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
11 http://www.mrc.ac.za/crime/Chapter7.pdf, retrieved May 2016
12 Madu, S.N. (2001). Childhood forcible sexual abuse and victim-perpetrator relationship among a sample of secondary school
students in the Northern Province (South Africa).
13 Jewkes, R., Sikweyiya, Y., Morrell, R., & Dunkle, K. (2009) Understanding men’s health and use of violence: Interface of rape and HIV
in South Africa. Technical Report. Pretoria: Medical Research Council
14 Ibid
15 Ibid
16 Ibid
17 http://www.unicef.org/sowc96/ngirls.htm, retrieved January 2016

schools do not provide adequate life skills programmes, and lack relevant sexuality, HIV prevention, or peer
education activities. Due to the schools’ locations in remote, rural and poverty stricken areas, educators lack
resources and training to offer quality life skills and comprehensive sexuality and HIV prevention education
programmes. In consideration of all the above challenges, adequately addressing the needs of South Africa’s
learners calls for a well-tailored and targeted, systemic approach to addressing comprehensive sexuality and
HIV prevention education at school level. These SLPs shall assist in meeting the need for standardised, high
quality lesson plans and strengthened systems to support the implementation of comprehensive sexuality
and HIV prevention education as a central component of the DBE’s life skills programme.
Institutionalisation of comprehensive sexuality education on a sustained basis is a key contributor to social

change by influencing social and gender norms, which may ultimately benefit not only population-level
public health indicators, but crucially the well-being and development of adolescents.
Scripted lesson plans (SLPs) have been prepared for educators to facilitate their teaching of content
specifically related to comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in CAPS.

Bibliography
Attwell, T., Bredenkamp, L., Danisa, B., Mitchell, M., Moodley T., Mtsuki, S., Paizee, D., Pickering, R. &
Siegruhn, A. (2013). Headstart: Life Orientation Learner’s Book Grade 7. Oxford.
ETR Associates. Puberty and Growing Up – A Workshop for Youth. Resource Center for Adolescent Preg-
nancy Prevention (ReCAPP). Retrieved at http://recapp.etr.org/recapp/index.cfm?fuseaction=pages.Learnin
gActivitiesDetail&pageID=154&PageTypeID=11.
Euvrard, G., Findlay, H. & Normand, C. (2012). Life Orientation Today Grade 7 Learner’s Book. Maskew Miller.
Google search: “smart goal images” (2016) Google Inc. Retrieved at https://www.google.
co.za/#q=smart+goals+images.
Haberland, N. & Rogow, D. (eds.) (2011). It’s all one curriculum: guidelines and activities for a unified
approach to sexuality, gender, HIV and human rights education. Available at www.itsllone.org. pp.156- 178.
It’s All One: Guidelines and Activities for a Unified Approach to Sexuality, Gender, HIV and Human Rights
Education. (2009). New York, NY: Population Council. Activity 5, p. 151.
Jemmot, LS, Jemmot JB & McCaffree, KA. (2002). Making proud choices! A safer-sex approach to HIV/STDs,
and Teen Pregnancy Prevention. New York: Select Media. Activity G, p.50.
Jewkes, R., Nduna, M. & Jama, N. (2010). Stepping Stones. Pretoria: MRC. Exercise A8, page 23.
Levack, A., Rolleri, LA., DeAtley, JM. (2013). Gender Matters: A Gender- Transformative Teenage Pregnancy
Prevention Curriculum. New York, NY: EngenderHealth. Activity 1.2: Values Clarification: pp. 39-42; Activity
1.3: Gender Messages: pp. 43-56; Session 2 – Healthy Relationships, Activity 2-2 – Healthy Relationships
and Deal Breakers, pp. 83-88, Activity 2-3 – Assertive Communication,
p. 93.
St. Lawrence, JS. (2005). Becoming a Responsible Teen. Santa Cruz, CA: ETR Associates. Session 4 –
Learning Assertive Communication Skills, Activity 6 – Different Communication Styles: pp. 122-126:
Vergnani, T, Frank, E. & Johns, R. (2006). Sexuality Education for Senior Phase (Grades 7-9) Educators.
Heinemann Publishers: Sandton.
Wise Guys: A Curriculum Designed to Promote Healthy Masculinity, Prevent Teen Pregnancy and Prevent
STIs among Adolescent Boys Aged 12-15. (2013). Greensboro, NC: Family Life Education Services, A Division
of the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Lesson 3: Your Values, Your Compass.
World Health Organisation (2004). WHO Information Series on School Health: Educators’ Exercise Book for
HIV Prevention. Activity 4.6 p. 135.

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Scripted Lesson Plans

Grade 7 Educator Guide

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 1

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 3

ISBN: 978 1 4315 2699 4

© COPYRIGHT Department of Basic Education

Department of Basic Education, Pretoria. 2019. The Educator Guide on Comprehensive

4 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SLPs .................................. 19

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 5

6 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 7

8 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

Note to the educator

You taught me1

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 9

A. GUIDE FOR TEACHING SEXUALITY EDUCATION IN CAPS THROUGH

HIV is everyone’s problem.

10 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

Age difference4 is a major factor

16 years and Over 17 years

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 11

2. Purpose of the SLPs (Grades 7 to 9)

Secondary Schools in the Basic Education Sector”.

12 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 13

4. STRUCTURE OF THE SLPs

4.1 CAPS topics and subtopics

4.3 Knowledge, values and attitudes

14 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

4.4 Time allocation

4.5 Teaching methodologies

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 15

4.7 Brief lesson summary

4.8 Key points

16 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

4.9.1 Informal assessment

4.9.2 Learner assessment

4.10 Notes to the educator

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 17

Note to the educator

4.11 Teaching and learning resources

18 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

5. THE CORE MESSAGES TO BE INTEGRATED THROUGHOUT THE CURRICULUM

Core Messages (7, 8 and 9)

1. Maintaining your role as educator

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 19

2. Create a safe, conducive classroom environment

2.1 Feeling challenged by new SE content

2.2 Safe learning spaces

20 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

The classroom often extends into the home

2.3 Managing discussion in the classroom

Use group activities, practical approaches and self-reflection to facilitate discussion

2.4 Monitoring peer discussions and engagements

Sexuality Education in Life Orientation: 21

2.5 Building the confidence of learners

22 Sexuality Education in Life Orientation:

2.6 Factors that impact on learner participation