Key stage learning outcomes

Key Stage 2

Learners should be given opportunities to:

• take increasing responsibility for keeping the mind and body safe and healthy
• feel positive about themselves and be sensitive towards the feelings of others

and to understand:

• the features and physical and emotional benefits of a healthy lifestyle, e.g. food and fitness
• the harmful effects, both to themselves and others, of tobacco, alcohol and other legal and illegal substances
• the reasons for the physical and emotional changes which take place at puberty, to include conception, pregnancy and birth
• the range of their own and others' feelings and emotions
• the importance of personal safety
• how to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touching
• what to do or to whom to go when feeling unsafe.

Key Stage 3

Learners should be given opportunities to:

• display a responsible attitude towards keeping the mind and body safe and healthy
• develop positive attitudes towards themselves and others

and to understand:

• the relationship between diet, exercise, and good health and well-being
• the effects of and risks from the use of a range of legal and illegal substances and the laws governing their use
• how to use alcohol responsibly and the risks of binge drinking
• the law relating to aspects of sexual behaviour
• about contraception, sexually transmitted infections and HIV within the context of relationships
• the features of safe and potentially abusive relationships
• the role of marriage, the importance of stable family relationships and the responsibilities of parents
• the range of emotions they experience and how to develop strategies for coping with negative feelings
• the benefits of accessing different sources of information, support and advice.

Key Stage 4

Learners should be given opportunities to:

• accept personal responsibility for keeping the mind and body safe and healthy
• develop a responsible attitude towards personal relationships

and to understand:

• the short and longer term consequences when making decisions about personal health
• the personal, social and legal consequences of the use of legal and illegal substances
• the range of sexual attitudes, relationships and behaviours in society
• the importance of sexual health and the risks involved in sexual activity including potential sexual exploitation
• the features of effective parenthood and the effect of loss and change in relationships
• the factors that affect mental health and the ways in which emotional well-being can be fostered
• the statutory and voluntary organisations which support health and emotional
• well-being
• how to access professional health advice and personal support with confidence.

Post-16

Learners should be given opportunities to:

• accept responsibility for all aspects of personal and social development and well-being
• act as positive role models for younger students

and to understand:

• how to critically evaluate personal lifestyle choices in the context of physical health and emotional well-being, considering the short and long term consequences of such decisions
• the need to exercise responsibility for personal and group safety in social settings
• the potential consequences of sexual activity for themselves and personal relationships
• the life experiences which enhance or damage self-esteem and explore how best to cope with the demands of such situations
• the role of the state in promoting public health and emotional well-being.