Relationships, Sex and Health Education (Year 9) — NCFE Apprenticeship Assessment Qualification Health & Social Care Revision

    This topic covers how choices and risks affect health and relationships, understanding prejudice and mental health, and the importance of respect in intima

    Topic Synopsis

    This topic covers how choices and risks affect health and relationships, understanding prejudice and mental health, and the importance of respect in intimate relationships. It also addresses substance use and change.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Relationships, Sex and Health Education (Year 9)

    NCFE
    vocational

    This topic covers how choices and risks affect health and relationships, understanding prejudice and mental health, and the importance of respect in intimate relationships. It also addresses substance use and change.

    1
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    4
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Relationships, Sex and Health Education

    Topic Overview

    The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) is a foundational qualification for students pursuing careers in health and social care, education, or early years. It covers essential knowledge about healthy relationships, sexual health, consent, and personal wellbeing, aligned with the UK government's statutory RSHE guidance. This award equips learners with the understanding needed to support individuals across the lifespan, from adolescence to adulthood, in making informed choices about their relationships and health.

    The course is divided into three core units: Relationships Education, Sex Education, and Health Education. In Relationships Education, you explore different types of relationships (family, friendships, intimate), communication skills, and the importance of respect and consent. Sex Education covers human reproduction, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the legal aspects of sexual activity. Health Education focuses on mental wellbeing, physical health, and the impact of lifestyle choices, including drugs, alcohol, and nutrition.

    This qualification is vital because it prepares you to work with diverse populations in settings such as schools, care homes, or youth services. It promotes safeguarding by teaching you how to recognise signs of abuse, coercion, or unhealthy relationships. Moreover, it helps you challenge myths and stigma around topics like LGBTQ+ relationships, disability, and sexual health, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Consent: Understanding that consent must be freely given, reversible, informed, enthusiastic, and specific (FRIES model). It is a continuous process and can be withdrawn at any time.
    • →Sexual Health: Knowledge of contraception methods (e.g., condoms, pill, IUD), STI prevention and testing, and the importance of regular sexual health check-ups.
    • →Healthy Relationships: Characteristics include mutual respect, trust, honesty, communication, and boundaries. Unhealthy relationships may involve control, jealousy, or coercion.
    • →Mental Wellbeing: Strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, including self-care, seeking support, and understanding the link between physical and mental health.
    • →Safeguarding: Recognising signs of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, financial) and knowing how to report concerns following organisational policies and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) requirements.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • 1.understand how the choices I make and the risks I take impact on my health and relationships 2. understand how prejudice, discrimination and bullying can arise and how these can affect mental health3. understand my own mental health and how to recognise signs of mental ill-health in myself and others4. understand how substances can affect wellbeing5. understand that respect and choice underpin healthy intimate relationships 6. understand how change can affect mental health

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Explains how choices impact health.
    • Describes effects of prejudice on mental health.
    • Recognises signs of mental ill-health.
    • Understands consent in relationships.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Use scenarios to apply knowledge.
    • 💡Know support services.
    • 💡Focus on respect and consent.
    • 💡Use specific examples from real-life scenarios or case studies to illustrate your answers. For instance, when discussing consent, describe a situation where someone gives verbal consent but then changes their mind, and explain how to respond appropriately.
    • 💡Know the legal ages and laws: For example, the age of consent is 16 in the UK, but it is illegal for someone in a position of trust (e.g., teacher, carer) to engage in sexual activity with a person under 18. Also, understand the law around sexting and sharing indecent images of minors.
    • 💡Link concepts to professional practice: In exam answers, always connect theory to how you would apply it in a health and social care setting. For example, when discussing STIs, mention how you would support a service user to access testing and treatment without judgement.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing sex with relationships.
    • Underestimating impact of substances.
    • Not knowing where to get help.
    • Misconception: Consent is only needed for sexual intercourse. Correction: Consent is required for any sexual activity, including kissing, touching, or sending intimate images. It must be given for each act and can be withdrawn at any time.
    • Misconception: Contraception is solely the responsibility of women. Correction: Both partners share responsibility. Male condoms are the only method that protects against both pregnancy and STIs, and other methods like the pill or implant require male support and communication.
    • Misconception: Mental health problems are rare in young people. Correction: According to NHS data, 1 in 6 children aged 5-16 have a probable mental health disorder. Early intervention and open conversations are crucial.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of human biology, including the reproductive system (covered in Key Stage 3 Science).
    • •Familiarity with safeguarding principles and the concept of duty of care (often introduced in Level 1 Health and Social Care courses).
    • •Awareness of different family structures and cultural diversity, as this helps contextualise relationships education.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • 1.understand how the choices I make and the risks I take impact on my health and relationships 2. understand how prejudice, discrimination and bullying can arise and how these can affect mental health3. understand my own mental health and how to recognise signs of mental ill-health in myself and others4. understand how substances can affect wellbeing5. understand that respect and choice underpin healthy intimate relationships 6. understand how change can affect mental health

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