Sexual Health task

Year 8 2026

What is a menstrual cycle?

A series of hormonal changes that prepares a female’s body for pregnancy.

What is the average amount of days in a typical menstrual cycle?

28 days.

Identify products a person can use to manage their period.

Pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear.

An egg is released from the ovaries each month. What is this process called?

Ovulation

What is meant by the term contraction?

Becoming infected with an STI.

Define abstinence

Choosing not to engage in sexual activity.

What is meant by a ‘barrier method of contraception’?

a method that physically prevents sperm from reaching the egg .

Does taking the pill prevent STI’s? explain

no the pill prevents pregnancy through hormones, but it doesnt protect against STI’s.

What are some examples of contraceptive methods that can be used to prevent STI’s

condoms.

What is the difference between a curable and incurable STI? provide 2 examples of each

Curable STI: An STI that can be treated and usually eliminated with medication. Examples: chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

Incurable STI: An STI that cannot currently be completely eliminated from the body, but can often be managed with treatment. Examples: herpes and HIV.

differentiate between the contraceptive pill and the morning after pill. What do both do?

• Contraceptive pill: Taken regularly to prevent pregnancy, mainly by stopping ovulation.

• Morning-after pill: Emergency contraception taken after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure to reduce the chance of pregnancy by delaying ovulation.

Both help prevent pregnancy

what is consent. how is consent given?

Consent: Freely agreeing to take part in an activity.

How is consent given? By clearly and willingly saying “yes”, without pressure, force or fear. Consent must be ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time.

What is the legal age of consent in Victoria?

16

can someone between the ages of 12-15 give consent. explain.

yes but the person must be no more than 2 years older.

identify some characteristics of a healthy relationship

respect, trust, honesty

identify some characteristics of an unhealthy relationship

feeling unsafe, poor communication, jealousy

explain 5 ways in which porn may distort a person’s view of what sex is really like.

• Unrealistic expectations: Shows unrealistic portrayals of bodies and sexual activity.

• Consent: May not accurately show how consent is communicated.

• Relationships: Can make sex seem separate from emotional connection and trust.

• Communication: May not show the importance of discussing boundaries and preferences.

• Performance: Can create pressure to act or behave in certain ways that aren't realistic.

where can a person go if they need reliable information on consent laws.

reliable websites, trusted adult

define the following terms: heterosexual, homosexual, bi-sexual and a-sexual

• Heterosexual: Attracted to people of a different gender.

• Homosexual: Attracted to people of the same gender.

• Bisexual: Attracted to more than one gender.

• Asexual: Experiences little or no sexual attraction to others.

where can a person go for support if they need reliable information about gender identity.

trusted adults, reliable websites

differentiate between the terms: cisgender, transgender, gender neutral and gender fluid.

• Cisgender: When a person's gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Transgender: When a person's gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

• Gender neutral: Not identifying with a particular gender, or using terms that do not specify a gender (depending on context).

• Gender fluid: When a person's gender identity changes over time.

what is meant by the term ‘ally’

A person who supports and respects a group they may not belong to, such as someone who supports LGBTQIA+ people and their rights.

what support systems are available in the community to support students with their gender identity.

school counsellors, trusted teachers, parents/trusted adults, online resources

how can you support peers who may be exploring their gender identity come up with 3 strategies.

be respectful, listen without judging and offer support.