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These teaching and learning resources have been carefully selected to support teachers in planning for Junior Cycle SPHE. They are not a prescriptive list of teaching and learning resources as each teacher/school and class will decide what resources are best suited to their needs. Young people in junior cycle are typically aged between 12-15/16 years. They are at different stages of emotional, social and physical development and each young person will bring a wide variation of life experiences to their learning in SPHE. These resources were developed for this age group by a State agency or organisation with a proven educational track record in the area of SPHE. The resources have been carefully mapped against the learning outcomes of the Junior Cycle SPHE curriculum to facilitate planning. However, the relevance and appropriateness of each resource for a particular class needs to be considered by the SPHE teacher, who is as the teacher is best placed to discern what resource is suited to supporting learning for their students’ unique needs, stage of development and school context.
The criteria for selection of resources can be accessed here.
How I see myself
1.1 Appreciate the importance of building their own self-esteem and that of others 1.2 Welcome individual difference based on an appreciation of their own uniqueness
Understanding Ourselves: This unit was developed by the HSE and NEPS and is aimed at First Year students in their early months of post-primary education (2020).
Activity 1 Starting out
Activity 2 Who am I?
Activity 4 I am unique
b4udecide: This resource was developed by the HSE for Junior Cycle students to encourage them to make healthy, responsible decisions about relationships and sexual health (2013).
Lesson 9: Self Esteem
Ditch the Monkey: A short animation video by Spunout.ie which can be useful for classroom conversations (2014).
BodyWhys: A range of resources to support learning and teaching about eating disorders and body image issues among adolescents. Available on request from [email protected]
Background information WISER - Let's Talk About Body Image: Webpage on how body image influences self-esteem and ways to develop a more positive body image ISPCC Parenting Hub: Material provided by the ISPCC which is suitable for children of all ages (2018).
Being an adolescent
1.3 participate in informed discussions about the impact of physical, psychological and social development in adolescence
1.4 recognise how sexuality and gender identity is part of what it means to be human and has biological, psychological, cultural, social and spiritual dimensions
Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: This unit was designed by the HSE for First Year students learning RSE (2020).
Activity 3 Gender and Gender Identity
Activity 4 Sexual Orientation
Activity 8 Changes in Puberty
Background information ISPCC Parenting Hub: A resource for parents and teachers in supporting your child through puberty (2018). Barnardos: 'Parenting Positively - Teenage Well-being' eBook. Produced by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015). Being LGBT in School: A resource for post-primary schools to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying and support LGBT students. Published by GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) (2016).
Self-management
1.5 identify short, medium and long-term personal goals and ways in which they might be achieved
1.6 apply decision-making skills in a variety of situations
1.7 source appropriate and reliable information about health and wellbeing
Activity 3 My achievements so far
Activity 5 Goal setting
Healthy Choices Unit 1: This unit, developed by HSE Addiction Services and HSE Health and Wellbeing for First Year students, supports students making choices that could have a significant impact on their health and well-being (2020).
Activity 8 Pressure to conform
Goal setting lesson: This lesson was developed by NCGE and Careersportal (2020).
b4udecide: This resource was developed by the HSE for Junior Cycle to encourage young people to make healthy, responsible decisions about relationships and sexual health (2013).
Lesson 7 Values
Lesson 8 Making decisions
Resilience: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Classroom resources here include suggestions and activities about impulse-control, self-regulation and goal-setting. It was developed for 12-16 year olds.
My rights and the rights of others
1.8 explain how stereotyping can contribute to a person’s understanding and experience of rights and wellbeing 1.9 appreciate the importance of respectful and inclusive behaviour in promoting a safe environment free from bias and discrimination.
Understanding Ourselves: This unit, developed by the HSE and NEPS, is aimed at First Year students in their early months of post-primary education (2020).
Activity 6 Belonging and connection
Activity 2: Gender stereotypes
Spotlight on Stereotyping: A set of resources developed by the Equality Authority which explore how stereotypes can lead to bias, discrimination and denial of human rights (2011). All Different – All Equal: A set of activities developed by the National Youth Council of Ireland for youth settings to explore diversity, promote equality and challenge bias and discrimination. Can be adapted for SPHE class. (2006) ISPCC: Your Rights - UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in accessible language.
Being healthy
2.1 evaluate how diet, physical activity, sleep/rest and hygiene contribute to self-confidence, self-confidence and wellbeing
2.2 critique the impact of the media, advertising and other influences on one’s decisions about health and wellbeing
2.3 describe what promotes a sense of belonging in school, at home and in the wider community and their own role in creating an inclusive environment
2.4 distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate care giving and receiving
Being Healthy Unit 1: This unit, developed by the HSE Health and Wellbeing, focuses on the physical aspect of health, and how the health of our bodies and minds are intertwined (2020).
Activity 2 The benefits of being active
Activity 3 Physical activity weekly plan
Activity 4 What am I eating
Activity 5 The big breakfast
Activity 10 Personal hygiene
Connected: A resource developed by Webwise and the PDST to teach digital media literacy skills to Junior Cycle students (2020).
Module 1 My Online Wellbeing
Connectedness and reaching out: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Classroom resources here explore the concepts of ‘connectedness’ and ‘reaching out’. It was developed for 12-18 year olds.
SPHE Personal Safety Handbook: Lessons to support teachers in educating students about abuse and to protect themselves from harm in other situations. Developed by the PDST for Junior Cycle (2016).
Lesson 1 Caregiving
Young Carers’ Stories: Young people telling their stories about being a carer
Background information Healthy Ireland: A government-led initiative aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of everyone. Developed by the Department of Health for people of all ages (2019). Mental Health Ireland: Five Ways to Wellbeing. Developed by the New Economics Foundation (2019). Healthy Eating Training and Resources for Post Primary School Teachers (HSE) Building healthy sleep routines: Developed by GROW, a national community based organisation providing support and education around emotional and mental wellbeing This Girl Can: Sport England campaign to encourage girls and women to be physically active
Substance use
2.5 demonstrate the personal and social skills to address pressure to smoke, to drink alcohol and/or use other substances 2.6 reflect on the personal, social and legal consequences of their own and others’ drug use 2.7 critique information and supports available for young people in relation to substance use
Healthy Choices Unit 1: This unit, developed by the HSE, supports students making choices that could have a significant impact on their health and well-being (2020).
Activity 1: Talking about healthy choices Activity 2: Second-hand smoke Activity 3: Tobacco table quiz Activity 4: The journey of alcohol through the body Activity 5: Alcohol in our society Activity 6: Alcohol myths and facts Activity 7: Exploring drugs Activity 8: Pressure to conform
Background information Substance use information and resources for teachers developed by the HSE Ask about alcohol: HSE website with information about how alcohol affects health and wellbeing Barnardos: Dealing with parental drug and alcohol problems Barnardos webpage Young people and Alcohol – information for parents: Information for parents on young people and alcohol. Collected and developed by the HSE.
Respectful communication
2.8 use the skills of active listening and responding appropriately in a variety of contexts 2.9 use good communication skills to respond to criticism and conflict
Anti-bullying
2.10 describe appropriate responses to incidents of bullying 2.11 appraise the roles of participants and bystanders in incidents of bullying 2.12 review the school’s anti-bullying policy and internet safety guidelines explaining the implications for students’ behaviour and personal safety
#Up2Us Anti-Bullying Kit: Ten lessons developed by Webwise which address bullying. Developed for Junior Cycle students (2014). Connect with Respect: This resource aims to help students understand the impact that cyberbullying can have on different people. Developed by The Garda Schools Programme. It’s up to You: A short video encouraging everyone to tackle online bullying. Developed by Music producer & Artist Bitter Rocc and published PDST, it’s target audience is Junior Cycle students (2014).
All Different – All Equal: A set of activities developed by the National Youth Council of Ireland for youth settings to explore diversity, promote equality and challenge bias and discrimination. Can be adapted for SPHE class (2006).
Section 2 Prejudice and Discrimination
Background information Bullying: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. It was developed for 12-16 year olds. Stand Up Awareness Week: A resource to help you to organize a ‘Stand Up Awareness Week’ against homophobic, transphobic, and biphobic bullying. Being LGBT in School: A resource for post-primary schools to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying and support LGBT students. Published by GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) (2016).
'Stand Up' LGBT Safe & Supportive Schools Project: Resources to support schools to create a safe, supportive and fully inclusive school for young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Parenting Positively: 'Helping teenagers to cope with bullying' eBook. This series was produced by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015).
Having a friend and being a friend
3.1 establish what young people value in different relationships and how this changes over time 3.2 evaluate attitudes, skills and values that help to make, maintain and end friendships respectfully 3.3 recognise their capacity to extend and receive friendship
Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: This unit was designed by the HSE for First Year students learning RSE (2020). Activity 6: Healthy Connected Relationships Activity 7: Maintaining Healthy Relationships
Lesson 3 Friendships
Lesson 4 Healthy friendships
Lesson 6 The influence of friends
Relationships: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Here you can find classroom resources to help students identify and understand the qualities of healthy relationships and learn how to establish and maintain positive and respectful relationships. Different sections of this resource relate to different age groups.
The relationship spectrum
3.4 explain the different influences on relationships and levels of intimacy 3.5 analyse relationship difficulties experienced by young people
Lesson 10 Building a Relationship
Lesson 11 Rights and Responsibilities in a Relationship
Lesson 12 Age of Consent
Be in Ctrl: This resource, developed by Webwise, focuses on the online sexual coercion of children by adults although this behaviour can also exist in a peer group. Created in partnership with An Garda Síochána (2018).
Lockers: This resource, developed by Webwise, assists schools in coping with and preventing the sharing of explicit self-generated images of minors (2016).
Lesson 2 When Online Sharing Goes Wrong
Lesson 4 Peer Pressure and non-Consensual Sharing
Forever: This short video addresses the topic of sexting and potential consequences. Forever can be used to lead a class discussion or as an additional case study for the Lockers Teaching resource. Published by the PDST (2016). No Excuses Short Youtube video highlighting that the sharing of sexual images is a crime. Published by the Department of Justice (2021)
Background information Consent – What do I need to know?: A fact sheet developed by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2020). Teaching about Consent in PSHE Education at Key Stages 3 and 4: Guidance and lesson plans developed by the PSHE Association UK (2015).
Talking to your teenagers about relationships and sexual health: A resource for parents.
Cycling Through Consent: This animated video, developed by Western University, takes on a fun and simple approach to looking at consent (2015).
Sexuality, gender identity and sexual health
3.6 describe fertility, conception, pre-natal development and birth, and the particular health considerations for each 3.7 explain what it means to take care of their sexual health 3.8 demonstrate assertive communication skills in support of responsible, informed decision-making about relationships and sexual health that are age and developmentally appropriate 3.9 reflect on the personal and social dimensions of sexual orientation and gender identity
Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: This unit was designed by the HSE for First Year students learning RSE (2020). Activity 3: Gender and gender identity Activity 4: Sexual orientation Activity 9: Human reproduction – The journey of the egg and sperm
Lesson 13 Relationships Pressures
Lesson 14 Resisting Relationships Pressures
HSE website for young people developed to support the b4udecide campaign
Assertive Communication lesson
Growing up LGBT: The aim of the resource is to increase awareness and understanding about sexual orientation and gender identity and to reduce levels of prejudice and discrimination against people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT). Developed by the HSE and Department of Education & Skills for use in both Junior and Senior Cycle.
Lesson 4 Friendship
Lesson 7 Coming Out to Others
Lesson 8 Relationships
Lesson 9 Transgender
Background information Belongto: A website providing advice and support for LGBT young people Transforming the classroom: Supporting Trans Young People in Schools (TENI) : Developed by TENI (2015). Advice for Mams and Dads: Talking to your teenagers about relationships and sex : Developed by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme. ISPCC Parenting Hub
Media influence on relationships and sexuality
3.10 critically analyse the use of sexual imagery and gender stereotyping in various forms of media 3.11 critique the influence of media on their understanding of sexuality and sexual health
Relationships and Sexuality Education Unit 1: This unit was designed by the HSE for First Year students learning RSE (2020). Activity 2 Gender stereotypes
Lesson 5 Influence of the media
Lockers: Is an information and education resource, it assists schools in coping with and preventing the sharing of explicit self-generated images of minors. Developed by the PDST for Junior Cycle SPHE classes (2016).
Lesson 5 Influence of the media and gender stereotypes
Background Information Pornography – What do you need to know?: A fact sheet developed by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (2020). Why is Porn an issue for schools?: An Australian website aimed at educating about the harm associated with children and young people’s exposure to and consumption of pornography. What is porn? Childline.co.uk resource: Facts about pornography written for young people. Barnardos: 'Get With It! About Cyberbullying' eBook. Developed by National Centre for Technology in Education and the Office for Internet Safety in conjunction with Barnardos. ISPCC Parenting Hub: Online Safety
Positive mental health
4.1 explain what it means to have positive mental health 4.2 appreciate the importance of talking things over, including recognising the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviour 4.3 practise some relaxation techniques
Emotional Wellbeing Unit 1: This unit, developed by the HSE and NEPS, teaches students how to nurture their wellbeing in their daily lives (2020). Activity 1 Minding your emotional wellbeing
Activity 2 Recognising emotions
Activity 3 Thoughts, feeling and behaviours
Activity 4 Pressing pause
Activity 5 Helpful and unhelpful thoughts
Activity 6 Challenging unhelpful thoughts
Activity 7 Gratitude
Activity 8 Mindfulness
Ditch The Monkey: A short animation video by Spunout.ie which can be useful for classroom conversations (2014). Your mental health: HSE website with resources. Walk in My Shoes: A website with resources for young people to help combat life’s stressors and promote positive mental health in their lives. Mental Health Ireland: Resources on mental health topics. Wellbeing toolkit for post primary schools: A resource produced by the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) in the context of Covid-19 which is useful in a wider context (2020).
Background information A mental health resource for youth workers and volunteers: A resource to provide a comprehensive overview of youth mental health. Developed by Headstrong and The National Centre for Youth Mental Health. ‘Friends for Life’ and ‘My Friends Youth’: School based anxiety prevention and resilience building programmes.
Mental health and mental ill-health
4.4 participate in an informed discussion about mental health issues experienced by young people and/or their friends and family 4.5 appreciate what it means to live with mental ill-health 4.6 critique mental health services available to young people locally 4.7 explain the significance of substance use for one’s mental health
BodyWhys #MoreThanASelfie: Lessons plans and facilitators guide which explore the link between body image and mental health. Available from [email protected]
Jigsaw online: An Irish website where young people can find information and support to help them deal with a range of challenges.
Dealing with tough times
4.8 practice a range of strategies for building resilience 4.9 use coping skills for managing life’s challenges
Be Well: Activities to address anxiety developed by Youthwork Ireland. Resilience: Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people. Classroom resources here include suggestions and activities about impulse-control, self-regulation and goal-setting. It was developed for 12-16 year olds.
Background Information Jigsaw online: An Irish website where young people can find information and support to help them deal with a range of challenges. Coping with difficult situations: HSE information and guidance.
Loss and bereavement
4.10 explain the wide range of life events where they might experience loss and bereavement 4.11 outline the personal, social, emotional and physical responses to loss and bereavement 4.12 compare how loss and bereavement are portrayed in a variety of contexts and cultures 4.13 describe how they might care for themselves and be supportive of others in times of loss or bereavement
Background Information
Dealing with grief and loss: Information for young people from jigsawonline.ie (2020). Experiencing grief and loss: An information sheet for young people about grief and loss, developed by the Australian youth mental health foundation.
Barnardos: 'Parenting Positively - Helping teenagers to cope with death' eBook. This series was produced by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015). Barnardos: 'Parenting Positively - Helping teenagers to cope with separation' eBook . This series was produced by Tusla - Child and Family Agency and Barnardos (2015). ISPCC Parenting Hub: Provides help in dealing with loss or changes to home and family.