Year 5 Puberty for Parents

A group a Year 5 parents, who were eager to learn, joined the Stage 3 PDHPE team to delve into the world of puberty!

Throughout the session we shared how we approach the teaching of this important and sensitive topic, focusing on the positives of this stage of development and celebrating the amazing functions of the human body.

The session began with a focus on wellbeing in general for ‘tweens’, the group of children between the ages of 9-12 years old. Historically seen as the forgotten years, the tween years are now seen as a pivotal stage in development in preparing young people and their families for what can be challenging adolescent years to come.

Specific curriculum information and vocabulary was touched upon and the progression of what is covered in Year 5 through to Year 10 PDHPE content explored. A common aspect of all stages of the PDHPE curriculum is the need to use appropriate scientific language when learning about changes in the body. The importance of this was echoed by some of the parents in attendance, who openly shared their perspectives informed by their medical profession or as parents of older children who have gone through this before.

The parents participated in some hands-on learning activities that their daughters had completed in the classroom. These explored the social and emotional changes in puberty including, moods and feelings, identity, values, sensitivity and responsibility. It was great to watch the teamwork amongst the parents, with a group of dads doing a particularly notable job at the task!

Thank you to the parents who attended the session. We appreciated your openness and willingness to share your experiences, good resources you’ve come across and to ask questions. We hope this is the first of other like opportunities to learn and grow together to best support your daughter as she progresses through school.

Sarah Johnstone
Deputy Head of Primary: Student Wellbeing