Critical thinking and empathy
Following on from Think Again (Year 7), Real Connection encourages students to use critical thinking skills to assess information, images or ideas before accepting them as true or letting them influence their attitudes and behaviour.
They will consider how they view themselves and others and how these views might impact romantic relationships.
It supports students to think about themselves positively, to consider others with empathy and to make healthy choices in relationships, benefitting both themselves and others.
What’s Covered?
Real Connection covers 4 key areas:
Body image, online influencers and internet pornography, gender stereotypes, healthy relationships.
Session 1: How We View Ourselves
Is there a ‘Real Connection’ between what we see and listen to and how we view ourselves?
Session Aims:
Students will:
- Think critically about the things that influence how they feel about themselves, especially online influences and influencers.
- Understand what body image is, and think critically about social and cultural ‘ideals’ of beauty and attractiveness.
Session 2: How We View and Treat Others
Is there a ‘Real Connection’ between what we see and listen to and how we view and treat others?
Session Aims:
Student will think critically about the things that influence the way they view and treat others, especially online influences and influencers.
This will include:
- Understanding what a stereotype is and how this might impact the way we view and treat others
- Considering what online pornography is, understand that it does not portray healthy sexual relationships and learn what to do if they come across it
Session 3: What is a Healthy Relationship?
Following on from Sessions 1 and 2, what makes a healthy romantic relationship with ‘Real Connection’?
Session Aim:
Students will:
- Think critically about the features of both healthy and unhealthy romantic relationships, including being able to spot warning signs that a relationship is not healthy
- Understand what is meant by boundaries in relationships and the role of empathy, communication and respect
- Understand and be able to identify some of the signs of harmful sexual behaviour and intimate partner abuse, including coercive control.
- Know where to go for appropriate support and advice
