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The Truth About Intimacy

This lesson explores different types of intimacy in a relationship, dispelling the myth that sexual intimacy is the only kind of intimacy.

Learning intentions:

  • Understand different factors that contribute to the success of long term relationships
  • Differentiate between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual intimacy
  • Explore the roles that each category of intimacy play in a healthy relationship
  • Critique media messages about physical intimacy

Digital Educator: Vanessa

  • 12-30 learners

    Class size

  • 11+

    Year Level

  • 45-60 minutes

    Course duration

  • One

    Student Handouts

    Preparing for the lesson

    Information
    Resources
    ACHPE Objectives
    UNESCO Objectives
    Safety & Wellbeing
    Sequence
    Extension
    In this The Truth About Intimacy lesson, students will engage with the concepts of intimacy and sexual activity.

    Using the results from the Enduring Love? study conducted by Open University, students will examine a wide range of intimate experiences. Students will begin with knowledge sharing around intimacy in relationships by responding to a series of statements. They will then consider the different types of intimacy and what behaviours are indicative of each. To further connect the concept of intimacies, students will match statistics and statements taken from several Australian and International studies with young people. Lastly, they will explore their own worlds and the role technology can play in intimacy. 

    Each lesson ends with a consolidation activity, inviting students to list 1 thing they have learnt from the lesson, 1 thing they already knew, 1 piece of advice they would share with a friend, and 1 adult or organisation that would be helpful in relation to the lesson topic.  

    Facilitator Printouts

    Student Printouts

    Additional Student Resources

    Enduring Love? Research
    Not applicable.
    Key Concept 1: Relationships
    1.2 Friendships, Love and Romantic Relationships.
    •  Key idea: There are different ways to express affection and love. 


    Key Concept 2: Values, Rights, Culture and Society
    2.1 Values and Sexuality. 
    •  Key idea: It is important to know one’s own values, beliefs and attitudes, in order to adopt sexual behaviours that are consistent with them.

     
    2.3 Culture, Society and Sexuality.
    •  Key idea: It is important to be aware of how social and cultural norms impact sexual behaviour while developing one’s own point of view.


    Key Concept 5: Skills for Health and Wellbeing
    5.1 Norms and Peer Influence on Sexual Behaviour. 
    •  Key idea: It is possible to make rational decisions about sexual behaviour.
    • This lesson is an interesting and unique look at the many ways humans connect. Expect some silliness as it can be difficult for young people to get past the idea of sexual intimacy as the most important (and only) form of intimacy.
    1. Expanding on the final question on the role of technology and social media in intimacy can provide a wide range of extension activities. 
    Ideally, you will have scope to deliver all of the lessons in your program. However we understand that many schools have limited capacity to do so.

    In Year 11 and 12 you can deliver lessons from either year level. It can be helpful for Year 12's to explore more foundational issues in the Year 11 curriculum. It is also beneficial for Year 11's to have access to more advanced lessons from the Year 12 curriculum.  

    Should you find yourself having to implement part of this program, we have provided a suggested sequence of lessons within the broader skills and knowledge categories of relationship, consent, gender, and health & legal literacy. We recommend delivering at least one lesson from each category.

    Group Agreements & Pod Mapping should be the first lesson as per best practice.

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