Before you continue
This is preview content for the 2026-27 academic year. Your feedback will help us improve these units.
Learning objective
- To reflect on what assertive communication looks like and why it is important.
Success criteria
- I can explain what it means to be
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Statutory guidance
RSE and Health
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Cross-curricular links
English
Spoken language
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Optional: remind the children of the PSHE agreement created in the Introductory lesson: Creating an agreement for PSHE and recap the agreed rules. If required, upload an image of the agreement to the Presentation: PSHE agreement.
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Adaptive teaching
People needing extra support:
- Could use the Resource: Reflection time to help structure their ideas using the sentence starters and scenarios shown in the circle activity.
- Should refer to the Knowledge organiser for the definitions of assertive, passive, aggressive and controlling throughout the lesson.
- Could work with guided adult support to model appropriate tone and body language when practising assertive communication.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should explore how a situation might have looked if they had been passive, aggressive or controlling instead of assertive, explaining how the outcomes and feelings of others would differ.
- Could evaluate which approach would build the most respectful and fair resolution, giving reasons for their choices.
- Could discuss how assertive behaviour can support healthy relationships in other contexts, such as at home or in the wider community.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Recognise the difference between passive, aggressive and assertive
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Vocabulary definitions
-
aggressive
Behaving in a way that is forceful or unkind to get your own way.
-
assertive
Speaking up for yourself clearly and politely without being rude or bossy.
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In this unit
Assessment – RSE & PSHE Y5: Why are healthy relationships important?
Lesson 1: What makes me who I am?
Lesson 2 : How do families show commitment to each other?
Lesson 3: How can families support and protect each other?
Lesson 4: What helps us make and maintain healthy friendships?
Lesson 5: How can we manage challenges in friendships?
Lesson 6: How can I be assertive and respectful?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 2nd March, 2026
