Time to read
Schools are in a unique position to shape the next generation’s response to HIV. It is important that schools provide comprehensive relationships and sex education (RSE) so that young people have the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that support their health and wellbeing.
But schools can also help to prevent HIV stigma and discrimination. Schools should recognise and proactively challenge HIV prejudice. Teaching about HIV is also a way of talking about equality and discrimination, with HIV being recognised as a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
How can this pack help schools and teachers?
This pack provides:
• Guidance for school leaders, PSHE coordinators and teachers on HIV
• A series of lesson plans aimed at KS3-4 students, including projects, games and quizzes (these can be taught as stand-alone lessons or as a series of lessons on HIV)
• Activities designed to supplement current RSE and PSHE programmes of study.
We hope this pack will provide teachers and other educators with the tools to:
• Engage students in an exciting and informed discussion about HIV;
• Enable them to understand the need for empathy and understanding towards people living with HIV;
• Help them get involved in the fight to stop new transmissions of HIV and end stigma and discrimination.
This resource is complemented by a range of Guidance and Toolkits that have been developed by Chiva – a charity in the UK and Ireland working to ensure that children and young adults growing up with HIV become healthier, happier and more in control of their own futures.
Acknowledgements
This resource has been refreshed for 2025, and we are grateful to the following people who contributed to its update: Sarah Maslen-Roberts, Abi Carter, Amanda Ely and Sam Williams.
We are grateful to Reckitt-Benckiser for supporting and funding the original project and to Mercury Phoenix Trust for supporting this update.