Physical and Health Education Curriculum

In Kindergarten, students begin to explore the basics of self-awareness and personal safety. They learn the correct names for body parts and begin to understand the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touch. Through stories, discussions and play, they identify caring behaviors in their families and among classmates. These early lessons help children recognize trusted adults, understand personal boundaries and begin to build respectful relationships with others.

Read the Kindergarten PHE curriculum

Grade 1 students continue to build on their understanding of health and safety by learning more about their bodies and how to care for them. They explore the concept of safe and unsafe situations and begin to identify reliable sources of health information, such as parents and doctors. Respectful behavior in group settings is emphasized, helping students develop empathy and cooperation. These foundational skills support their physical, emotional and social well-being.

Read the Grade 1 PHE curriculum

In Grade 2, students will deepen their understanding of personal safety, body autonomy, and emotional expression. They learn to describe uncomfortable or unsafe situations and practice strategies for responding to them. The curriculum encourages respectful communication and highlights caring behaviors within families and communities. Students also continue to identify trusted sources of health information, reinforcing their ability to make safe and healthy choices.

Read the Grade 2 PHE curriculum

Grade 3 students explore how understanding themselves and others supports healthy relationships. They learn about expressing emotions, respecting boundaries and how to respond to unsafe situations.

Read the Grade 3 PHE curriculum

Grade 4 introduces students to the early stages of puberty and the physical and emotional changes that come with it. They learn about personal hygiene, body image and the importance of respecting differences. Students also begin to explore the concept of consent and how to respectfully communicate personal boundaries. The curriculum also introduces the concepts of sexuality and sexual identity.

Read the Grade 4 PHE curriculum

In Grade 5, students deepen their understanding of puberty. They learn about the reproductive system, emotional regulation and the importance of making healthy choices. The curriculum encourages respectful communication, empathy and the development of positive self-image and relationships.

Read the Grade 5 PHE curriculum 

In Grade 7, students examine the emotional and social aspects of relationships, including romantic and peer relationships. They learn about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), methods of prevention and the importance of making informed decisions. The curriculum emphasizes respect, consent and inclusivity in all relationships. 

Read the Grade 7 PHE curriculum 

In Grade 8, students gain a deeper understanding of sexual health, including STI testing and contraception. They explore how media and social influences affect their perceptions of relationships and body image.

Read the Grade 8 PHE curriculum 

Grade 9 students continue exploring sexual health topics such as contraception, STI prevention and healthy relationships. They analyze how societal norms and peer pressure influence their choices. 

Read the Grade 9 PHE curriculum 

In Grade 10, students examine the legal and ethical aspects of sexual activity, including consent and age of consent laws. They explore long-term relationships and the impact of substance use on decision-making. 

Read the Grade 10 PHE curriculum 

Healthy relationships - Grade 7-9 (B.C. Curriculum)

This instructional sample resource helps students explore the meaning of healthy relationships through a physical activity lesson. 

Boundaries (Sexual Health) – Grade 4-7 (B.C. Curriculum)

This instruction sample resource explores what boundaries are, and how it feels in our bodies when boundaries are crossed. 

STI Testing (Sexual Health) – Grade 8-9 (B.C. Curriculum)

This instructional sample focuses on the who, why and what of STI testing. 

Core competency resources (B.C. Curriculum)

In B.C., students work on three main areas: communication, thinking and personal and social skills. These help students share ideas, solve problems and understand themselves and others. Find core competency resources at this link, including video tutorials and self-assessment tools.

The B.C. Curriculum ‘s Supporting Student Health Guide includes the suggested topics to discuss in each grade, along with when and what order they should be covered in throughout the school year.  

View the scope and sequence outline for Kindergarten to Grade 10 on page 44 of the guide. 

Tier 1 aligns with the foundational sexual health education provided to all students. It reflects the B.C. Ministry of Education and Child Care’s commitment to ensure every student receives accurate, age-appropriate and inclusive sexual health education in a safe and respectful environment by: 

• Teaching about consent, healthy relationships, body changes, reproduction system, self-image and STI prevention.
• Using inclusive language and practices that respect sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
• Promoting social-emotional learning and positive behavior through respectful discussions.
• Incorporating assessments to monitor general understanding. 

Tier 2 supports students who need additional help understanding or applying sexual health concepts. The goal is to provide targeted support to students who are not progressing at the expected rate, ensuring they can engage meaningfully with sexual health content. This tier may include:

• Small group sessions on topics like boundaries, peer pressure or safe sex practices. 
• Mentoring or peer tutoring to reinforce learning. 
• Assessments to identify specific areas of need. 
• Referral to the School-Based Team (SBT) for collaborative planning. 
• Family involvement in educational strategies. 
• Individualized classroom interventions. 

Tier 3 is for students with significant challenges in accessing or understanding sexual health education. The goal is to ensure students with exceptional needs receive tailored, intensive support to access sexual health education in a way that respects their dignity and learning profile. Supports may include: 

• Collaboration with district student services and specialized educators. 
• Assessments to identify complex needs. 
• Referral to district resource teams or community programs. 
• Continued family involvement and progress monitoring. 
• Access to specialized programs that address trauma, neurodiversity or other barriers.