PUBERTY/GROWING-UP TALKS
Growing Up and Readiness for Secondary School
In most East Riding primary schools, year six pupils (aged 10-11) have a talk named Growing Up and Readiness for Secondary School, which is delivered by our community public health nurses. This talk is organised in conjunction with school staff and parents/carers are notified prior to the lesson. The aim of the talk is to prepare young people for puberty. Puberty brings about many changes to the body as a young person transitions from a child, to an adolescent, to an adult. During puberty girls develop breasts and start their periods, and boys voices drop and they begin to develop body hair. Puberty happens at different times for different young people, but usually begins between the ages of 11 and 12 years of age. There are lots of hormonal changes that happen when puberty begins and this can bring about changes in mood.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation, your child may not receive their puberty talk this year. Below is some useful resources to help you as parents have these important conversations with your child.
During the Growing Up and Readiness for Secondary School talk the nurse discusses these key changes to the body.
| GIRLS | BOYS |
| Breasts begin to develop | Testicles and penis grow to be bigger |
| Periods start | Pubic hair grows |
| Pubic hair grows | Underarm hair grows |
| Leg and arm hair increases | Facial hair grows |
| Underarm hair starts to grow | Wet dreams |
| Growth spurt | Growth spurt |
| An increase in greasy skin and spots | An increase in greasy skin and spots |
| Widening of the hips | Voice deepens |
It also covers topics that help to prepare pupils for adolescence and starting secondary school. These topics are:
| Internet Safety | Relationship with Parents |
| Mood Swings | Risk Taking Behaviours |
| Hygiene and Oral health | Responsibility, Independence and Trust |
| Peer Pressure | Making New Friends |
| Bullying and Cyberbullying | Alcohol, Drugs and the Law | Health Diet and Exercise | Support available in Secondary School |
During the sessions pupils are also shown a video about puberty. If you would like to view the ‘Busy Bodies’ video please click here. These sessions give young people the valuable opportunity to understand how their bodies work, as well as understand why they change, helping them to feel prepared and informed. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions throughout the sessions and are supported by school staff.