Vicky Walsh Education

One of the most powerful things we can do as educators is create space for honest, curious questions—especially when they’re anonymous. These incredible questions from my Year 5s are a reminder of just how much they’re thinking, wondering, and trying to make sense of the world. They also shine a light on the misconceptions we might never catch if we didn’t give them this safe space to ask. Always grateful for the insight, the laughter, and the learning that comes from simply letting them ask.

RSHE (Relationships, S*x, and Health Education) is about much more than just teaching facts. It’s about giving young people the tools to build healthy relationships, understand their bodies, navigate emotions, and stay safe in an increasingly complex world.

From understanding consent and respectful friendships and relationships to learning about mental health, body image, and online safety — RSHE covers it all. It’s not just what they need to know, it’s what they deserve to know.

Parents, it’s crucial to know what your kids are learning in school. Is the RSHE curriculum comprehensive enough to support their emotional, physical, and social development? If you’re unsure or feel it’s lacking, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Let’s ensure our children are getting the education they need to thrive! 🌱

*xEd

🚨Calling all parents! 🚨
I’ll be holding a workshop on Thursday 14th November @ 12:00pm UK time if you’d like to join a friendly group of parents where we’ll be discussing all the different age appropriate ways you can keep your child safe both on and offline. Email me at [email protected] if you are interested. See you there!

Are you an educator new to Relationships, S*x and Health Education? Or are you a teacher who would like some extra training to boost your confidence in subject delivery? Well join me for two 2-hour workshops that will do just that! With over 20 years of teaching these topics in a variety of settings, I will use my experience to lead you through the process in a friendly and warm environment, sharing my top tips and strategies along the way.

Session 1:
BUILDING HEALTHY FUTURES: Puberty & Periods:
Are you an educator new to teaching puberty and periods, or just need a confidence boost on these important topics? This workshop is designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills to deliver lessons on puberty and periods with clarity and sensitivity. We’ll cover key concepts, offer practical teaching strategies, and explore how to engage students in positive discussions about their changing bodies. You’ll leave feeling prepared, empowered, and ready to answer questions with confidence. Join us to ensure you’re fully equipped to support your learners through these essential life stages!

WHEN: 13th November 7pm-9pm CET

WHERE: ONLINE

Session 2:
BUILDING HEALTHY FUTURES: STIs, Contraception & Healthy Relationships:
Are you looking to build your confidence in teaching students about STIs, contraception, and healthy relationships? This workshop is perfect for educators who are either new to these topics or need a refresher. We’ll cover the latest facts about s*xually transmitted infections, the different types of contraception, and the importance of healthy, respectful relationships. You’ll learn how to deliver these lessons in an engaging and age-appropriate way, helping your students make informed decisions. Join us and feel empowered to lead these crucial conversations in the classroom with confidence!

WHEN: 15th November 7pm-9pm CET

WHERE: ONLINE

Click on the link in bio to register your interest 💫

STIs on the Rise in Europe: What You Need to Know

Did you know that s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise, especially among young people in Europe?

📈 STI Trends:

• Chlamydia continues to be the most reported STI in Europe, with the highest rates in young people aged 15-24. Many cases go undiagnosed because it often shows no symptoms.
• Gonorrhea is seeing a resurgence, particularly among people aged 20-34. In some regions, drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are becoming a serious concern. 😷
• Syphilis has dramatically increased, especially among men who have s*x with men (MSM), but it’s also rising in heteros*xual groups across all age ranges, including those aged 25-34.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is still widespread, but remember: vaccination can prevent the most harmful strains linked to cancers! 💉

Why Are STIs Increasing?

• 🔍 Lack of regular testing
• 😶 Stigma around talking about s*xual health
• 📱 Changing s*xual behaviors (think hookup culture and dating apps)
• ❌ Misconceptions about condom use (Hint: You still need protection during oral s*x!)

What Can You Do?

1. Get Tested Regularly! Especially if you’re under 35 and s*xually active.
2. Use Protection – condoms and dental dams protect against most STIs.
3. Communicate with your partners about s*xual health.
4. Stay Informed – Knowledge is power!

🗣️ Talk to a health professional if you have questions, and don’t be afraid to take control of your s*xual health!

*xualHealth *xLife

Is your school/children’s school talking to students enough about periods? The questions I get asked could take up a whole lesson of their own!

From what periods actually are; how it might feel to have them; not assuming that all women have them; what period products are out there/access to them and the pros and cons of each and busting myths… there’s a lot to cover!

Classroom conversations like this can go a long way to breaking stigma and shame and making sure that everyone is included in the conversation helps build empathy and understanding 💫 ♥️

Something I’m mentioning more and more in my RSHE lessons is the topic of l***aplasty. In case you don’t know, l***aplasty, a surgical procedure to alter the l***a minora and/or l***a majora, has seen a significant rise in popularity in recent years. It is often driven by aesthetic desires, comfort issues, or societal pressures and more individuals are seeking this procedure. While it’s crucial to support personal choices, it’s equally important to recognise the beauty in our natural bodies. We have to ask ourselves-why the rise? What is making females feel that their v***a needs changing? P**n perhaps? Whilst studies can’t prove a direct link, it’s my personal belief that it has a lot to do with it.

Social media, cultural norms, and the portrayal of “ideal” bodies must play a significant role. Many feel pressured to conform to these standards, believing that altering their bodies will bring happiness or acceptance. However, it’s essential to teach students to remember that these ideals are often unrealistic and manufactured.

One piece of research found that 38% of women in Australia who went for the procedure changed their mind simply by being shown a range of v***a-demonstrating the need for people to understand that is completely normal for v***a to come in all different shapes, sizes, be asymmetric and have different skin tones.

Everyone is unique, and so are our bodies. The variations in appearance and form are what make us human. Embracing these differences can be empowering and liberating. Rather than seeking to change ourselves to fit a mold, we need to celebrate our individuality. That’s why I show drawings of many different v***a to my students so they understand that we are all unique 💫 (see reels for the pics).

Your body is beautiful just as it is. Confidence and self-love are the most attractive features anyone can possess. 🌟❤️