KS3 & KS4 RSHE (PSHE) curriculum

As Year 8 pupils may begin encountering alcohol in social situations, they need accurate information about legal restrictions, health risks and safety strategies before experimentation occurs. This unit provides essential knowledge about alcohol's physical and mental health effects, empowers pupils to resist peer pressure, and equips them with practical harm-reduction strategies. At this developmental stage, establishing informed attitudes towards alcohol supports safer decision-making throughout adolescence and into adulthood.

1. Alcohol and the law
2. The effects of alcohol
3. Staying safe with alcohol

• Pupils should understand from Year 7 that alcohol is a substance that affects the body and brain, and that it is illegal for people under 18 to buy or be sold alcohol in England.
• Pupils should be familiar with peer pressure and refusal skills from previous units, recognising that making independent choices about risky substances is important for health and safety.
• Pupils should know from earlier learning about the importance of making informed decisions for wellbeing, and understand that asking for help or advice when unsure is responsible behaviour.