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KS3 & KS4 RSHE (PSHE) curriculum

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RSHE (PSHE)
Year 9

Risky substances: What do I need to know about illegal and prescription drugs?

4 lessons

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  • Wellbeing

Description

Pupils learn which drugs are illegal, understand the effects of stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens, recognise links between drug use and mental health, and develop skills to stay safe. This unit includes includes content on the increased risk of potent synthetic drugs.

As Year 9 pupils gain independence, they require accurate, evidence-based information about drug classifications, risks and effects. This unit provides knowledge about the serious physical and mental health harms of illegal drugs, including potent synthetic drugs. At this developmental stage, pupils can understand the bidirectional relationship between drugs and mental health, and develop assertiveness skills to resist pressure.

  1. Drugs and their risks
  2. Stimulants
  3. Depressants
  4. Hallucinogens

  • Pupils should understand from Year 8 the risks associated with alcohol and tobacco, and have developed basic skills for resisting peer pressure around risky substances.
  • Pupils should be familiar with making safe decisions about risky substances from previous units, including understanding peer influence and pressure.
  • Pupils should know from earlier learning that illegal behaviours have consequences including criminal responsibility.
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