Risky substances: Why do people use alcohol and drugs?
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Why this why now
In Year 6, pupils are becoming more aware of substance use risks as they prepare for secondary school, where they may encounter more exposure to alcohol and drugs. Building on Year 5 learning about smoking, vaping and addiction, this unit explores reasons behind alcohol and drug use and their health impacts. This is timely as pupils need factual information before facing peer pressure. By learning these concepts now, pupils develop an understanding of risks, addiction and skills to resist pressure.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils should know from Year 5 about smoking, vaping and nicotine addiction and should understand that some substances can harm their bodies and lead to addiction
- Pupils should understand from earlier learning that their body belongs to them and they have the right to make choices about what goes into their body.
- Pupils should be familiar with peer pressure from Key Stage 2 and should know strategies for saying no and resisting pressure to do things they are uncomfortable with.
- upils should know from earlier learning about trusted adults such as parents, carers, teachers and health professionals who can provide accurate information about substances.
Threads
Why this why now
In Year 6, pupils are becoming more aware of substance use risks as they prepare for secondary school, where they may encounter more exposure to alcohol and drugs. Building on Year 5 learning about smoking, vaping and addiction, this unit explores reasons behind alcohol and drug use and their health impacts. This is timely as pupils need factual information before facing peer pressure. By learning these concepts now, pupils develop an understanding of risks, addiction and skills to resist pressure.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils should know from Year 5 about smoking, vaping and nicotine addiction and should understand that some substances can harm their bodies and lead to addiction
- Pupils should understand from earlier learning that their body belongs to them and they have the right to make choices about what goes into their body.
- Pupils should be familiar with peer pressure from Key Stage 2 and should know strategies for saying no and resisting pressure to do things they are uncomfortable with.
- upils should know from earlier learning about trusted adults such as parents, carers, teachers and health professionals who can provide accurate information about substances.
Risky substances: Why do people use alcohol and drugs?
This unit explores the reasons behind alcohol and drug use and the associated risks, encouraging informed choices. Pupils learn factual information about alcohol and drugs, understand their physical and mental health impacts, develop skills to resist pressure and know how to seek help when needed.
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