Topic: Drugs (Primary School)

Please be reminded that Safe4me is NOT a standalone resource; it is designed as a toolkit to support teachers to deliver information to pupils specific to the Law, Consequences and Personal Safety only.

The resources in this tool-kit are designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet individual needs, suitability and time; adaptable for KS3, KS4 and Post 16, they can be used in one or across multiple lessons.

PSHE Association Resources are also provided within this section, and can be used in conjunction with the Safe4Me resources or as a standalone delivery product.

Aims

  1. To introduce and develop basic knowledge of 4 common illegal drugs
  2. To develop knowledge of the consequences illegal drugs can have to health and in law
  3. To develop skills and ability to make healthy and safe choices
  4. To develop knowledge of how and where to get support

Learning Outcomes

  • Improved basic understanding of 4 common drugs; why they are illegal, appearance, dangers and the law
  • Improved understanding of the the consequences illegal drugs has to health and in law
  • Increased skills to identify and manage risk needed to make good choices to stay healthy and safe
  • Awareness of relevant support services and how to access them in school. locally and nationally

PSHE Criteria KS 1-2

  • H1. about what keeping healthy means; different ways to keep healthy
  • H6. that medicines (including vaccinations and immunisations and those that support allergic reactions) can help people to stay healthy
  • H10. about the people who help us to stay physically healthy
  • H29. to recognise risk in simple everyday situations and what action to take to minimise harm
  • H31. that household products (including medicines) can be harmful if not used correctly
  • H33. about the people whose job it is to help keep us safe
  • H37. about things that people can put into their body or on their skin; how these can affect how people feel
  • H1. how to make informed decisions about health
  • H3. about choices that support a healthy lifestyle, and recognise what might influence these
  • H4. how to recognise that habits can have both positive and negative effects on a healthy lifestyle
  • H10: how medicines, when used responsibly, contribute to health; that some diseases can be prevented by vaccinations and immunisations; how allergies can be managed
  • H40: about the importance of taking medicines correctly and using household products safely (e.g. following instructions carefully)
  • H46: about the risks and effects of legal drugs common to everyday life (e.g. cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vaping, alcohol and medicines) and their impact on health; recognise that drug use can become a habit which can be difficult to break
  • H47: to recognise that there are laws surrounding the use of legal drugs and that some drugs are illegal to own, use and give to others
  • H48. about why people choose to use or not use drugs (including nicotine, alcohol and medicines)
  • H49. about the mixed messages in the media about drugs, including alcohol and smoking/vaping
  • H50. about the organisations that can support people concerning alcohol, tobacco and nicotine or other drug use; people they can talk to if they have concerns
  • R28. how to recognise pressure from others to do something unsafe or that makes them feel uncomfortable and strategies for managing this
  • L1. to recognise reasons for rules and laws; consequences of not adhering to rules and laws

Lesson Resources

Each of the 4 stages aligns with one of the aims and learning outcomes, providing users a flexible and focussed approach to lesson delivery; activity resources and user notes can be accessed via the links below.

Setting the Learning Environment and Welfare

Safe4me recognises the importance of planning and preparing pupils for learning; please read the guidance below prior to using the resources to ensure the best possible learning experience and outcomes for pupils.

Welfare

  • Ensure pupils have been prepared for the topic prior to this lesson.
  • Ensure follow-on work is planned to develop further learning
  • Be mindful of the nature or sensitivity of the subject and AVOID personalising or directing questions at individuals, i.e. ‘Has anyone ever seen/done/been affected by……’
  • Be aware of Safeguarding policy regarding disclosures or concerns for welfare and safety.
  • Reassure pupils that they are not expected to give real life experiences
  • Explain procedure for leaving the class if pupils feel upset or uncomfortable; where/who to go to.
  • Ensure you sign-post pupils to follow-on support; include staff in school and other services recommended in this resource or network directory.
  • Given the nature or sensitivity of the topic, consider pupils who may wish to ask questions, express views or share their experiences in forms other than verbally.
  • Suggestion: site a ‘post box’ in classroom/school.

Ground Rules

  • Introduce topic, explaining the consideration needed when contributing i.e. feelings and values of others
  • Inform pupils of boundaries: what is expected, what won’t be tolerated and any subsequent consequences
  • Explain objectives, process, and the value of exploring the topic and allowing pupils time to prepare themselves for learning
  • Explain value of peer-learning through sharing values, views and knowledge; and the added value of listening if choosing not to contribute verbally.

Getting started

The starter activity resources are designed to capture base knowledge and prepare pupils for learning about the topic; some can be re-visited at the end of the lesson to evidence the learning journey.

The button below contains suggestions and links to the starter resources.

Getting Started

Stage 1

Stage 1 Teacher Guidance and activity options can be accessed through the button below.

Stage 1 - Guidance and Resources

Stage 2

Stage 2 Teacher Guidance and activity options can be accessed through the button below.

Stage 2 - Guidance and Resources

Stage 3

Stage 3 Teacher Guidance and activity options can be accessed through the button below.

Stage 3 - Guidance and Resources

Stage 4

Support Services and signposting to further resources can be accessed via the button below

Support and Advice

Parent Information

All resources in this section are intended as a home-school link to inform and support parents and carers by contribute to their child’s welfare and education; by clicking the links below, you will be taken to our dedicated Parent/Carer Information page.

Parent/Carer Information

PSHE Association.

The resources below have been created by the PSHE Association to support delivery of this subject.

Year 1 to 2 Presentation

The buttons below will take you to each individual lesson’s power point presentation. The presentations feature a set of teacher guidance slides and a set of student facing slides.

Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3

Year 3 to 4 Presentation

The buttons below will take you to each individual lesson’s power point presentation. The presentations feature a set of teacher guidance slides and a set of student facing slides.

Lesson 1
Lesson 2

Year 5 to 6 Presentation

The buttons below will take you to each individual lesson’s power point presentation. The presentations feature a set of teacher guidance slides and a set of student facing slides.

Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4

Teacher Guidance

The buttons below provides a PDF guidance document and a review based on research and feedback, which we would advise Teachers read before delivering any of the resources.

Teacher Guidance
Research Review

Lesson Plans and Resources

The button below provides access to a downloadable PDF filled with a variety of activities and delivery guidance.

Lesson Plans and Resources