WEEK 1 Aims: To assess children’s knowledge and understanding of drugs and to inform them of what to do when they find a syringe. Exercises: Children are given an ostensibly easy but actually tricky observational exercise as a warm-up. They are then presented with two drugs scenarios and asked to write and draw what they would do. Discussions in small groups then report back to large group.
Intended outcomes: Information on what children already know and think about drugs, what they want to know, and giving pupils an understanding of what to do if they come into contact with a syringe.
WEEK 2 Aims: To give children basic techniques and examples of how to make simple choices and resist pressure from friends and others.
Exercises: Word-search of “say no”, “consequences”, “alternatives”, “leave”. Work-sheet on moral dilemmas. Small group work, cartoon showing teasing and pressure for which pupils fill in speech bubble, scenarios.
Intended outcomes: Knowledge of how they can make informed decisions about drug-related situations. Strategies and skills for reducing risks in drug-related and everyday situations in which children come under pressure from others.
WEEK 3 Aims: To give pupils an awareness of their individuality and of the effectsdamage associated with drug-taking.
Teaching methods: Body maps and doll. Explore children’s knowledge of food and food additives. List of drugs.
Intended outcomes: To leave the class with the ability to think about the effects and side-effects of food, drink and drugs on the body.
