Drug Awareness - Teacher Handbook KS4

Lesson Overview

Duration	60 minutes
Key Stage	KS4 (Years 10-11)
Subject Links	PSHE, Citizenship, Sociology, Law
Resources Needed	Pupil handouts, Quiz, Presentation slides

Learning Objectives

Understand the UK drug classification system and its implications
Critically examine the risks associated with commonly used substances including alcohol
Recognise how peer pressure and social norms influence substance use decisions
Identify the signs of problematic use in self or friends
Know how to access support without fear of legal consequences

Key Information

Around 19% of 15-year-olds in England have tried illegal drugs at least once
Cannabis is the most commonly used drug among young people
Alcohol is a factor in 40% of A&E admissions for under-16s
Most young people who try drugs do so with friends, not strangers
Early onset of drug use significantly increases the risk of dependency in adulthood
Young people are significantly more vulnerable to the neurological effects of cannabis than adults

Legal Framework

Class A (heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD): up to 7 years possession, life for supply
Class B (cannabis, amphetamines, ketamine): up to 5 years possession, 14 years supply
Class C (anabolic steroids, some tranquillisers): up to 2 years possession, 14 years supply
Psychoactive Substances Act 2016: blanket ban on novel psychoactive substances (NPS/legal highs)
Possession with intent to supply: courts infer intent from quantity, packaging, and other evidence
Drug testing can be used in schools with parental consent

Lesson Plan

5 mins Starter

Display 10 substances on cards (including alcohol, paracetamol, cannabis, tobacco). Ask pupils to sort by most to least dangerous. Reveal actual harm rankings from the Nutt et al. study. Discuss surprises.

10 mins Classification and the Law

Walk through A/B/C classification. Focus on what this means practically — not just the legal penalties, but why certain substances are classified as they are.

12 mins What Drugs Actually Do

Brain development in adolescence. Why young brains are more vulnerable. Focus on cannabis and psychosis risk, alcohol and liver/brain development, stimulants and cardiovascular risk.

12 mins Pressure, Norms, and Choice

How social norms around drug use are shaped and challenged. Role-play: how do you respond to offers, navigate social situations, and support a friend who is struggling?

10 mins Signs of Problematic Use and Getting Help

What does escalating or problematic use look like? How do you raise a concern about a friend without betraying them? Signpost to FRANK, Childline, and local CAMHS.

6 mins Plenary and Q&A

Anonymous question cards — answer honestly without judgment.

⚠️ Safeguarding Considerations

Some pupils will already be using substances — this session should be non-judgmental and factual
Be alert to signs of current intoxication or withdrawal during the session
If a pupil discloses problematic use or use by a parent/carer, treat as a safeguarding matter
Do not discuss individual use openly — create conditions for private disclosure after the session
Know your school's substance use policy and the threshold for DSL referral vs pastoral support

If a pupil makes a disclosure during this session, follow your school's safeguarding procedures and refer to your DSL immediately.

Key Messages

All drugs, including alcohol, carry risks — particularly for the developing adolescent brain
'Everyone does it' is a social norm myth — most young people don't use drugs regularly
Being concerned about a friend's use is a reason to seek advice, not to stay silent
Help is available without automatic punishment — FRANK is anonymous
Declining drugs is a choice you should feel genuinely free to make

Support Resources

Organisation	Contact	Purpose
Childline	0800 1111	24/7 support for young people
Crimestoppers	0800 555 111	100% anonymous reporting
CEOP	ceop.police.uk	Report online exploitation
NSPCC	0808 800 5000	Child protection advice
Emergency	999	Immediate danger

💊 Drug Awareness