Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Awareness — Year 5 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: PSHE/RSE — Health and wellbeing: the facts about legal and illegal harmful substances and associated risks, including smoking, alcohol use and drug-taking (KS2 statutory guidance).
Overview
Pupils receive clear, accurate and factual information about drugs, alcohol and tobacco, presented in an age-appropriate and non-sensationalist way. They understand the legal framework around substances, the specific health risks to developing bodies, and — most importantly — develop the decision-making skills and assertive language needed to resist pressure in real situations. The lesson does not moralize; instead it aims to equip pupils with knowledge and skills.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what a drug is, covering medicines, legal substances and illegal substances.
- Know the main health effects of alcohol and tobacco on the body, especially the developing body.
- Understand the legal framework around substances and what it means for people their age.
- Practise assertive strategies for responding to pressure to use harmful substances.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Begin by establishing that the word 'drug' has a broad meaning. Ask pupils to give examples of drugs and list them on the board — they are likely to suggest illegal substances only. Then broaden the definition to include medicines (prescription and over-the-counter), caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Discuss: why do we treat these differently? Introduce the idea that legal status, age restrictions and health risk are all relevant factors.
Cover the key facts about alcohol and tobacco in age-appropriate terms. Alcohol: it is made from fermented sugar; it affects the brain within minutes; it impairs judgement, coordination and memory; it is harmful to developing brains; it is illegal for under-18s to purchase in the UK. Tobacco: it contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which are harmful; nicotine is highly addictive; smoking causes lung disease, cancer and heart disease; most people who smoke started as teenagers. Emphasise that these facts are neutral information — the aim is for pupils to be well informed, not to judge anyone.
Present a series of statements about alcohol and tobacco and ask pupils to categorise them as true or false, then discuss. Include: 'Alcohol is more harmful to children than adults' (TRUE — developing brains are more vulnerable), 'Most teenagers in the UK drink regularly' (FALSE — statistics show the majority do not), 'You can become addicted to nicotine after just a few cigarettes' (TRUE). Correct misconceptions factually and calmly.
Introduce realistic pressure scenarios through role-play cards: an older sibling offering a sip of beer; a peer at a party saying everyone else is doing it; a new friend saying you are boring if you do not try a cigarette. For each, pupils practise three types of response: a simple no, a reason-based no, and changing the subject or leaving. Debrief: which response felt most natural? Which was most effective?
Discuss: where could someone go for help if they were worried about someone else's substance use — such as a family member? Introduce Childline (0800 1111) and the Frank helpline (0300 123 6600) as confidential sources of support. Close by affirming that knowing the facts is the best protection — and that most young people in the UK do not use alcohol or tobacco, despite what it might seem like.
Common Misconceptions
- Pupils frequently believe that most teenagers drink alcohol or smoke. Correcting this statistical misconception is important — research consistently shows that the majority of young people do not use these substances.
- Some pupils think that smoking or drinking occasionally cannot be harmful. Clarify that even small amounts of alcohol are more harmful to developing brains than to adult brains, and that nicotine addiction can begin very quickly.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Understanding of healthy and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
- Assertiveness skills developed in the context of peer pressure in Years 3 and 4.
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