ALL SECONDARY schools across the borough have been given new resources to teach about the dangers of drugs.
The Thames Valley Police Violence Reduction Unit commissioned the national PHSE Association to create brand new materials and lesson plans, ensuring teaching approaches are up-to-date.
They are aimed at Year 9 students and can be taught across three lessons.
The first and last lesson is delivered by the teacher. But the second lesson will be led by a specially-trained police schools office.
Lessons focus on the potential physical and mental harm of substance misuse, as well as the wider damage to friendships and family relationships.
They explore the legal consequences and encourage young people to consider what impact a drug conviction could have on their future.
Sgt Russ Massie, the tactical lead for child centred policing for Thames Valley Police and the Violence Reduction Unit, led the development of the resources.
He said: “While the force rightly ensures we continue to take firm action against those involved in drug dealing and the violence it fuels, we equally know the importance of early education and prevention work with young people.
“These new teaching resources are modern and reflect the world today and sadly some of the risks young people face. They seek to minimise the harm posed by drugs and to tackle the risk of exploitation and criminalisation.”
A further package focused on the risk of violence and knife crime is being finalised and will be offered to schools for use later in the year for use by Years 7, 8 and 9.
All 16 of TVP’s schools officers will be trained this summer in the safe delivery of the lesson content, receiving a PHSE Society and National Police Chief’s Council certification. The lessons can then be taught from September.
