We also adhere to the principles of effective drug education as set out by the PSHE association, for example:
Take a positive approach which does not attempt to induce shock or guilt but focuses on what children and young people can do to keep themselves and others healthy and safe and to lead happy and fulfilling lives – the DARE Primary Programme uses facts which are up to date and relevant, and places strong emphasis on the concept of personal responsibility and making safe and healthy choices.
Encourage young people to reflect on their learning and the progress they have made, and to transfer what they have learned to say and to do from one school subject to another, and from school to their lives in the wider community – At Lifeskills we see our programme very much as a part of the national curriculum, not as a ‘bolt on’.
We strive to make links between our course and the national curriculum (click here to see how) – our workbook body maps are replicated in biology, links can be made to geography when discussing the origins of drugs and to maths when working out the cost of smoking. Our DARE Officer are trained to make these links and to understand school policy and procedure in relation to bullying and which will be highlighted during lessons. The impact of drug use on family, community and society is discussed throughout the course.