Impact of Drugs

Overview

This 60-minute lesson (Lesson 5 of 6) for Year 7 students in New Zealand explores The Impact of Drugs and Alcohol on the four dimensions of Hauora: Physical, Mental and Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Wellbeing. Students will research the effects of substance use on these dimensions and engage in discussions around peer pressure and making informed choices. The lesson aligns specifically with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and develops key competencies, values, and health knowledge.

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Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education

• Strand: Personal Health and Physical Development
• Level: Level 3 (Years 7-8)
• Achievement Objective:
  • Understand how their body and self-regulate to maintain and improve their health (Physical Dimension of Hauora).
  • Understand how emotions, relationships, and values impact wellbeing (Mental/Emotional, Social, Spiritual Dimensions of Hauora).
  • Develop skills to make healthy and safe choices and manage influences such as peer pressure.

Key Competencies

• Managing Self: Set goals and manage responses to peer pressure.
• Relating to Others: Engage in respectful discussions about sensitive topics.
• Thinking: Critically evaluate information about drugs and alcohol impacts.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Texts: Research and present findings clearly.

Values

• Integrity: Making informed, responsible choices.
• Equity: Recognising the needs of self and others in social contexts.
• Respect: Understanding the spiritual and social impacts of choices.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe how drugs and alcohol affect the four dimensions of Hauora.
2. Analyse how substance use can influence physical health, mental and emotional wellbeing, social relationships, and spiritual beliefs.
3. Recognise the role of peer pressure in decisions about drug and alcohol use.
4. Present findings collaboratively to peers.
5. Reflect on strategies for making informed, healthy choices.

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Resources Needed

• Four large sheets of paper or whiteboard sections labelled:
  • Physical Hauora
  • Mental and Emotional Hauora
  • Social Hauora
  • Spiritual Hauora
• Research materials (age-appropriate articles, videos, pamphlets)
• Presentation tools (poster markers, digital devices if available)
• Scenario cards about peer pressure

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description
0-10 min	Introduction & Vocabulary	Teacher introduces the lesson topic, defining ‘drugs’, ‘alcohol’, and Hauora’s four dimensions. Discuss briefly the importance of understanding these effects. Emphasise respect and safe sharing.
10-25 min	Research in Groups	Divide students into 4 groups, each assigned one Hauora dimension. Provide resources for them to research how drugs and alcohol affect that dimension. Groups note key points on large paper/whiteboard. Encourage use of accessible vocabulary, supported by teacher as needed.
25-35 min	Peer Pressure Discussion	Whole-class discussion on peer pressure. Use scenario cards to prompt thinking about how peers influence drug and alcohol use and how to respond positively. Link to Managing Self and Relating to Others competencies.
35-50 min	Presentations & Sharing	Each group presents their findings in 3 minutes, explaining their Hauora dimension and drug/alcohol impact. Other students listen and ask questions to deepen understanding.
50-55 min	Class Reflection	Students reflect individually on one thing they learned and one strategy they will use if faced with peer pressure. Share some reflections aloud.
55-60 min	Summary & Next Steps	Teacher summarises key points, reinforces importance of balanced Hauora and healthy choices. Preview final lessons about maintaining wellbeing and support resources.

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Assessment/Evidence of Learning

• Group research notes on Hauora dimension effects.
• Presentation clarity and accuracy.
• Participation in discussion about peer pressure.
• Individual reflection on learning and personal strategies.

Formative assessment through teacher observation and questioning during activities, plus reviewing group work and reflections to guide next teaching steps.

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Teaching Notes and Considerations

• Ensure content is age-appropriate and sensitive to diverse experiences related to drugs and alcohol.
• Support students who may have personal experience with substance issues with sensitivity and referrals to guidance where necessary.
• Foster a safe, respectful environment for open dialogue.
• Use culturally responsive approaches acknowledging Māori perspectives on Hauora.

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Big Ideas & Themes from NZ Curriculum

• Hauora Model Integration: Understanding wellbeing as holistic and interconnected.
• Making Informed Decisions: Empowering students to make choices based on knowledge.
• Peer Influence Awareness: Recognising social factors in health behaviours.

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This lesson plan uses the refreshed New Zealand Curriculum Health and Physical Education framework focusing on the personal health and physical development strand, developing key competencies such as managing self and relating to others, and modelling values like integrity and respect relevant for Year 7 students engaging in health education about substance use and its wider impacts .