C Curriculum Explorer
Science·Organisms & Life Processes·conceptual

Effects of Drugs & Alcohol

Explain the effects of recreational drugs including alcohol, tobacco, and illegal substances on behaviour, health, and body systems, and distinguish between depressants, stimulants, and hallucinogens

Suggested ages 13–14

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Evidence of understanding

  • Categorises common recreational drugs as depressants, stimulants, or hallucinogens
  • Explains specific effects of alcohol and tobacco on the body (e.g. liver damage, lung cancer)
  • Discusses the difference between physical and psychological dependence

Assessment prompt

If Effects of Drugs & Alcohol saw a news story about drug misuse, could they explain what different types of drugs do to the body and behaviour — and why some are more harmful than others?

Standards alignment

KS3.Sci.Bio.Health.2GB · uk-nc-2013

Effects of recreational drugs

The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · KS3