Lesson title: Understanding knife crime
Relevant curriculum purposes: Ethical, informed citizens of England, Wales and the world; Healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.
Relevant areas of learning and experience: Health and Wellbeing; Humanities
Relevant strand of RSE curriculum: Empowerment, safety and respect
Session aims
- To educate young people on the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife
- To understand the knock-on effects of knife crime and how it impacts family and friends
- To explore alternatives to carrying a knife and address safety concerns
- To build resilience in young people and develop conflict resolution skills.
How to run the lesson
You should begin as a whole class, then break off into smaller groups for the various discussion and role-play exercises.
Activities and timings
Note: Briefing to be given to participants on the highly emotive content of the videos. Please use your professional judgment to decide the suitability of this resource for those in your setting.
Carry out each activity in order
Activity one
Title: Knife Crime: Know the facts
Time: 35 - 45 minutes
Facilitator activity
The trainer first presents the introductory video to participants. Then discuss the true or false statements before going onto the facts about knife crime, all listed on the 'Know the facts' page.
Participant activity
- Listen
- Discuss
- Ask and answer questions
Remember to:
- Ensure class are all okay and thank them for engaging in a difficult theme.
- Share the helpline services and charities on the final slide
- Consider sharing with your Senior Management team any concerns about individuals upset or concerned by the session
Activity two
Title: The cost of carrying a knife: Watch and discuss
Time: 30 - 40 minutes
Facilitator activity
Split the class into groups before showing them the first video. The group then discusses the questions listed under the first video. The groups share their answers with the class. Repeat for the second video.
Or
Assign a video to each group and task them with answering the questions on the page below the video link. Each group then reports back with their answers.
Consolidate learning by drawing out key points regarding what they have learned.
Participant activity
• Watch the videos
• Discuss the questions
• Present back to the wider group
Activity three
Title: Managing conflict: Exercises for young people
Time: 30 minutes
Facilitator activity
Assign one of the five exercises to each group. Get them to report back at the end.
Participant activity
• Read the exercise
• Discuss and prepare your answers
• Report back to the wider group
Activity four
Title: Knife crime in the UK: A quiz for young people
Time: 10 minutes
Facilitator activity
In groups or as individuals, the facilitator acts as quiz master reading out each question. Ask participants to swap their answer sheets as you read out the answers at the end.
Participant activity
• Listen and answer the questions.
• Mark someone else’s answers.