County Lines Lesson Plan

The lesson plan from VotesForSchools2019 tackles the complex and sensitive topic of county lines and the involvement of teenagers in drug distribution networks. The session begins with an introduction that defines key terms and reassures students about the support available for any concerns that arise. Pupils are encouraged to engage with the subject matter, starting with a brief discussion on their prior awareness of the issue. This leads into an exploration of the reasons why some children might be drawn into selling drugs for gangs, highlighting the dangers of grooming and the importance of self-safeguarding.

Using a real-life case study, students are invited to step into the life of Alfie, a child affected by county lines. They are tasked with arranging his story in the correct order, fostering a deeper understanding of the circumstances that lead to such situations. Reflection questions help pupils identify warning signs and where to seek assistance. A debate segment prompts consideration of whether teenagers involved in county lines should be viewed as criminals, using structured statements to guide the discussion. The lesson concludes with a call to action, encouraging further exploration of the topic and community engagement, such as creating informative posters and sharing knowledge with peers. Throughout the lesson, additional support is provided for SEN or pupil premium pupils, and stretch and challenge tasks are outlined to deepen understanding for those who require it.