Activity Introduction
Quick summary: Students will investigate the role of substances that contribute to the incidences of the coward punch. They will explore the impact of these substances on the brain and body and how these affect our capacity to respond to external stimuli. Through a scenario-based game, they will investigate how personal choices manage the extent to which alcohol and drugs alter our behaviours.
The STOP the Coward Punch education package aims to spread awareness about the devastating effects of the coward punch on our community. This education package was developed by a team of experts, including a youth worker, education specialist and specialist teachers and references the latest research and laws on coward punches.
Learning intentions:
- Students understand the role of substances in coward punch incidents
- Students understand the influence of substances on the brain and body
- Students understand how both victims and perpetrators of violence can be adversely affected by substance use
- Students understand that substance use does not necessarily cause violent behaviours
- Students learn how having an awareness of the impact of substances on the brain and body can support healthy decision-making and prevent violence.
21st century skills:
Australian Curriculum Mapping
Content descriptions:
Years 9 & 10 Health and Physical Education:
- Propose, practise and evaluate responses in situations where external influences may impact on their ability to make healthy and safe choices (ACPPS092)
Syllabus outcomes: PD5-6, PD5-7, PD5-8, PD5-9, PD5-10
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Personal and Social Capability
Relevant parts of Years 9 & 10 achievement standards:
Students develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to empower them to make healthy and safe choices and take action to promote the health and wellbeing of their communities. Students engage with a range of health issues and identify strategies to keep them healthy, safe and active.
Topic: Social Issues, Health & Wellbeing
This lesson is part of the wider unit of work STOP the Coward Punch: HPE – Years 9 & 10.
Time required: 60 mins.
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion.
Resources required:
- Device capable of presenting a video to the class
- Student Worksheets – one copy per student.
Related professional development: Strategies for Dealing with Aggressive and Violent Behaviours
Keywords: alcohol, drugs, substances, marijuana, prefrontal cortex, aggression, violence, self-control, awareness, safety, party, prevention, decision-making, coward punch
Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.
