Targeted to Intermediate English (B1+) speakers.Read more
This is the standard requirement for most courses. Participants at this level can participate actively in discussions and manage everyday and professional situations. If they are unsure about their English level, they can test it here or explore our courses facilitated in Basic English.
Secondary Teachers.Read more
The listed audiences are those for whom the course is especially recommended, but courses are not exclusive to them and are open to everyone. In fact, most of our workshops are built around the collective sharing of participants’ experiences and having a variety of profiles enriches the learning process and is highly encouraged!
Description
In recent years, educators have observed shifting patterns in how high school students engage with substances.
The use of so-called “soft” drugs, such as cannabis, appears to be on the rise, while the use of “hard” drugs like cocaine has decreased in most areas.
Alcohol, in particular, remains the most widely used substance among teenagers. While often socially accepted, early and excessive use can be a gateway to risky behavior and long-term health consequences.
But these trends don’t stay the same every year, and in certain areas, students appear more open to trying harder substances.
The trend is not the same each year, and in some counties, the willingness is more to hard drugs. According to Ung i Oslo 2023 (Young in Oslo 2023), “8 percent of upper secondary students said they had used cocaine at least once in the past year. That’s twice as many as in 2021, and nearly three times as many as in 2018, when only 3 percent reported the same.”
This course will help participants to understand the main differences between what are often called “soft” and “hard” drugs, the culture that supports their use, what happens in the brain of someone struggling with addiction, and how anxiety can lead to increased use.
During the course, participants will look at the latest statistics, talk through new trends, including vaping and prescription drug misuse, and learn how to spot the risks and warning signs associated with different substances, as well as the role of communities and building support systems in combating drug misuse.
By the end of the course, participants will feel more equipped to recognize problems, support students, and help create a safer school environment when it comes to drug use and the culture around it.
What is included
Learning outcomes
The course will help participants to:
- Understand the differences between common substances, including alcohol;
- Enhance their ability to identify patterns and risks;
- Learn how to respond appropriately to substance-related situations in school;
- Find strategies to help struggling students.
Tentative schedule
Day 1 – Introduction to the course
- Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
- School presentation;
- Drugs and how the brain reacts to them.
Day 2 – Understanding drugs and their effects
- Overview of legal and illegal substances (including alcohol);
- Physical and mental health effects;
- Drug advertisements.
Day 3 – Fostering wellbeing through school culture
- School culture that promotes well-being;
- Motivation and growth mindset;
- Creating healthy routines and norms.
Day 4 – Home-school collaboration
- Working with families and communities;
- Building effective parent-teacher communication;
- Utilizing community volunteers and mentors in classrooms.
Day 5 – Developing effective support plans
- Building support systems;
- Creating peer support networks among students;
- Developing your action plan.
Day 6 – Course closure and cultural activities
- Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competences, feedback, and discussion;
- Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
- Excursion and other external cultural activities.
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