This lesson introduces students to the core features of addiction, beginning with a relatable starter that asks whether everyday behaviours such as phone use, gaming, or caffeine reliance are habits or signs of addiction. This immediately engages students and frames addiction as a psychological concept rather than simply a moral or lifestyle issue.

Core AO1 knowledge is delivered through clear explanations of addiction, physical and psychological dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal syndrome, supported by a short video on the brain’s reward system. Key terminology is reinforced through structured mini whiteboard questions that require students to discriminate between concepts (e.g. tolerance vs withdrawal; physical vs psychological dependence).

Students then apply their knowledge through AO2 exam-style scenarios involving smoking, gambling, and everyday teen-relevant behaviours, with detailed model answers demonstrating how to use key terms accurately. Understanding of exam technique is strengthened with explicit guidance on how to answer AO1 description questions. The lesson finishes with a choice-based group task, a dilemma-style debate (addiction as disease vs learned behaviour), and a box plenary.

Includes:

• Engaging, relatable starter
• Clear AO1 explanations with key terminology
• Short video on addiction and the brain
• Mini whiteboard checks for understanding
• AO2 application scenarios with model answers
• Group presentation tasks (choice-based)
• class debate

Low-prep, high-engagement activities throughout