Adolescence PSHE L5: These Kids Are Impossible

In this KS4 PSHE lesson, students explore school culture, masculinity, and emotional suppression through the lens of peer reaction and institutional response in Episode 2, Part 1 of the Netflix series Adolescence.

Titled These Kids Are Impossible, this lesson examines how Katie’s murder ripples through the school community. Students analyse how teachers, peers, and staff respond to tragedy — some with denial, some with control, and others with humour. They explore the pressures boys face to remain emotionally detached, and the barriers young people encounter when trying to talk about violence, grief, or gender expectations.

This lesson encourages students to reflect critically on how school systems and peer dynamics can either support or silence emotional honesty, compassion, and healing.

💡 What’s Included in Lesson 5

Each lesson in the Adolescence PSHE series includes:

• PowerPoint presentation (PPTX) – ready-to-teach version

• Editable Canva version – adapt for your class or school context

• PDF version – for easy printing or projection

• Full lesson plan – with objectives, trauma-informed teaching tips, and delivery guidance

• Observation form – for peer or mentor reflection

• Student discussion questions – from the Socratic Discussion Student Book

• Teacher guidance notes – from the Socratic Discussion Teacher Guide

• Project rubric – for summative assessment and end-of-unit evaluation

🧠 In this Lesson, Students Will:

• Analyse how teachers and peers respond to crisis and loss

• Discuss how masculinity and humour can mask emotional distress

• Reflect on social expectations around grief and vulnerability

• Examine the role of schools in supporting students after trauma

• Explore how social media can desensitise or distort empathy

🧩 Lesson 5 Features:

• Full 60-minute lesson presentation

• Starter and exit reflection tasks

• Clear learning objectives displayed on slides

• Structured Socratic Circle format with timing guidance

• Sentence starters for respectful, reflective discussion

• Student and teacher resources for guided reflection

🧍‍♀️ Perfect For:

PSHE | Citizenship | RSE | English crossover lessons

This resource supports students in developing emotional intelligence, empathy, and social awareness through trauma-informed dialogue. It helps young people understand the importance of emotional expression, mutual support, and accountability within school communities.

🌱 Themes Explored:

• Masculinity and emotional repression

• School responses to crisis and safeguarding

• Peer pressure and toxic humour

• Desensitisation to violence

• Social media and harmful online behaviour

🔒 Copyright Notice

This resource is for single-classroom use only.
Please do not reproduce, share, or distribute without appropriate licensing.
All content copyright © Revolutionary Education.

🌟 If You Enjoy This Resource…

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