Adolescence PSHE Lesson 3: Don’t Wash it Away

In this KS4 PSHE lesson, students explore the concepts of vulnerability, consent, and control through the lens of Jamie’s arrest and forensic processing in Episode 1, Part 2 of the Netflix series Adolescence.

Titled Don’t Wash Away the Evidence, this lesson focuses on the intense custody scenes where Jamie is placed in a dry cell, swabbed for DNA, and subjected to a strip search. Through a Socratic Circle discussion, students analyse the significance of these procedures and how police gather evidence in serious criminal cases. They also consider the director’s choices in portraying Jamie’s vulnerability and emotional state — and why these choices matter.

This session helps students make connections between justice, consent, and power, while reflecting on the emotional realities of vulnerability and control.

💡 What’s Included in Lesson 3

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 the forensic process and explore issues of consent and control

• Discuss how vulnerability is portrayed through direction and cinematography

• Reflect on how power dynamics affect human dignity and autonomy

• Examine emotional suppression and powerlessness in institutional settings

• Connect the justice system’s procedures to wider conversations about empathy and rights

🧩 Lesson 3 Features:

• Full 60-minute lesson presentation

• Starter and exit reflection tasks

• Clear learning objectives displayed on slides

• Structured Socratic Circle format with timing guidance

• Trauma-informed discussion setup and teacher support notes

• Student and teacher resources for guided reflection

🧍‍♀️ Perfect For:

PSHE | Citizenship | RSE | English crossover lessons

This resource supports students in developing emotional literacy, empathy, critical thinking, and awareness of justice and human rights through trauma-informed discussion.

🌱 Themes Explored:

• Vulnerability and control in the justice system

• Consent and the trauma of body searches

• Emotional suppression and powerlessness

• Police procedure and forensic evidence gathering

• Media and directorial decisions in storytelling

🔒 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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