Adolescence PSHE Lesson 8: It’s Not a Trick

In this KS4 PSHE lesson, students explore masculinity, emotional expression, and peer influence through Episode 3, Part 1 of the Netflix series Adolescence.

Titled It’s Not a Trick, It’s Just a Conversation, this lesson focuses on Jamie’s first interview with the psychologist. Students examine how trust, power, and communication shape their interaction, and reflect on the challenges boys may face when expressing emotions honestly. Using Socratic Circle discussion, learners explore how cultural expectations, peer dynamics, and online messaging influence behaviour, beliefs, and identity.

This lesson helps students develop emotional intelligence, respect, and empathy while deepening their understanding of how communication can heal or harm.

💡 What’s Included in Lesson 8

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 dialogue between Jamie and the psychologist through themes of power, trust, and communication

• Reflect on how gender norms and emotional expectations influence self-expression

• Discuss the role of psychological support and safe spaces for young people

• Explore how online culture and group dynamics shape beliefs about masculinity and control

• Develop respectful listening and critical thinking skills through Socratic dialogue

🧩 Lesson 8 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 and discussion scaffolds for accessibility

• Student and teacher materials for guided reflection

🧍‍♀️ Perfect For:

PSHE | Citizenship | RSE | English crossover lessons

This resource helps students build empathy, communication skills, and social awareness. It supports healthy conversations about masculinity, vulnerability, and identity through trauma-informed, student-led dialogue.

🌱 Themes Explored:

• Masculinity and emotional pressure

• Control, insecurity, and communication

• Influence of online ideas and group dynamics

• Relationships and respect

• The role of psychological support in youth services

🔒 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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