Know the Score Resources for Post Primary Teachers

Know The Score is the first national evidence-based resource on alcohol and drugs for senior cycle students (15 to 18 years).

It has been developed by the:

• HSE
• Department of Education
• Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

It aims to:

• engage young people in exploring the risks associated with alcohol and drugs
• make conscious and informed decisions about alcohol and drugs

Know the Score Resource

You can download the resource here:

• Know the Score teachers manual (PDF, 9 MB, 162 pages)
• Know the Score teachers manual - Irish version (PDF, 6 MB, 162 pages)

A hardcopy of the Know the Score Teachers Manual can also be ordered.

Follow the steps below:

• Go to www.healthpromotion.ie
• Select 'alcohol' in 'search by topic' dropdown menu

Videos

There are three videos that support the manual:

1. Drugs, the Brain and dependency (video)
2. Cannabis (video)
3. Risks of adolescent substance use (video)

Training

The Know the Score resource contains 14 lesson plans that address alcohol and drug use. It uses interactive and experiential teaching methods. The training will support teachers to deliver this programme in their schools.

The Know the Score manual is available in hardcopy to teachers who attend the training.

We also recommend the following training:

• 1 day in-person training - enthuse.com. Recommended for teachers new to SPHE.
• 2 hour online training - enthuse.com. Recommended for experienced SPHE teachers.

The Department of Education approves substitute cover for in-person training.

Resources for Substance Use

• Vaping Information and Guidance for schools (PDF, 3.6 MB, 10 pages)
• Alcohol and Drugs - A Parent’s Guide - order a hard copy on Health promotion choosing ‘alcohol’ in the ‘search by topic’ dropdown menu.
• Ask about alcohol
  
• Quit smoking
• Drugs

Alcohol Industry Funded Initiatives

The HSE and the Department of Health recommend that you do not involve DrinkAware in health education initiatives in your school. This approach is also supported by the Department of Education and Skills.

Drug and Alcohol Task Forces

Staff from local drug and alcohol task force can help too. They can come to your school to talk to students about the risks of alcohol and drug use. They should be a supplement to the SPHE teacher in line with DES Guidelines on external facilitators.

Department of Education Guidelines on external facilitators

This circular states the importance of classroom teachers. They are the best professionals to work sensitively and consistently with students. They also have a powerful impact on their attitudes, values and behaviour.

Department of Education Guidelines on external facilitators - gov.ie

Other resources

Know the Score Substance Use Resource Materials SPHE (PDF, 9.7 MB, 162 pages)