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Risky Business

Debate the pros and cons of risk taking and how it influences identity and friendship groups.

  • 30 minutes
  • Optional: display equipment
  • Optional: printer

This spoken language activity challenges students to debate the subject of risk taking. It looks at the motivations for risky behaviour and whether it’s important for forming and strengthening friendship groups and identity.

Guidance notes

Workshop resources

Risk taking is a normal and vital part of human behaviour, but it’s important for young people to understand that sometimes we don’t calculate risks well and confidence or a lack of experience can impair our decision-making abilities. And that it can also have catastrophic effects on other people if someone they love takes a risk that causes them harm.

The activity provides opportunity for a group discussion and discussion in pairs – ideally between people with opposing views.

Curriculum links

England

  • KS4, PE, Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, KS3
  • RSHE, Basic First Aid
  • KS4&5, PSHE, Health and Wellbeing

Northern Ireland

  • KS4, Learning for Life and Work, Personal Development

Republic of Ireland

  • SPHE, Health and Wellbeing

Scotland

  • Senior Phase

Wales

  • Health and well-being

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