In this KS4 PSHE lesson, students reflect on emotional vulnerability, grief, and the need for emotional connection through Episode 2, Part 3 of Adolescence.
Titled How Fragile We Are, this lesson explores the emotional turning point of the series as DS Clyde arrests Ryan and becomes visibly affected. In a rare moment of self-awareness, he takes a step back and later reaches out to his son, showing the importance of emotional intelligence and meaningful fatherhood. Meanwhile, Jade walks home alone and distressed, her grief heightened by the lack of support. The episode ends with a haunting school choir performance of Sting’s Fragile, highlighting the human cost of violence. Through Socratic Circle discussion, students will explore themes of grief, justice, accountability, emotional literacy, and what it means to truly care for others.
Key Themes Explored in this lesson:
- Grief and gendered emotional expression
- The emotional cost of violence
- Emotional literacy and healthy fatherhood
- Loneliness and support systems
- Symbolism and song as storytelling
What’s included:
- Full lesson presentation
- Starter and exit task
- Clear learning objectives
- Socratic discussion format guidance
Note: This lesson is designed to go with the Adolescence Socratic Circle Teacher’s Guide (see my Tes shop) which includes:
- Full summaries for each part
- Key terminology and definitions
- Discussion questions for each part
- Trigger warnings & 51 notes
- Teacher’s notes
- Extension task ideas
Pairing this resource with the Student Guide and Parent Guide will allow learners to reflect more deeply and prepare responses before engaging in discussion. Purchasing the whole Adolescence bundle is the most cost-effective way to access all materials!
Explore the full unit:
This is Lesson 7 of a 16-part PSHE series based on Adolescence. Visit my TES shop to purchase the complete bundle, which includes:
- 16 full lesson presentations
- Teacher Guide with notes and questions
- Student Pack
- Parent Guide
- Final project and assessment rubric
All aligned with the PSHE Association guidance and statutory RSE content.
pshe teaching resources ks4 | adolescence series | grief and emotional vulnerability | toxic masculinity and emotion | fatherhood and communication | pshe music and symbolism | emotional intelligence lesson ks4 | student-led discussion lessons | gendered grief and justice | pshe lesson on accountability
51 Notice:
This resource is for single-classroom use only. Do not reproduce, share, or redistribute without the appropriate licence. All content is original and copyright © Revolutionary Education.
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