KS3: Preventing and Treating Infection

Help students explore how infections can be prevented and treated, and why responsible antibiotic use is essential for protecting public health. Students will investigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR), understand the factors contributing to its development, and explore actions that can help reduce its impact. The lesson also examines ways to prevent the spread of infection, including the role of vaccinations throughout life.

Designed to be flexible and adaptable, these resources can be tailored to suit your class and delivered over one or more lessons.

For your lesson planning, we have created a curriculum mapping document showing how the resources align with the updated PSHE statutory programme of study and relevant schemes of work.

These resources have been co-developed with PSHE association and would work well as part of wider learning on healthy lifestyles and keeping well.

Scroll down to learn more and download the resources.

Picture of a young girl getting an injection from an health care professional

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Learning objectives

Students will be able to:

describe how to help prevent the spread of infection
assess the benefits of vaccinations for individuals and society
explain how to use antibiotics responsibly and why this is important now the various vectors and the diseases caused by them

Background Information

Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. While many infections are mild, some can cause serious illness and place significant pressure on healthcare systems. Preventing infections through good hygiene practices, vaccinations and informed health decisions is an important part of protecting individual and public health.

Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections, but they are not effective against viruses such as those that cause colds and flu. Using antibiotics appropriately helps ensure they remain effective when needed. Vaccinations also play a vital role in preventing infectious diseases by helping the immune system recognise and respond to harmful pathogens before they can cause serious illness.

This lesson will support students in understanding how infections spread, the importance of effective hygiene practices and vaccinations, and why antibiotics should be used responsibly to help protect health now and in the future.