It is believed that many individuals who have followed the books and movies of the renowned wizards and witches from "Harry Potter," adapted from the popular novels by J.K. Rowling, are familiar with the curriculum taught by professors who are wizards and witches themselves. One such subject is "Defense Against the Dark Arts," which is designed to ward off dangers or fears.

     Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School has launched a class called "Defense Against the Dark Arts" with four spells to create a protective shield for children living in an unpredictable society. In the midst of the current societal context that presents many challenges, some children are stressed to the point of depression. In the world of technology, there are issues of fake news, various scams, and bullying on social media. The "Defense Against the Dark Arts" course has been introduced to teach children to think and use discretion in social life.

     The subject "Protect Yourself from Social Dangers" has been designated as an elective course in the social studies category. It is open to fifth-year high school students for registration in the first semester of the academic year 2023, under the course code S32244, with a class duration of 2 periods per week.

The "Defense Against the Dark Arts" course is divided into 4 spells or 4 lessons, namely:

1. "Legilimens Spell" to promote self-awareness in children, knowing their strengths and weaknesses.
2. "Enchantment Spell" to encourage children to strive to understand others for harmonious coexistence.
3. "Protego (protection) Spell" to enable children to live in a conflicting society, and to refuse and avoid the bad.
4. "Patronus (guardian) Spell and Counter spell" to teach children to recognize societal scams and how to counter them.

     These four spells are taught through various activities. Currently, Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School has opened the third year of this elective for fifth-year high school students to prepare them for decision-making in various aspects of their lives.

     This course was first introduced in 2021 as an elective in the social studies group. It falls under the category of promoting self-management skills and becoming strong citizens in terms of justice and equality, consisting of:

• Philosophy for Living Course
• Life Skills Development Activities Course
• Happiness Science and Worldview Course
• Human Relations Course
• Arming the Mind with the Buddhist Way Course

Source: Chulalongkorn University Demonstration Secondary School
Tel. +66 2218 2314
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