the story so far…
Going Public’s schools work started with a multimedia presentation called The Seduction…the lie about sex and drugs in the summer term of 1992 in Jersey. Over the next 16 years The Seduction travelled to schools throughout the UK, benefiting over 150,000 young people.
A sketch from "The Seduction...the lie about sex"
In 2005 Going Public began to deliver a series of Esteem Lessons. These lessons utilise creative learning methods such as class interaction, role play, group work and case studies. They cover: HIV and AIDS, Sex and Relationships, Self Esteem and STIs. A number of schools now see the lessons as a core part of their PSE delivery, inviting the team back year after year.
the original "seduction team": Behind - Paul Francis. Front from left - Joy Watson, Barbara Sumner, Rob Lacey
Both experience and official research* led Going Public to understand that the great extent to which drama engages young people makes it a powerful educational tool. For this reason, in 2006, Going Public devised In Search of a Happy Ending, a theatre in education (TIE) piece and follow up workshop. To date this resource has challenged over 15,000 young people to make positive, informed choices concerning their sexual health and relationships.
Dai and Cath Woolridge playing Jack and Charley as part of "In Search of a Happy Ending"
Following encouragement from schools around South Wales, Wholehearted was developed in the summer of 2009. This TIE piece plus workshop aimed at year 8 girls explores issues of self worth and identity and has been enthusiastically received by pupils and teachers alike. In its first six months, Wholehearted has already impacted the lives of hundreds of girls.
Going Public will continue to create a new TIE piece each year to address different personal social education (PSE) needs. The 2010 piece, Borderline Alcoholic, will educate young people on the effects of misusing alcohol and how they can make informed choices concerning their alcohol consumption.
* McFarlane, H. Report on the Effectiveness & Relevance of The Seduction Presentation, 2005.
Jensen, A. A Critical Analysis of Theatre in Education and it’s Potenatial int he Development of Sex & Realtionship Education at Key Stage 3. 2009