The Wilnecote School recently took a proactive step in strengthening our PSHE curriculum by welcoming Performance in Education for a powerful session delivered in collaboration with Tamworth Borough Council. This vital event was held for our Year 8 students and centred on the theme of tackling violence against women and girls, providing them with a safe and structured environment to explore complex social issues. The experience began with a gripping 30-minute performance that followed three school students who had witnessed a violent attack on a peer. By portraying their uncertainty and struggle to decide on the right course of action, the drama mirrored real-life challenges and set a poignant stage for the interactive workshop that followed.

During the workshop, Year 8 moved from observation to action as they were introduced to the “5 D’s” of intervention: Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document. The facilitators provided real-life examples of these strategies in action and encouraged the group to relay them back to the characters in the play, discussing how a different choice might have changed the outcome. This approach emphasised that while peer-to-peer support is a powerful tool for change, it must work hand-in-hand with seeking support from a trusted adult.

Reflecting on the impact of the day, Miss Donald, Assistant Headteacher and PSHE Lead, noted that,

“It was a privilege to witness such a mature dialogue taking place within our school halls.” She commented that, “The session provided an invaluable way to show how this subject impacts both males and females in distinct ways,” while reinforcing the school’s commitment to student safety and empowerment.

The atmosphere throughout the session was one of deep respect and curiosity. Our Year 8 students remained fully engaged, offering a wealth of thoughtful ideas and asking insightful questions. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with external providers who bring such expertise to our community, and we would like to extend a special thanks to Iona, Abi, and Jermaine, who were “absolutely fantastic” in guiding our students through such an important conversation.