A powerful message for Reading youngsters
Published 13 Feb 2012 09:30
STUDENTS were given a hard-hitting lesson on the dangers of underage drinking when they were joined by Home Secretary Theresa May for a powerful performance.
Nearly 100 pupils at Reading Blue Coat School in Sonnning watched the Collingwood Learning production of 'Smashed' on Friday, February 10, which tells the tale of how tragedy can strike when alcohol is abused.
The youngsters also took part in interactive workshops, where they were encouraged to explore how the outcome of the play could have been altered if the characters made different decisions.
Teacher Steve McCluskey said: "The responsible drinking and theatre workshop is highly engaging and enables young people to develop an understanding of some of the issues that they may have to face in their lives and to reflect upon them.
"One of our aims at Reading Blue Coat School is that the PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) programme allows each pupil to make informed decisions relevant to their individual circumstances and to appreciate that they have choices to make, which will shape their futures."
Mrs May added: "Better education plays a vital part in tackling binge-drinking and irresponsible attitudes towards alcohol.
"Programmes like 'Smashed', which engage young people through drama, provide an interesting way to make some of these important issues more relevant.
"It is great to see the students get involved and take the issues discussed seriously."
This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 22 Feb 12
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