Sessions for Schools
Unlike many school programs, we provide interactive and thought provoking sessions that encourage students to question their roles and responsibilities in various social settings. We use engaging, relatable material which allows students to reflect and respond appropriately. We offer flexible sessions and can cater to small or large class groups across a number of grades.
We cover prevalent issues including:
bullying
peer pressure
mental health
cyber bullying
resilience
sexuality
discrimination
However, we are more than happy to work closely with you to cater to the specific needs of your students.
Recent Sessions
BStreetsmart Event - August, 2018
Andy and Damien performing at Qudos Bank Arena in front of approx. 8000 school students.
In August 2018 THiNK ABOUT iT was part of the Department of Transport NSW’s Bstreetsmart event. The event focused on road safely and ethics. Damien and Andy performed, along with student volunteers to over 20 000 high school students from across New South Wales in three sessions of between 7000 and 8000 students per day.
“Their show is such a unique combination of humour, rapport and genuineness which leaves the audience understanding the gravity of the messaged empowered to take positive action”
Turramurra High School - July 2018
In July 2018 THiNK ABOUT iT ran a ‘Developing Wellbeing Day’ for year 8 boys at Turramura High School. They focused on starting conversation around what it means to be a responsible and respectful young man, over two one hour sessions. Damien and Andy tailored scenes to suit the particular needs and experiences of the student cohort and contributed to the resulting discussions.
“[Damien and Andy] were both a pleasure to work with - engaging, interested, communicative and professional….They were meticulous in ensuring that all content met the requirements of the brief. Needless to say, the scenes were engaging and funny but more importantly, they were authentic in engaging the students to think about what it means to be respectful and responsible. Andy, Damien and the other actors contributed to wider discussions about the key messages and leanings from the scenes. No other group that I have come across offers this level of personalised service... I could not recommend them highly enough”
Further coNTEXT AND STATISTICS
In an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world, it is critical for every young Australian to not only be able to cope with life’s challenges but also to flourish as healthy, safe, respectful and active citizens, in the 21st century. Australians must make a strong investment in teaching our young people about respectful relationships, to enable all citizens to live in safety, free from all forms of abuse and violence.
However, research shows that we are far from achieving that. The 2012 ABS Personal Safety Survey and Australian Institute of Criminology, shows that both men and women in Australia experience substantial levels of violence and abuse. One in three woman, have experienced physical and or/sexual violence, perpetrated by someone known to them (ABS, 2013). Of these women, 61% had children in their care when the violence occurred; this is a generational problem, which needs to be addressed. The most alarmingly statistic by far, is that 31 women have been murder in Australian, this year alone.
As the nation continues to mourn the senseless murders of these women, we look for hope, which is clearly found in our youth of today. The #MeToo movement and White Ribbon Day, continues to gain momentum and our schools must use these as teachable moments. It is an opportunity for teachers and students to think critically about the rapidly changing ideas around respect, relationships and consent, not only in their home lives but also online. Recently, the NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes said that schools should discuss and deal with the #MeToo movement with their students “openly, frankly and objectively.”
As educators, it is our job, after all, to give children the skills they need to adapt in our ever-changing world. There must be open and frank discussions about teenage relationships, online relationships, respect and consent and the consequences of abuse, which is invaluable to students understanding their world, their peers and, arguably most importantly, their romantic relationships. Most of all, students are capable of having these discussion in a mature and respectful manner.
Imagine the generation of young people that could emerge if schools, parents, communities, and our broader society commit to a post #MeToo world, one that is free of domestic abuse and harassment. Students must develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding to strengthen their sense of self, and build and manage satisfying, respectful relationships. They learn to build on personal and community strengths and assets to enhance safety and wellbeing.
Consent, respect, healthy relationships, online relationships and sexual health are covered in THiNK ABOUT iT sessions and with strong consultations with schools have a clear alignment with the Australian Curriculum.
“Students explore the nature and benefits of meaningful and respectful relationships to develop skills to manage a range of relationships as they change over time. Students critically examine how a range of sociocultural and personal factors influence sexuality, gender identity, sexual attitudes and behaviour. They also develop an understanding of the role that empathy, ethical decision-making and personal safety play in maintaining respectful relationships.” Year 9-10. ACARA - The Shape of the Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education, 2012.