Anybody feeling Creative?

[MarkyLeicester]

Good Morning All!
I'm getting into this whole 'disboard thing' now (though i'm still 'Earning my Ears'), and from the threads that i've been reading this site seems to attract a lot of creative minds and im hoping to exploit that . I have also spotted a few people who are living with HIV or AIDS and i'm hoping you guys pass by this thread too.
I work here in the UK as a Drug, Alcohol and Sexual Health worker covering an area in West London. I am becoming increasingly concerned about the number of young people who are claiming to have little or no knowledge of HIV and AIDS including what they are and how they can be transmitted and treated. Those that think they are 'in the know' often have very prejudiced and dated views. To address this I am trying to put together a resource pack for primary schools (up tp 11) and would like a variety of activities surrounding awareness and attitudes etc culminating in a group of year 6 pupils (10/11 years old) putting on an assembly to the rest of the school with role play, drama etc.
Does anybody have any ideas / experiences that you think would be useful? I would be extremely grateful of any ideas you have, let's see what we come up with...

Many Thanks.
Mark x

 

[catherine]

I think that this is a great idea . Although I don't work in this field I have a degree in Health Promotion and centered a lot of my studies around these type of issues with young people. I was very concerned to find out that as you say, a lot of young people are completely ignorant of the facts surrounding HIV, AIDS and sexual health in general. I spoke with teachers at my DD's junior school and they too were worried about the lack of knowledge that the children had and were infuriated that they were not allowed to talk with the children about some aspects of sexual health . It was very clear to me that the teachers were at a loss what to do and were extremely upset by the situation!

 

[MarkyLeicester]

Thanks!
Teachers are themselves unsure of what they are allowed to talk about. In reality they have the authority and responsibility to teach Sex and Relationship Education (SRE). This is one of the reasons i am designing these specific guidelines and activity pack for schools. I just hope we can lead other counties in our example. If you would like me to email guidelines to your school the private message me the details and i'd be happy to help.
x Mark

 

[catherine]

The problem at my DD's school is with the Governors! They have very strong views as to what the teachers can include in the PSHE lessons!

 

[KayleeUK]

Mark

Can't help, but sounds interesting

 

[MarkyLeicester]

Governors! Don't get me started on Governors!
Unfortunately Governors can have a very strong influence on what is taught in the classroom.They cannot however over-ride the National Curriculum and other such guidlines (unless it is a private school). On their next OFSTED inspection the school will need to prove how they meet the 'Every Child Matters' agenda which includes sexual health. If you are truly concerned then let me know, I could contact somebody in a suitable position in your area to raise these concerns who could 'advise' the school on their failings, anomously of course!
x Mark