Claire introduced the topic of the session to the students at the start of the lesson. I was impressed by the straight talking no nonsense wording of the introduction and this seemed to have a powerful impact on the students sat in the classroom. Appropriate attention was given to explaining how sexual words were going to be used. Essentially the tone seemed to be “Grown up lesson = grown up behaviour”. Children were engaged from the start.
Claire introduced her background in the police and her first-hand knowledge and experience of the topic. This meant the students were extremely engaged in the topic with more respect and enthusiasm than they would have shown if this had been a class teacher delivering the session.
Appropriate attention was given to explaining to the class that there maybe students in the room who have experienced sexual assault and how respect and understanding was needed throughout the session.
The correct definitions of keywords like rape, sexual assault and penetration were clearly explained so all students clearly knew their definitions and honest straight up definitions were given.
Claire lead the students into a serious and mature session safely, allowed the them to engage confidently in a grown up manner and then brought them out the session feeling confident. Comic relief was used to break the tension and seriousness at different points in the lesson.
I would definitely recommend this session to any school wanting engaging and informative sessions delivered on this topic. As a parent this is exactly how I would want this topic delivered to my children. A privilege to be involved in the session today.