Inside Out
A hilariously entertaining show that turns the issues of sexual health
‘inside out’, delivering facts and guidance without embarrassment,
and promoting the personal confidence to make informed choices
I have never seen the whole of year 9 so quiet and attentive before!
It is well written and superbly presented. I look forward to booking you again.”
Mrs Melville, Head of PSHEE, Eastbrook School,
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham
Inside Out is an hour of hilarious theatre packed with comedic characters. It delivers accurate knowledge to young people about their sexual health, whilst encouraging them to have the self-confidence to make informed decisions on this important topic.
Educating young people about sexual health is crucial, and we know that this work must be delivered in a way that avoids embarrassment and, instead, engages young people thoroughly.
Inside Out provides clarity around a subject that is often complicated through mis-information, myth, confusion and embarrassment. It helps young people understand the reasons for delaying sexual activity until they are genuinely ready and also makes clear the life-changing responsibilities of parenthood by giving honest information in an open and accessible manner.
When asked about their experiences of sex education, young people often state that the dominant focus is on the physical aspects of reproduction with little meaningful discussion about feelings, relationships or values. Inside Out explores all areas of sexual health including the emotional aspect of sex education and the importance of stable and loving relationships, and provides a compelling platform for further discussion.
Inside Out does not encourage early sexual experimentation. Instead, it enables young people to have a more mature understanding of human sexuality and to respect themselves and others with regard to their sexual choices. Education and awareness are vital in enabling young people to protect themselves and deal with the many pressures they may face. This is an issue where knowledge truly is power.
reinforced the knowledge of sexual health and personal responsibility which we try to instil during
our PSHE lessons. I was really pleased to see your focus was on individual choice and the need
to make up your mind in relation to sex issues. The message was loud and clear…”
Mrs Gina Harvey, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, Chelmsford, Essex
THE NEED
In 2006, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed that the UK has the second highest teenage birth rate in the developed world. The report also stated that, as a nation, we have made little progress in combating this problem and drew attention to the lack of quality sex education in our schools as a primary cause.
There is no single explanation for these alarming trends, but three factors have been identified as of particular interest:
- Ignorance: Young people often lack accurate knowledge about contraception and sexually transmitted infections.
- Mixed messages: The media bombards teenagers with sexually explicit messages and the implicit message that sexual activity at their age is the norm. Many parents and public institutions are at best embarrassed, and at worst silent on the issue, hoping that if sex isn’t talked about, it won’t happen. The result is not less sex, but less protected sex.
- Low expectations: Young people who have been disadvantaged in childhood have poor expectations of education and the job market. Unfortunately, for many, state benefits and parenthood seem the next logical step after education.
Inside Out aims to combat these factors by offering clear information about sexual health issues in a realistic and un-embarrassing way, whilst promoting self confidence and the self-esteem to let young people make smart choices when it comes to sex.
THE SHOW
We join Alice and her friends from Wonderland FM – DJ Ches, the nation’s favourite DJ, and funky songstresses ‘The Carollettes’ – who broadcast a popular radio show for young people full of fantastic facts and interesting info about sexual health. But the prudish Mrs Heart demands a stop to ‘all that filth’ and tries to ban the show because she believes talking about sex and relationships shouldn’t be allowed. Will the valiant Alice and her musical mates ever get the show back on the air?
On the journey we meet gullible Tom Dum and his naive girlfriend Teresa Dee. Tom says contraception is the girl’s responsibility and, of course, he hasn’t got an STI… he’s clean! Teresa Dee wants a baby but a bad dream soon teaches her that it might not be as rosy as she originally thought. As the Wonderland crew journey through adolescence and come face to face with their feelings, they are educated about sexual health in relation to their attitudes, relationships, sexuality, puberty, self awareness, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV and chlamydia) and male and female sexual healthcare.
Inspired by the ever popular Alice in Wonderland, Inside Out, provides a balanced, informative and unashamed view of the ins and outs of teenage sexual relationships.
and responded very well to all the information given.
As always you stimulated a lot of discussion.”
Mrs Wilson, Head of PSHEE, St Martin’s School, Brentwood
INSIDE OUT TEACHES YOUNG PEOPLE…
- about the different forms of contraception and where you can go to get them
- about a range of STIs and their symptoms (chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhoea)
- the facts about HIV and AIDS
- the changes that take place during puberty
- to look at their own attitudes towards contraception, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections relationships and sexuality
- the importance of an accurate knowledge of their sexual health
- to have the self-confidence necessary to make informed decisions throughout this important transitory period of their lives
- to take responsibility for their own sexual health
- to build positive, strong, respectful relationships
Pupil, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
AT A GLANCE…
| Show length: | 1 hour |
| Included extras: | Teachers’ resource pack |
| Optional extras | 1 hour workshop |
| For ages: | 13 – 16 |
| School year groups: | 9 – 11 |
| Level: | Secondary |
| Curriculum links and current themes: |
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The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the lively and contemporary performance. The piece was informative and captured the interest of the pupils by relating to teenage problems,
questions and pressures. The whole experience was worthwhile and educationally sound.”
Mrs G. Davis, Head of Year 9, Moreton Community School, Wolverhampton
See the “What’s On” box (left) to find out if this project is touring soon.
To receive a past evaluation report or to find out more get in touch.
