The Awkward Chat - Puberty (KS2-3)
60-minute high quality, detailed & flexible workshops or assemblies.
Performed to students in small or large groups.
May suit carousel days or one-off visits. Available throughout the year.
How do the sessions run?
Our workshops are performed by 3 professional actors.
We start by breaking down what we are covering in the sessions: we explore the definitions, clarify facts and any laws surrounding the topic, and invite the students to answer questions and get involved.
The students are then shown scenes with characters in everyday, relatable situations.
We use elements of Augusto Boal's 'Forum Theatre: following scenes which see young characters with conflicting objectives, we freeze the action and split the audience into groups; the students are invited to advise the characters about what to do next. This is designed to allow students to articulate opinions and feelings in a safe, objective environment.
What We Cover
How to manage all the changes Puberty brings, from pimples to periods to peer pressure.
Our Puberty workshop explores issues included in the PSHE Suggested Programme of Study (Core Theme 1 - Health & Well-being & Core Theme 2 - Relationships).
We take a focused look at myths & facts surrounding puberty including what it is, how your body will develop and potential side effects such as acne, body odour and mood swings.
The students are invited to offer advice to a series of characters, including a young person who is experiencing mood swings and anger towards a parent; and someone who is experiencing a change in friendship groups as their classmate is trying to control how they express themselves.
The Awkward Chat - Relationships is designed for year 5+
We conclude by outlining help and resources available.
We're more than happy to tailor the workshop upon request to focus on any issues you feel are particularly relevant to your students.
Included with the workshop
Teacher's further work pack
Why is it so important to discuss Puberty with young people?
Puberty happens to everyone! But that doesn't mean it's an easy part of life or an easy topic of conversation - especially as puberty affects young people emotionally as well as physically.
A study conducted by Reuters Health showed that young people "who go through puberty early may be more likely than peers who mature later to be involved in bullying at school." This is likely to be due to a lack of understanding.
The British Skin Foundation found that 80% of adolescents will experience acne at some point. 3 out of 5 teenagers said that the biggest impact acne has on their lives is a fall in self- confidence.
100% of people will go through puberty! So it affects everyone.
We take an upfront approach & discuss the facts openly and frankly. UpFront Theatre Company's workshop will show the students situations, and get them thinking about how to talk about & manage puberty; and how to chat with and support their peers through this perfectly normal and natural life transition.