The Solomon Theatre Company produces Gemma’s Wardrobe, a play which is aimed at Year 8 and 9 students. The play is a fast-moving live performance which looks at issues of self-esteem and peer pressure, the results of drug misuse and health issues relating to alcohol and cannabis abuse.
Cllr Tom Holway, South Hams District Council’s representative on the community safety partnership, said: “It is so important for young people to learn about harmful drugs and healthy relationships. Drama is a fantastic way to approach very difficult situations in a way that is informative and age appropriate.”
Helen Ryder, human sciences resources faculties leader at Ivybridge Community College, said: “Year 8 at Ivybridge were fully engaged in the play and were able to further explore the key messages in the workshops. It’s a great platform to teach such sensitive topics. Students were very positive about the whole experience.”
Wendy Ohlson, Kingsbridge Community College’s Year 7 learning co-ordinator, said: “The Gemma’s Wardrobe presentation for Year 9 was excellent, providing a combination of humour and thought-provoking moments to really make the students think about how easily you can get involved in situations and behaviours that lead you from success and positive outcomes towards more negative friendships, thoughts and ways of life. The students enjoyed the follow up workshops where they could question the characters about their decisions. This was a great way to deal with drugs education in a thoughtful, interesting way which captures the interest of young people.”