A hard-hitting production about Child Sexual Exploitation was staged for our older students as part of a series of workshops.

Chelsea’s Choice is based on real life stories and has proven highly effective in raising awareness around Child Sexual, Exploitation, Trafficking, ‘Grooming’, Healthy Relationships and Safe Internet Use.

The production shows students how young people can be groomed by adults for the purposes of sexual exploitation using a variety of methods.

CTS Attendance and Welfare Officer Emma Toye arranged for the performance to be staged at our school as part of her studies to become a Specialist Protective Behaviours Practitioner.

She said: “We are working hard in our school to embed the belief that all students have the right to feel safe all the time and as part of that work we hosted this production.

“The play was very powerful. It raised awareness about the subject of Child Sexual Exploitation and showed students how to spot danger signs.

“We want the students to be responsible for themselves and to look out for the welfare of others. Projects like this also help to ensure that they know where they can go for help and support.”

Teacher Mark Bidwell added: "The students were surprised how quickly relationships can turn unpleasant and how often it happens.

"They also learned about the implications that can have for their family, careers and educational success.

"It enabled them to identify unhealthy aspects of relationships.

"The theatre group was fantastic and the players said this was one of the best schools they had visited."

The show was performed for a group of our Year 9 and 10 students by Applied Theatre Production.

In the weeks leading up to the show the students took part in a series of workshops about the subject.

To see more photographs from the production click here