What do Teachers Think of “Choose Life”
When Choose Life first started educating young people about the dangers of addiction using the experiential knowledge of recovered drug users, we knew we were taking schools out of their comfort zone. There is only one reason we are still operating very successfully today, that is Teachers who have seen the Choose Life volunteers telling their story in a very honest and professional way are moved to give the most amazing feedback. Here is some typical feedback.
Head Teacher, Elaine Dwyer, Clifford Holroyde Liverpool.
“It was brilliant. The pupils really engaged. I think that it taught our pupils a very useful lesson.”
Head Teacher, Mark Christian, Woolton High School Liverpool.
“Every pupil in school who saw the Choose Life Project was clearly affected by the messages delivered through this powerful event.”
Head of Year 10, Arch Bishop Beck School Liverpool.
“A very worthwhile experience, recommend to any school to use.”
Ass Head Teacher, A Millington, St Ambrose Barlow, Netherton.
Thank you again for continuing to come into our schooland work with our young people. The sessions give real insight and its great to see the work the volunteers are doing.
PSE Co-ordinator: Fiona Shand, Ysgol Glan Clwyd, North Wales
“We believe it is the best example of drug awareness education that we have come across in over 20 years of teaching.”
Head of year 9 + 10 Holyhead High.
“Talking to the students today again made me realise once again how valuable your workshop has been. We look forward to working with you again. Many thanks to Steve and the team.”
Progress Leader/PSHE stay safe co-ordinator,Holy Family High School Thornton.
“Fantastic session, the pupils really enjoyed it, as did I. Very thought provoking.
Head Teacher Barkers Lane School Wrexham
“Our year six pupils listened intently and were mesmerized as Tony told us his life story. They were in awe, as I was, of his experiences and the challenges he still faces. I have changed my view of drug addiction, in fact any form of addiction. The whole vicious cycle of users who are being used has to be stopped and what a fantastic approach Choose Life takes, educating us to this reality. Thank you so much for an excellent opportunity.”
PSHE Co-ordinator Ysgol y Creuddyn
“Steve and the Choose Life volunteers only left about twenty minutes ago, and I felt I had to write a note straight away. Thank you so much to the volunteers who came to Ysgol y Creuddyn today and shared their life stories. The presentation was moving and inspiring and the pupils will have received an insight beyond what is possible in a usual classroom situation. Your time is massively appreciated and thank you again for coming to our school today. Every pupil, and teacher, will have learnt something from your presentation.
Thanks again.”
Deputy Head Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern
“Thanks so much to Steve and his three volunteers who visited Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern today. Your honest and no nonsense approach made this a worthwhile experience for the pupils and it has greatly enriched our Personal and Social Education provision. We appreciate how exhausting a day this can be for you and wish to thank you for making it such an excellent day for our Year 9 pupils. Hoping to continue working with the project. All the best, Catrin” .
Head of RE.,Cardinal Newman College, Preston.
We are really privileged to have such courageous and inspiring speakers and I know they have made a great impression on so many youngsters. After the session, teachers asked students for their thoughts and I have quoted a few responses below;
“Really opened our eyes,
really captured everyone’s attention,
definitely recommend, shame they had to leave,
wanted to hear more”.
Teacher, Ysgol Botwnnog, Wales.
“I felt I had to write to you to say what an amazing impact you had on our pupils, they still talk about it, and I know for a fact that you have helped them enormosly.”
Teacher, Prescot School
What a show! You came to Knowsley Enterprise Academy today and gave Prescot School pupils something they will remember for a very long time. Informative, intelligent and emotionally charged, the show should be a must for every single child in the country. I hope to welcome you in the very near future to Prescot School to tell it as it is. Sincere thanks.
Deputy Headteacher, Brian Whiteley, Bryn Alyn.
Very Good Presentation, Thank you very much.
PSHE Co-ordinator, Ysgol y Creuddyn.
Steve and the Choose Life volunteers only left about twenty minutes ago, and I felt I had to write a note straight away. Thank you so much to the volunteers who came to Ysgol y Creuddyn today and shared their life stories. The presentation was moving and inspiring and the pupils will have received an insight beyond what is possible in a usual classroom situation. Your time is massively appreciated and thank you again for coming to our school today. Every pupil, and teacher, will have learnt something from your presentation.
Thanks again.
Year Head, Ysgol David Hughes
Thank you Julie, Ian and Paula for coming to meet us and share your experiences of life on and off drugs. Your stories were hard-hitting and thought provoking for both year 9 pupils and staff alike. We very much appreciated your honesty and willingness to answer all the questions that were put to you. Being able to hold the attention of 200 pupils for a day is no mean feat. You achieved that. To hear spontaneous applause at the end of your presentations showed how appreciative the pupils were for your bravery in sharing your life stories with them and in raising awareness of the dangers of drugs. We look forward to welcoming you again.Keep up this excellent work!
Ysgol y Cruddyn, Gwernan Williams, Head of Year.
Thank you so much, I have enormouse respect for you, not for getting through what you have, but for going round Schools doing this great work.
Ysgol y Cruddyn, I Thomas School Teacher.
-Hearing real people talking about how real drugs affect us is very important.
= Knowledge is power and we can all learn from each others mistakes..
Lisa Davis, Maes Garmon,Teacher
Presentation was excellent, the honesty from the volunteers delivered the message better than if teachers talked about drugs in class.
Eirian Evans, 6th form co-ordinator, Bryn Hyfrid.
This kind of performance is the strongest possible detterent of young people,the volunteers are so effective and brave.
Gary Sugrue,Deputy Head, Blessed Edward Jones.
Hard hitting, but very appropiate for young people who face many choices in life.
Vicky Jones,Young PeoplesSubstance Mis use Worker.
Gives young people a real insight and challenges perceptions.
P.S.E Co-Ordinator Helen Marsh St Davids High School.
Good Session, pupils are interested because its “real”
Phil Seddon,School Police Liaison Officer, While seeing event at Holy Family School Thornton.
Very positive and impactive session. The impact of real people telling their personal accounts of the turmoil in their life, to say the least, is the most important factor in educating youngsters about their life choices.
Paul Bain,School Police Liaison Officer, While seeing event at Holy Family School Thornton.
This was a really impactive session. The real life stories from former addicts/dealers/prisoners is far more likely to have an effect on the attitude of students and their opinions of drugs and prison than a session provided by other professionals who dont have real life experiences.
Mr O’Brien, Teacher,Holy Family School Thornton.
Very hard hitting stories from “real life” drug addicts, which really opened up the eyes of the students on drug culture.
Amy Robinson Teacher, St Ambrose Barlow, Netherton.
This session really opened my eyes to drugs and the cycle that takes place, was very moving and I learnt a lot from it.
Martin Roberts Bryn Tirion Teacher.
A superb presentation, totally engaging, relevant and hard hitting.
Head of year 10, Cathy Rostrun, St Wilfred’s High Litherland, Liverpool.
Fantastic, Thought Provoking.
Head of MFL L Monaothan St Margret’s Liverpool
Very Powerful, Thank you for sharing.
Assistant Headmaster Rob Newton Buglawton Hall School.
It was a thoroughly engaging and informative day, which I would wholeheartedly recommend.