Year 8 News

Respectful Relationship Talks

During Period 2 and Period 4, Year 8 and Year 9 were entertained with a team of Improv artists to discussion the issues of Respectful Relationships.

Year 8 were asked how they felt today. There were some interesting responses including being tired, hungry and being bored.  This last comment was quickly overturned with the student being acted out in the relationship he has as well as the support he gets from his best mate.  Several of the students’ comments were then acted out to see what these were like. 

Year 8 were asked what they thought healthy relationships were and students brainstormed a series of answers for healthy relationships and unhealthy relationships and gave adjectives to describe both and then these were acted out. Students were asked if they had a tricky relationship or a relationship that had changed. 

Students were then asked about their online relationships. Discussion of the pros and cons of online relationships and what it could feel like to be bullied online. They were asked to consider the feelings and reflect on their actions online.

Students were asked who, in their relationships. Provide them with support, care and listen to them. One student said her mother and the team acted out what this would look like. They were asked “what grounds us?” and “When do you feel most like yourself?” The students came up with answers like their involvement in sport, friendship groups and the outdoors. The actors then acted out what this would look like in real life.

The students were very attentive and engaged in the performance even though they were reserved and shy in answering some of the questions. Overall, I feel that the students will be able to reflect on this performance and think carefully about their relationships.

Ms Cathie Webber

Year 8 Year Adviser