Last Orders serves up good advice for teenagers

Pupils at seven Royal Borough secondary schools will learn about the dangers of underage binge drinking through the medium of theatre and a thought-provoking play called Last Orders during February.

Performed by the Solomon Theatre Company and aimed at year 9 pupils, Last Orders highlights the challenges encountered by some teenagers who find themselves dealing with pressure from friends, and their first experiences of alcohol.

Following the performance schools can choose from a range of workshops exploring the themes of anti-social behaviour, illegal purchase (including law on alcohol and age-restricted products), attitude to risk and sexual health (including unplanned pregnancy and STIs).

Cllr Simon Dudley, cabinet member with responsibility for the Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), said: "The performance is written in an accessible, hard-hitting style that should immediately capture the young people's attention and imagination.

"It has been used successfully by other areas with positive feedback from the young people themselves, teachers and other professionals - and is an important part of our ongoing campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol abuse.

"It complements the other work by the DAAT and T2 to educate and minimise the potential harm from alcohol to young people."

Cllr Eileen Quick, cabinet member for children's services, said: "It is important that young people are given information about how alcohol can change their behaviours and perceptions. I am glad that we are able do so in a non-threatening, non-blaming and thought-provoking environment."

Laura Groom, acting director of studies for Key Stage 3, Altwood Church of England Secondary School, said: "When I first heard about 'Theatre in Education' I knew it would be an excellent way of teaching our students about the risks involved in engaging with alcohol, drugs and sexual relationships. This is an opportunity for students to learn but, even more than that, to experience, in an interactive way, how they can manage their behaviour and respond to the risks around them. We are exceptionally keen to support our young people in becoming discerning young adults."

Richard Cardigan, assistant head, student welfare, The Windsor Boys' School, said: "We believe it is essential for our Year 9 boys to have the opportunity to spend four hours exploring the issues surrounding alcohol and to consider the significant risks involved. They are of an age where both alcohol and sexual relationships are likely to feature in their lives in the near future and we are confident that the 'Last Orders' performance and subsequent workshops will equip them to make informed choices, minimise risks and deal with peer pressure. We look forward to welcoming the theatre company to The Windsor Boys' School. "

The performances and workshops complement the work already carried out with young people, such as Alcohol Awareness Week and the Three Strikes programme.

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