/ Schools - KS4
   Tobacco Education - The Truth

Format: 50 minute performance with optional 50 min follow-on workshop.

Brief
Gibber Developed The Truth in consultation with Newcastle PCT to raise awareness of the tobacco industry and the tactics it uses to influence and retain youth, using ’tobacco’ as a focus for citizenship education.

Methodology
This 50 minute high energy performance incorporates live dramatic scenarios following the experiences of three credible young people; A multi media backdrop to present anti-tobacco adverts made in Norway, an interview with Ailsa Rutter director of Fresh North East to define the health impact of tobacco use in the North East and factual tobacco industry quotes to highlight the conscious strategic thinking behind the production, marketing and selling of cigarettes to young people.

Social networking is a big part of youth culture with myspace, bebo and facebook fast becoming the ‘norm’ in the way that young people communicate with each other; as such a social networking site: www.bebo.com/ajgreener7 was designed to compliment the performance and provide a follow on resource for young people to access supporting information in a way they are familiar with and at a time that is convenient to them.

Results
The Truth has been delivered to approx 11000 yr 9/10 pupils in schools across Newcastle, Sunderland, South Tyneside, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and is available for bookings nationwide.

Tobacco education as a focus for citizenship education is proving effective because it encourages young people to develop enquiry skills. It questions what influences are all around them which in turn impacts on behaviours and attitude, empowering them to make informed, healthy life choices.
70% of pupils questioned stated that The Truth had changed their attitude towards the tobacco industry.

Evaluation
Identifies that Gibber’s multi-sensory approach of live drama, multi-media and interactive workshops is not only Enjoyable… 99% of pupils rate the performance positively (86% rating it Excellent or Very Good) but also; Effective in delivery of its key objectives - to raise awareness of the tobacco industry and the tactics it uses to influence and retain youth:

“We now know what the tobacco industry is trying to do to us.”
“I didn’t realise that they lied and the fact they knew that it was addictive.”
“They are encouraging young people to smoke illegally."

100% of teachers stated that The Truth was pitched at the right level for pupils. This new innovative approach with KS4 pupils which compliments the school curriculum was also commented upon:

“Great, Thanks very much. A very useful addition to our PHSE programme.”
“It covered the important issues to do with smoking but approached it in a new creative way.”
“They already knew quite a bit about dangers of smoking etc. but there was other subjects such as advertising and specifics to young people starting smoking which were relevant.”

Recent evaluations can be viewed online by signing up to our members page.