At OpenView Education our mission is to empower children and young people with the knowledge and skills that they need to live successful happy lives. That’s why this academic year we’re visiting schools with our new Knife Crime Workshops and Assemblies programme – Positive Choices for Life.
The Positive Choices for Life programme takes an early intervention approach, focusing on addressing the complex topic of knife crime in a way that is age appropriate for students in Upper Key Stage 2.
Why should we take an early intervention approach to knife crime?
An early intervention approach to tackling knife crime is crucial for several reasons:
- Prevention at the Source: Early intervention targets young people before they become involved in knife crime, reducing the likelihood of them carrying weapons as a form of protection or intimidation later on.
- Educational Impact: Programs that educate young people on the dangers and legal consequences of knife crime can change perceptions and discourage risky behavior before it becomes ingrained.
- Breaking the Cycle of Violence: Addressing the underlying causes of knife crime, such as peer pressure and gang culture, helps prevent the cycle of violence from taking hold in vulnerable communities.
What does the Knife Crime Workshop and Assembly involve?
Our Positive Choices for Life programme focuses specifically on skills based learning, we don’t use scare tactics and all content in the session is age appropriate. We focus on students learning specific strategies for staying safe.
The structure of the day involves an Assembly that is delivered to all students in Years 5 and 6. The assembly is then followed by interactive workshops delivered to individual classes.
Positive Choices for Life Assembly
Begin your day with the Positive Choices for Life Assembly, specifically tailored for Upper KS2 and Year 7 students as an early intervention approach to raising awareness about knife crime, gang culture, and fostering positive relationships.
Through character monologues performed by a professional actor and captivating animations, your students will explore the themes surrounding knife crime.
This assembly serves as an excellent springboard for ongoing discussions about making positive life choices, even in difficult situations.
Students will be introduced to a character named Cameron and follow his journey. By completing a series of challenges, they will guide Cameron in resisting peer pressure and seeking the support he needs.
Positive Choices for Life Workshops
Following the Assembly, students will participate in individual class workshops where they will explore the themes introduced in the Assembly in greater depth. This includes learning about the legal implications of knife crime.
Through role-playing exercises, students will practice how to confidently and clearly say no to peer pressure.
Across the programme your students will learn:
- Strategies and tactics to manage peer pressure and difficult choices.
- How to keep themselves and others safe.
- Where to go for support and advice.
- When a situation may pose a risk, and action steps that can be taken.
- That knife crime can have significant consequences and affect many more people than the victim and perpetrator.
- Understand that friendships should be supportive and respectful.
- The skills they need to have challenging conversations with their friends and grown ups.
The Details
- Each Assembly is 45 minutes.
- Each Workshop is 45-60 minutes to suit your timetable.
- Assemblies cater for 120 students per session
- Workshops cater for 30 students per session.
- Workshops require a cleared space such as your school hall and use of a projector.
Discover how the Positive Choices for Life programme can empower your students to stay safe and make positive choices. Learn more about our Knife Crime Workshops and Assemblies here.
And don’t forget, we also offer a range of Anti-Bullying Workshops to further support your school’s efforts in creating a positive, respectful environment for all students. Learn more about our Anti-Bullying Workshops here.
