Tough Talking CD-ROM

Subject: Personal & Social Education
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 11 - 14
Order Number: 3108

Tough Talking is a thought provoking PSHE resource with a difference. Compiled of sketches, plays and follow-up activities, it covers a range of twenty topics including sensitive subjects such as bullying, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, asylum seekers, racial discrimination, petty theft, learning impaired and various disabilities. The purpose of the drama is to introduce a topic in a positive, unbiased manner relevant to the students' lives. It doesn't attempt to have all the answers and is totally optional. Depending on the group or class, the tutor may wish the students to read or dramatise the scripts.

The activities give the students the opportunity to discuss all aspects of various issues, voice their opinions, share experiences and provide useful information in a safe and monitored environment. The emphasis is on oral skills rather than worksheets. Since some of the topics are controversial, it's important that students are given time to explore and listen to all sides of a question. Equally important is the refining of communication skills. Most schools have a mixture of several cultures with each culture having its own set of norms and values. When differences in values are discussed and understood, it helps to improve relationships and avoid conflict between different factions of society.

Tough Talking can be used in conjunction with written oriented resources. It aims to promote lively debate and encourage young people to develop their own set of values where their health and safety is concerned.

Once purchased, the CD can be freely copied and networked throughout the school.