Calderdale schools get the Sex Factor

Ten out of 14 secondary schools have signed up for the new programme and the remaining schools are in discussions.

Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) is already part of the curriculum across all schools and Calderdale Council is working with the ‘Theatre & Learning’ company to help them deliver these sessions.

The ‘Sex Factor’ theatre production teaches pupils about how to stay safe; delaying sex until they are older; safe sex and where to go for help, through a performance which will appeal to young people.

Kate Horne, Senior Programme Manager in Sexual Health at Calderdale Council said: “Around 30% of pupils in Calderdale want more information about contraception, delaying sex and safer sex. We want to give them the information that they are asking for in a safe environment. There is a risk that if young people don’t hear it from health experts then they may turn to other less reliable sources.

“This could be from friends, where there is a danger of misunderstandings or from pornography, which is now easy to access on the internet.”

The programme is based upon research with young people and showcases a range of different scenarios that pupils may find themselves in. After the play, pupils can talk to a range of experts to ask questions and get more advice.

In Calderdale there are approximately 130 under 18 conceptions each year, despite sex and relationships education and services which offer support to young people. Around three quarters of teenage conceptions in Calderdale are unplanned and about half end in an abortion.

Councillor Colin Raistrick, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services said: “We know that this is a sometimes difficult, but very important, subject for many young people and their parents. So we’re inviting parents to attend the first performance of the production so that they can see it for themselves.

“There will also be a chance to speak to the health professionals involved after the show.

“I’d strongly urge any parent to watch it, free of charge, at Halifax Town Hall on Friday October 3 2014.”