Face Front Theatre’s Digital Offer for Schools

During Covid-19 Face Front developed two online projects that schools can access for free and deliver in the classroom. Both programmes are adaptations of live productions which have been touring to schools with great success for many years. During the pandemic there was a need to adapt our work and provide our programmes online and digitally so that schools could continue to support their students and address important issues when we couldn’t deliver to children and young people in person. Beyond Covid these digital projects are still being rolled out and are a valuable way of even more schools and young people benefiting from our work.

Whisper Me Digital

Whisper Me Digital is the online version of the play Whisper Me Happy Ever After and addresses the challenging subject matter of domestic abuse and its effect on the mental health of young people who witness it.

Sadly, in a world where children are too often the silent witnesses of domestic abuse, Whisper Me Digital highlights the issue and empowers teachers to address this challenging and important subject matter with their pupils.

Whisper Me Digital is a powerful resource, free for schools, and designed for children aged 9–11 (and up to 19 in special schools). The programme centres around a film following a family experiencing domestic abuse. The film and interactive PowerPoints explore the impact of domestic abuse on young people’s mental health, helping them understand how to get help and supporting them to navigate this sensitive subject with well-researched guidance. The interactive nature of the programme allows pupils to engage with the characters and make positive changes to their dilemmas, learning how to respond to the issues they or their peers may be facing at home.

Each school receives a comprehensive package, including:

• Access to the film and interactive PowerPoint presentation
• Online training for teachers
• An education pack with a step-by-step guide to delivering the project
• Worry boxes and HELP posters
• Pocket-sized cards for pupils

Since 2021 190 schools, working with over 20,000 young people, have accessed Whisper Me Digital. Teachers report the programme sparks meaningful discussion and deep engagement. One commented, “It’s such an impactful and valuable programme with excellent resources and very clear for teachers to deliver.”

The key message children learnt from taking part was to seek help if they or someone they know was experiencing domestic abuse, to talk to a trusted adult, their school or ChildLine. They said “We learnt to tell an adult/someone you trust if you are being abused. Domestic abuse is not ok” and “You should never bottle your feelings up and ask for help”.

The programme makes a real difference and it’s free to download at www.whispermedigital.org.uk.

It’s My Choice

For thousands of young disabled and neurodivergent people, the transition from school to adulthood can be a challenging time, with decisions to make and different options to navigate.

It’s My Choice is the online version of It’s My Move, the touring interactive production that explores the real-life dilemmas and decisions of disabled school leavers.

The free online programme comprises of teacher-friendly PowerPoints, embedded interactive films, and a comprehensive education pack, this resource puts young people at the centre of decision-making while supporting teachers with the tools they need to guide students through the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) process.

Since 2021 It’s My Choice has reached over 18,000 disabled young people, and their supporting adults, and feedback from students and teachers alike highlights the impact the programme has had.

92.5% of students said they liked taking part and learning about making choices.

“I will remember how I need to write my plan. Remember to follow my own choice and dreams.”

“You need to follow your heart and dreams. You need to feel confident to do what you want to do. It’s only your choice, not anyone else’s.”

There’s a lack of provision creating a huge amount of stress, confusion and fear. It’s My Choice and It’s My Move educates and empowers young people while also challenging the adults in their lives to listen and support rather than lead.

For educators, the programme fills this gap.

100% of teachers would recommend It’s My Choice.

“All the pupils enjoyed it and were engaged learning about transition and their next steps out of school”

“It allows the students agency to make their own decisions and follow their dreams”

If you’re ready to bring It’s My Choice to your classroom or organisation the full education pack, short films, and interactive presentation are completely free.

Visit www.itsmychoice.org.uk to learn more and register.