Smashed Live delivers powerful workshop

On Friday 14th November, our Year 7 and 8 students took part in an impactful theatrical performance and workshop delivered by Smashed Live, an educational programme designed to help young people understand the causes and consequences of underage drinking.

The event began with a compelling drama performance charting the lives of three teenagers and the challenges they face when alcohol becomes part of their social world. Through relatable characters and real-life scenarios, the performance highlighted how easily risky situations can arise and the pressures young people may experience around drinking.

Following the performance, students took part in an interactive workshop led by Henry, Alexander and Saffron from Smashed Live. The workshop encouraged students to reflect more deeply on what they had seen and to discuss the wider issues surrounding underage drinking. Together, they explored:

• The social and emotional causes that may lead young people toward alcohol
• The impact of alcohol on teenagers’ lives, including health, relationships and wellbeing
• The role of social influence, peer pressure and how these factors affect decision making
• Where and how to seek support – for themselves and for others – when facing difficult or uncertain situations.

Throughout the session, students were encouraged to ask questions, share their thoughts and consider how they might respond in challenging scenarios. The workshop also provided a safe space for them to explore their feelings about what they had witnessed in the drama and to think about positive strategies for managing dilemmas.

This learning experience forms a valuable part of our school PSHCE curriculum, specifically within the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ strand. The Smashed programme is built on clear learning objectives, aiming not to lecture, but to empower students through observation, exploration and reflection. By engaging with real-world issues in a dynamic and accessible format, students gain the knowledge and confidence to make informed, positive choices.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Smashed Live team for delivering such an engaging and thought-provoking experience for our students. Their involvement significantly enriched our ongoing commitment to promoting healthy, safe and responsible decision making within our school community.