DRAMA

Highlighted in this gallery is the work done by students in the Drama Department of Calderdale College. Using material supplied by our Young People, the group devised two short pieces of drama on the subjects of Restorative Justice and Bullying. They then went on to perform these plays at Children's Homes and Schools in Calderdale.

The climax of this work was a performance of the plays and the launch of the Shepherd's Pie book at the Actor's Workshop at the beginning of March 2005. The pictures in this gallery are of that event.

Restorative Justice is a term we use to decribe the process of repairing harm done by a person's offending behaviour. The process involves a face to face meeting between victim and offender and can be immensely powerful. If you are interested in learning more about Restorative Justice or perhaps you would like a copy of the video version of our production, contact Christine McMahon at the Youth Offending Team Office.

What people said about Restorative Justice in schools:

"The conferences helped young people separate facts from emotions. It has helped perpetrators to be more aware of the effects of their actions and take responsibility.....particularly when they thought things were just a joke, and they had not realised the impact their behaviour was having on their victims. It also helped increase the confidence of their victim."

Deputy Head Teacher

"It was fair, we both had our say. It didn't take long to sort out. There was no yelling or shouting. It was good.

Boy, aged 14

I came into the school feeling very angry but the woman running the meeting was very reassuring and didn't talk down to me. Listening to what was being said made me realise my son did have a case to answer and it wasn't just the school picking on him."

Parent