Theatre in Health Education and Derbyshire Health Promoting Schools
What is Theatre in Health Education (TIHE)?
Theatre in Health Education generally involves a theatre company or theatre practitioners coming into a school performance and to present a supporting workshop appropriate for one particular age group. It must be noted that, as drama is a creative form, there are always other ways that TIHE can work. For example, a powerful form of TIHE, if properly researched and supported, can be delivered by older pupils to younger ones.
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TIHE should engage, excite and empower its audience. TIHE enables the exploration of sensitive issues through character and story, making difficult issues safer to discuss. Good TIHE should be rich and diverse, allowing a wide variety of responses and possibilities.
Derbyshire Health Promoting Schools (HPS) have found Theatre in Health Education an effective resource. Evaluations and experience shows that when correctly created, and supported by the schools it is a highly effective way to explore a wide variety of Personal, Social and Citizenship Education (PSHE) issues.
HPS therefore supports and funds a range of TIHE initiatives for primary and secondary schools in Derbyshire.
How is TIHE monitored and evaluated?
All the TIHE pieces that HPS commission, or work closely on, are monitored by both the theatre company and the commissioning body. Part of the preparation and follow-up work often creates an opportunity for pupils to give feedback about their thoughts, opinions and responses. Staff evaluate the pieces too. Occasionally, more detailed evaluations may take place.
Other types of evaluation include implementing periodic resource audits (including TIHE) or convening focus groups of pupils and staff.
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