As part of Prevent Week (9th to 16th October), every Blackpool Sixth student had the opportunity to attend a show in the theatre called ‘Routes Prevent’, designed to further students’ understanding of the factors that are influencing the UK at the moment, including radicalisation, British values, hate crime, equality and other safeguarding issues.

The theatre show was delivered by Steve Wright, a youth engagement specialist, who used life-size puppet characters approach difficult topics in a highly entertaining way. Nearly 2,000 students attended the show over two days.

Students came away from the show with a deeper knowledge and understanding of personal and social issues and it also helped them to reflect on and challenge assumptions and stereotypes. As one teacher said, “it was a very emotional and thought-provoking performance that celebrated diversity and promoted tolerance and respect”