Barry Comprehensive School

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Year 12 students at Barry Comprehensive School have been focusing on a challenging project during their first term of sixth form – domestic abuse. Students have challenged the myths and stereotypes around issues of domestic abuse, with the aims of breaking the cycle and creating healthier, happier relationships. There has been a real focus on emotional intelligence and developing a range of strategies for understanding feelings.

The project culminated in November with the launch of ‘Atal y Fro’, a new and unique organisation dedicated to the elimination of domestic abuse. The organisation (formerly known as Vale Women’s Aid) aims to support families, especially focusing on children. ‘Atal y Fro’ was launched on Tuesday 17th November

Students from Barry Comprehensive School were invited to this high profile launch and asked to perform a piece of drama to reflect the Citizenship focus at the school. The students, in a very short period of time, improvised a short play focusing on domestic abuse. They chose to challenge the stereotype by featuring a male character as the victim of the abuse and the impact of family violence, although the audience only gradually sees this; in this way the drama also challenged our own stereotypes. This piece of drama was accompanied by live music and the overall effect was extremely powerful.

Many thanks to Sarah Duddridge and Roisin Davies, members of the Atal y Fro Team, who ran the project over 9 weeks for a very large group of students. Staff and students gained a great deal from the workshops.

We would also like to thank Kay Quinn (Director),Sarah and Roisin for donating two personalised framed photographs to the school. The group also took the trouble to come to the school, thanking the students for their work and commitment. A great way to end a busy term!