Icebreaker: The evaluation

Abstract

Objective To document young people's and teachers' responses to Icebreaker, a Theatre in Education (TIE) performance exploring themes of sexual health and relationships, in relation to Healthy Arts' objectives. Design Data reported here were part of a wider evaluation of a government funded scheme. Setting Data was collected from nine schools across Liverpool (UK) for young people in year groups 8, 9 and 10. Method Observation of 14 performances measuring success against specific criteria. Distribution of Health Development Agency questionnaires and bespoke questionnaires to obtain feedback on the performance. Results The tour succeeded in engaging pupils, but did not always push reflection and learning around sexual and emotional health. This was due to time restrictions and other constraints of partnership working. Conclusion The TIE performance presented a viable way for young people to explore sensitive issues, yet partnership working requires strengthening in order to maximize project impact. Evaluation was seen as significant in informing future practice.