PRU - the second year.

We went back into the PRU this year for ten sessions with 3 of the same students and 10 new ones of a younger age.
Our aim was again the same, to help them get interested and involved in drama and to use the drama to address social issues they my face.
The 3 students from last year were not expected to be there but they had asked their teacher if they could come back, in fact, Friday was their day off but they wanted to come in anyway. The new students were all very quiet and did not want to get involved which is perfectly normal and expected when working with PRU students.
Around three - four weeks in, most of the new students were comfortable with us now and more willing to get involved but some had no interest at all and it was best not to force them. One of the students has been having a hard time but hopes have been kept high waiting for Fridays sessions to see me, which is quite fulfilling to know I am having an effect.
Half way through the project the sessions seemed to crash and only 3 or 4 students were turning up to each session which was very worrying. We were told it was because of problems back at the unit and told not to worry about it. We did well as a team though to keep moral high and everyone did start coming back to the sessions and we got full attendence.
Coming towards the end of the project it was amazing how engaged every single student was and how much they all liked to come. We had by this point built a very strong relationship with them all and it was outstanding to see the effort and commitment they had all put in
The last session was quite emotional as all the students got their certificates and told us how much they had liked and would miss us etc.
I always get the best feeling when I have been working in a PRU, a feeling of fulfilment and I am happy to know that I have helped people and I hope I get many more chances too.
I am so grateful and glad that we had to do WBL because it made me realise that there is really nothing else I would like to do more than this kind of work. I honestly did not know what I wanted to do before this assignmnet and now there is no doubt in my mind at all.

Love to you all, Amy Shepherd x :)