Testimonials

Good Afternoon Gents,

I wanted to extend my deepest thanks to West Yorkshire Police for funding the week long project with my Year 6 children.

I was initially worried about bringing this subject into school with children who are still emotionally quite naive but who believe themselves to be worldly wise. After the first session with James I became so aware of how necessary this work is whilst the children are still young and impressionable. I’ve realised how important it is that we bring this information to the children at this point in their lives so that they have the truth about the danger of getting involved in gangs and how, armed with the facts, they can make the right choices at the right time in their lives. As they move on to high school in the next 6 months I know that they will enter that phase of their life fully understanding the consequences of making the wrong choices and listening to the wrong influences. You were right to bring this to Year 6 and I thank you for that.

James’ delivery of this very hard-hitting and controversial material was superb. The facts were evidenced with real examples and first hand knowledge to children in a sensitive and age appropriate way. There were opportunities to discuss emotions and what-ifs and so many times children were allowed to take a few minutes and reflect on the effects of making the wrong choices. Children were given simple tactics to avoid being in situations where their safety might be compromised and children were left in no uncertain terms about what the effect of getting involved in gangs would be. James’ style of delivery was the right balance of facts and delivered with humour and humility.

I have known my Y6 children since they toddled into nursery when they were 3 years old. When they were young we picked them up when they fell over, helped them to learn about the world around them and nurtured them, alongside their parents, into the lovely children they are. This project has helped us to ensure that we continue to nurture them and to keep them safe as they move into a world where we are not always at their side. The project has empowered my Y6 to be in control of their life chances and make the right choices as young adults.Thank you West Yorkshire Police and I hope that you will consider sustaining this project for many more years to come.

Best wishes

Jacquie Hall
Federation Head Teacher
Berry Brow and Newsome Junior

Good Afternoon,

I am just writing to stress how impressed I am that Great Crosby is covering relevant issues with Year 6 and the issues of Gangs.  I am of the opinion that due to the recent events that this is much needed and wanted to let you know how supportive I am as a parent that these issues are being addressed and more subjects relevant to the children in this day and age are greatly welcomed.

Kind Regards

James,

A big thank you for coming in this week, the kids have thoroughly enjoyed your sessions and at the same time you have definitely made them think! There is a big issue with gang culture in Speke and I'm sure the messages you have passed to our children will stay with them and hopefully encourage them to make good choices in the future.

Your programme came highly recommended and we were not disappointed. Your true stories and the way you delivered the sessions kept the children captivated throughout and they looked forward to your next visit. 

Having Trent Arnold come in on the last day was amazing for the children and a great way to end the programme on such a high.

We would love to have you back again next year.

Many thanks again

Jenny.

When first told about the ‘gangs workshops,’ some of the children became really excited – perhaps, for the wrong reasons- about how exciting these lessons were going to be. The frank, insightful and honest approach to the sessions quickly changed the atmosphere of the room and children soon became aware of the seriousness of the subject matter. The five day sessions have been a real highlight for children and staff who have continued the discussion across the curriculum for a number of days afterwards. The real life experiences of course leader James really rammed home the dangers and perils of a ‘gang culture’ and lifestyle. “Don’t dip your toe Joe!” has become a catchphrase in our classroom when discussing all forms of anti-social behaviour.

All of the sessions were engaging and brilliantly thought out in terms of message and objective. The strategies they provided will certainly stay with me always as an adult and I am sure this message will resonate with our children for a long time to come as they negotiate life beyond the school gate.

Thank you so much for this invaluable experience.

Mr McNally 

From the moment that James entered the room, our Year 6 children were gripped. Through his reassuring manner, he instantly created a bond with the children which allowed them to fully engage and feel safe to contribute and take part in all aspects of the workshop. 
The message was tough to take at times but left them in no doubt that being in a gang is not fun or exciting; it is dangerous and deadly. 
Each day, the children were excited about his arrival and were eager to begin the sessions. The week culminated with a writing session where children were able to share their learning through powerfully emotive letters they wrote to their families about hypothetical situations involving gangs. These letters were touching and sincere and demonstrated that the children had listened carefully and believed James' message. 
As the class go on with their lives, we hope they are now equipped with key strategies for keeping themselves and those around them safe. 
Thank you for your message James. We will always remember Peppa Pig because of you! 
 

Dear James,

I would like to thank you for teaching us a lot about gangs. I really enjoyed the programme because it was very interesting and great fun. I especially liked the first session, when we talked about what a gang is and the identity of a gang.

First of all, I loved it when you taught us about joint enterprise, who knew that you’ll get put in prison even if you didn’t murder the victim, but you were there? At one point, we were just gazing at you, when all of a sudden… Bang! A picture of victims and the sound effect of a gunshot came onto the screen. I was hooked!

I also liked the part when Alfie had to go out of the room , came in , and had to come up with an excuse to get out of a situation where someone might get murdered , I had an excuse too (it’s my mum’s birthday).

The only improvement, I’d say, would be to act out more role play because I enjoyed that the most, but apart from that it was an amazing week. Thank you very much.

Yours sincerely,

Natasha xxx

Many thanks for the delivery of your ‘GANGS’ sessions to our Year 6 class last week. It was a pleasure to have you as a guest in school. The children really enjoyed working with you and took a great deal from your sessions. Your passion and determination to ensure young people make positive choices and live safe, happy lives is commendable. On behalf of the children and staff at Kings Meadow I wish you every future success. Thanks again.

Mrs Sandie Lineton

Headteacher

‘James was amazing. He was aware of the children’s needs and the level of appropriateness. His approach was inclusive and caring – a natural teacher and communicator. His workshops were relevant and are needed in every Year 6 classroom’.

Gill Adkins (Year 6 Teacher)

Feedback from pupils:

‘He told us what would happen if we join a gang. I won’t ever join a gang’. Harry (Year 6 Pupil)

‘I don’t think anyone would join a gang after the lessons’. Lewis (Year 6 Pupil)

‘James didn’t make it scary – he made it interesting to learn’. (Ryan Year 6 Pupil)

‘James cared for people that he didn’t even know’. (Alex Year 6 Pupil)

On behalf of Year 6 at Springwell Park Primary School I'd like to thank you for the gang prevention programme you ran last week. The children looked forward to each afternoon and were enthralled from the start to finish of each session. For such a sensitive and important topic it was brilliant to see the class so engaged. The effect gang life can have on innocent victims was a standout discussion. 

It is vitally important for the class to take the message on board and, up to now, it seems like they have. Your content and delivery got through to them and Aron in particular was over the moon with his prize. He couldn't wait to show it off to his mum at the gate after school on Thursday.

You have made a big impact on our class and were able to communicate with them on a personal level, rather than as an authority figure. I have also received positive comments from parents who had discussed the Gang programme with their child and could see the learning that had taken place.

The children in our school, who are around gang culture and street violence on a regular basis, will benefit massively from any future projects and we would love to be involved. I'm hopeful the class understand the danger of even just sampling the gang culture and look to avoid it as they grow up.  Thanks again.

‘Get Away N Get Safe’ GANGS Programme has been a valuable experience for both myself and my class. 

The children who I hoped the message would reach have learnt a lot and I have watched their perceptions change. I hope this stays with them into their teens and adulthood.

I find it very rare to watch a visitor engage my class as they can often go off task or their behaviour can sometimes become an issue and I have to intervene. This week however, you have grabbed their attention and their enthusiasm has been great to watch. GANGS is a course I feel all vulnerable (to gang culture) children should experience.