There are currenty three Stories
of Us resources in the secondary series:
Episode 1: Bullying (Secondary)
Episode 2: Relationships
Episode 3: Stress
Each resource was produced with a class of students in a different school over a two month period. The students collaborated in brainstorming the subjects, developing characters, workshopping the scripts and performed all key roles in the dramatised series. Every word of dialogue is their own, and every detail approved by the students.
Curriculum
The
resources are principally intended for use in the Health and Physical
Education stream. Because of their realism the videos also form an excellent the basis for extension activities
in English or can be used as a model for student Drama and/or Video
productions.
Audience
The
suggested target age groups are:
Bullying (Secondary) –
Years 8 & 9
Relationships – Year
9
Stress – Year
10
However,
their use need not be restricted to these years.
Additional
Applications
Whilst
the videos have been designed as a secondary school resource, the
programs also have a number of additional applications due to their
realistic portrayal of these difficult issues, with significant
input from students. For example, the series could be used as an
aid to teacher training and professional development, a tool for
psychologists, as well as providing an insight for parents.
Teacher
Support
Extensive
teacher support material is provided throughout the 36 page Teacher's Guides. Each resource is designed to be used over a number of classes. The Guide provides step-by-step instructions, including
notes to assist in summarising video content and questions as discussion
starters.
Each question is followed by indicators as to the territory the
discussion might explore. In addition, the ‘Teacher Support
Information’ sections provide further instructions for teachers
along with backup information should any details need clarification.
The Support & Research section lists a number of websites for
teachers seeking further information on the issues raised in this
program.
The MindMatters section of the Guide links a number of relevant
extension activities, including their resource locations, activity
names and description as to how they fit with Stories
of Us.
Two
Versions
There
are two versions of the video provided with each Stories
of Us resource.
- The Play Version is played without interruption, with a prompt
at the end to refer to the Teacher's Guide for questions to begin the discussion.
In this version the story is left intentionally unresolved to
maximise student engagement in discussing the issues raised.
- The Segmented Version repeats the main program but with a
series of pause points (with prompts to refer to Teacher's Guide questions)
for a more in-depth discussion. At the end of the second version
the main characters tell us in brief interview statements how
they resolved their situations - leaving the students with a positive
outcome to the sessions.
Previews
A 5 minute preview of each video is available
here online.
A preview of each Teacher's Guide can be downloaded from the Bullying (Secondary), Relationships and Stress pages.
Ordering
The Order Form and Pricing information
are available here online.
Testimonials
This
website also provides a growing list of Testimonials from students and education professionals about the Stories
of Us resources.
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