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Executive Summary
1. In April 2006, the Scottish Executive commissioned IpsosMORI to conduct a review of Choices for Life - a number of events designed to promote healthy lifestyles and provide drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness to Primary 7 pupils before they make the transition to secondary school. The aim of the review was to determine whether they were successful in promoting awareness of these issues.
2. The research consisted of two surveys of Primary 7 pupils, including pupils who had not attended an event, one before the event and one after the event. We also conducted depth interviews with teachers, discussion groups with Primary 7 pupils and discussion groups with S1 pupils who had attended an event in 2005.
3. The key findings from the research were:
- Overall, the Choices for Life events were successful in entertaining and stimulating pupils and in making them think about the issues relating to drugs, alcohol and smoking. The key messages promoted by Choices, i.e. not to take part in underage drinking, smoking or drug taking, were taken on board and reinforced messages that had already been communicated to pupils by other means.
- Although there were pre-event notes for use in the classroom before the events, there was little consistency in the use of these notes across schools. Some said they did not receive them and not all of those that received them used them. When they were used, they were found to be helpful and to fit well with the curriculum.
- Pupils were knowledgeable about health issues prior to the events. They also held strong views about drugs, alcohol and smoking; these were all thought to be unhealthy with drugs viewed the most negatively.
- Of the specific aspects of the events, views on the bands and choir were mixed, while pupils and teachers were generally quite negative about Family Fortunes. The elements that worked well were the video (Stacey's Choice) and the PACE play. Pupils found it easy to follow the storylines and could relate to the characters. The use of drama to promote these messages was particularly praised.
- Rather than teaching the pupils facts, the play and video made pupils think about issues surrounding peer pressure and what they would do if they were offered drugs, alcohol or cigarettes. In particular, they felt more confident about dealing with such situations. However, this 'confidence' was based on significant misunderstandings about these types of situations. There is no indication that the pupils are well equipped to deal with the more likely, less threatening, situations that may present themselves.
- Two-thirds of pupils felt that they had learnt a great deal from the event although the messages appeared to be more emotive than factual. That said, due to the very negative views already held by the pupils about drugs, alcohol and smoking before they attended an event, there was little scope for opinions to become more negative. This means that the surveys recorded very little change in opinions. Instead, Choices appeared to reinforce existing attitudes.
- It was not possible to measure the impact of Choices for Life on behaviour because of the short period between the events and the follow-up survey. However, the great majority of pupils said they did not intend to try drugs, although many thought they were likely to try alcohol.
- Despite Choices for Life leaving children enthused, there was limited follow-up education to capitalise on this interest. This was mainly due to the events taking place at the end of term just before the summer holidays. Although there is no evidence from this research about the effect of this on Choices' impact, this raises two questions. First, might there be more scope for follow-up work with pupils if the events take place at the start of the school term? Second, if this would enhance the effectiveness of Choices, when would be the best time - at the start of Primary 7 or the start of S1?
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