We may not have been able to deliver many RSE sessions in schools, but our Esteem training has been very busy!
Our team have worked hard to make ALL our training available online so, despite not being able to run in-person training, we have trained 77 new educators in RSE during lockdown - including youth workers, NHS staff, therapists and secondary school teachers.
To ensure trainees still receive an interactive learning experience, we use a green screen to share content, post a physical pack of resources out to trainees, and use ‘breakout rooms’ for small group work. The format has worked really well, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Some advantages to online training have become apparent, such as it being more accessible to those who live further afield or who have mobility issues. Trainees have joined us from the Isle of Man, the north of Scotland, Germany, USA, and South Africa! To make it more accessible, we plan to include online training as part of our service after COVID-19.
Online bespoke workshops have been run on RSE and mental ill health, and the impact of pornography, as well as a webinar on the opportunities and challenges of online RSE.
Gareth has run regular skills workshops to support members of our Esteem network of RSE educators. Topics have included creating digital educational materials, advanced video presenting skills, teaching school facilitated RSE online, and a think tank entitled What will RSE look like in the Autumn? A new Facebook group for members has provided a place to share ideas.
"I was really impressed with the training delivery. The use of the break out rooms allowed us to discuss things in small groups which we would have done had the session been face-to-face. I don't think we were at a disadvantage to be receiving the training online."