Today, Year 7 and Year 8 students at Bodmin College experienced CODE, a powerful, age-appropriate theatre production exploring the realities of knife crime, county lines exploitation and the tactics used by criminal networks to target young people.

Delivered by specialist theatre company Justice in Motion, the production was carefully designed for secondary-aged students and presented complex safeguarding topics in a responsible and engaging way. Using a unique blend of physical theatre and storytelling, the performance challenged students to recognise the signs of exploitation and understand how to seek help when needed.

With support from staff throughout the day, the performance complemented learning already taking place through our PSHE curriculum and helped encourage important conversations about staying safe.

A huge thank you to Justice In Motion, Groundswell and Safer Stronger Communities for working together to bring this impactful production to our students. We would also like to extend our thanks to Mayor Mike Barbery and his team, as well as Lucy Allison from Safer Bodmin for their attendance today. Together, you have helped spark important conversations that could make a real difference to the lives of young people

Year 8 student Will recently had an exciting opportunity to be part of a performance by Justice in Motion.

Despite being asked to join the production on the very morning of the performance, Will stepped confidently into the spotlight. Taking on an improvised lead role in the show's final scene, he impressed both performers and audience members with his enthusiasm and creativity.

Will is no stranger to the stage. In Year 7, he played the lead role of Joseph in the school production and also attended an external drama club, where he performed as Captain Hook. With a passion for the performing arts, Will is considering both Music and Drama as GCSE options and is already looking ahead to the possibility of applying to RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) in the future.

Reflecting on the experience, Will said:

"It was great to see how actors work and warm up. It was great fun to be part of it and meeting everyone. The show has been educational and entertaining."

We are incredibly proud of Will for embracing this unexpected opportunity and continuing to develop his talents both in and out of school. We look forward to seeing where his passion for performance takes him next.