This week, Rushden Academy were very pleased and excited to welcome back the Prison, Me? No Way! Team. Prior to 2020, this Personal Development day for year 9 was always a favourite on the school calendar so there was a buzz of anticipation as the prison van arrived on site at 07.30am.

The programme is organised by the No Way Trust and very kindly funded by the Rushden Rotary, members of whom attended the day. The aim is to provide students with real life learning experiences aimed at preventing involvement in crime and risky behaviour. It raises awareness of the causes, consequences, penalties and impact of crime.

The day began with an introduction in the Lecture Theatre for the whole year group before they split into five groups to take part in a rota of workshops and sessions. Students got to learn about life in prison, they found out about the dangers of gangs, knives, and County Lines as well as hearing from a convicted murderer who told her story of the choices she made and the consequences of those choices.

The students were praised by the team delivering and the Rotarians for their behaviour and engagement with the sessions and we look forward to welcoming them back again next year.

Mrs G Brainwood

Assistant Principal