This week, our students had the privilege of welcoming Bluesky Trust into their lessons. Bluesky Trust supports and connects individuals across Tyne & Wear, Durham, Northumberland, and North Cumbria throughout their journey with HIV. In addition to their vital support work, they also educate communities to help break the stigma surrounding HIV.
Below are two appreciations from our students to our guests from Bluesky Trust.
One of our students said ‘I would like to appreciate, Nigel and Lucy for courage, this is because HIV is a very personal topic , that may make people feel embarrassed or upset, and as well to share personal experiences that may have made them feel uncomfortable. They brought a positive atmosphere to the session and seemed to translate the point of the session very well.’
‘I want to appreciate Nigel and Lucy for their courage, for coming into our school, and for talking about such a sensitive topic associated with a lot of stigma. They turned this topic into a really interesting learning experience by sharing their stories, letting us see a more personal side to HIV and helping us understand the infection a lot more than we previously had.’
This visit aligns with our students’ studies on Public Health in the 20th century. In Science, students will explore the causes of diseases, while in Human, they will examine the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on society and public health.
Additionally, today, students were assigned their report groups for their final project, which will focus on the impact of tobacco. This preparation will enable them to engage meaningfully with expert visitors on the 26th and 27th of March. These experts—public health registrars who advocate on behalf of Gateshead—have written their own public health reports and will guide our students in producing reports that can be shared more widely for greater impact.
We’re excited for the valuable learning opportunities ahead and appreciate your continued support.
