On Thursday, 21st May, Risedale School hosted PC Helen Lavender and Sergeant Heidi Lewis from the North Yorkshire Police School Liaison Team. These sessions coincided with Operation Sceptre—the national knife crime awareness week—to help pupils understand the real-world impact of violent conflict.

During the visit, they worked with groups of pupils who were able to take part in a cutting-edge immersive 3D VR experience. Using 360-degree virtual reality headsets, the film allowed them to step into the shoes of everyone involved in a violent incident, from the victim and perpetrator to the family members and emergency services personnel. By seeing this "chain of events" firsthand, pupils gained a deeper emotional understanding of how one violent act can destroy multiple lives.

The workshop directly supports our school values, asking pupils to consider their RESPONSIBILITY to the community and the importance of positive RELATIONSHIPS. By showing RESPECT for others and building the RESILIENCE to make better choices, we continue to support our pupils in becoming the BEST version of themselves.

Sergeant Heidi Lewis, of the School Liaison Team, noted:

"The film allows young people to step into the shoes of those affected. It shows the ripple effect on the victim, the perpetrator, the family, and the emergency services, helping them realise that one violent act can destroy more than one life."

These workshops ensure that Risedale pupils are equipped with the knowledge and empathy to remain safe and responsible members of the community.

#TeamRisedale 💙💜🧡❤️ #BEST

RESPONSIBILITY  RESPECT  RESILIENCE  RELATIONSHIPS