SHARE Training

SHARE is available to Health Authorities, Education Authorities and individual schools. The classroom materials are only available to people who have completed a SHARE training course, and should not be used by untrained people.

From our experience in Scotland we believe that the most effective model of implementation is a training course, involving teams of staff from three or four schools, and appropriate health professionals, youth and community workers. It is essential that school management is committed to implementing the programme.

The aim of the training is to enable teachers, health professionals and others working in schools to deliver the SHARE programme effectively.

By the end of the course participants will:
	have a clear understanding of the philosophy and values of SHARE
	have explored sensitive sexuality and sexual health issues, and understand how their own values and attitudes may influence the way they work with young people
	be familiar with the SHARE materials and methodologies
	have an understanding of group dynamics, and have considered strategies for dealing with some of the difficulties that might arise in a classroom

The training is participatory. Course members are encouraged to become actively involved in individual, small group and plenary exercises, and in discussion, and to share their experience with others. There is an expectation that course members will commit themselves to attend the whole of the course.

Courses normally last for four days, and can be delivered as one course, divided into two two-day modules or into three days and a follow-up day. If a particular group of professionals is already knowledgeable, skilled and experienced in sex and relationships education, sexual health issues, PSHE and active learning methodologies, it may be possible to deliver the course in three days.

Participants

Schools should consider sending a small team of staff for training, including:
	one member of the Senior Management team
	the PSHE Coordinator in the school
	the school nurse, or other health professionals, if appropriate
	teachers with some experience of sex education, and with a commitment to it

In addition, it may be appropriate to include staff from specialist sexual health agencies, youth and community workers and others who have an interest in delivering or supporting the programme.

Follow-Up Support

Feedback from teachers suggests that SHARE implementation is most likely to be successful where it is backed up by support and opportunities for further training and development. These are key factors in building and maintaining confidence and competence.