A bus with a difference pulled into a Custom House school’s playground.
The Betty Bus visited Calverton Primary School, in King George Avenue, as part of a nationwide tour to teach pupils about periods in an interactive way.
Siobhan Kelly, one of the facilitators, said: “It’s about getting girls and boys talking about periods, and not be something that’s taboo.”
The girls, who are usually in years 5, 6 or 7, are taken onto the bus, where games including a ball pit are used to teach them about their body and the emotions they may be feeling.
The boys, meanwhile, have a lesson in the classroom with male facilitators, focusing on empathy.
“Some of the girls are eight, and some people question why we start teaching about periods at that age,” Siobhan added.
“It’s becoming more common that girls are starting at the age of eight, and if they’re the only one in their class, it can make them feel really excluded.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here