- Schools -
Our tailor-made programmes for KS1 & KS2 are designed to support and enhance children's learning in the classroom.
After an initial meeting with the class teachers to discuss the topics and Learning Outcomes for the term ahead, we tailor-make a 10-week programme that runs alongside the work that children are learning in the classroom. Our sessions bring key topics, themes and ideas to life through drama, whilst building children's confidence, literacy and language skills and encouraging them to work collaboratively.
Sessions take place at your school, a clear space like a hall is ideal, but a classroom with furniture moved to the sides will work too.
There are 10 weekly sessions per term.
Our sessions last 40 minutes.
Props, music and costume pieces are provided.
How are our sessions structured?
All of our sessions have a clear learning objective and bring the work that the children are doing in the classroom to life through drama. Below is an example session plan from a programme called 'Into The Woods', developed for Wimbledon High School.
To explore the characters of the Merry Men from the story 'Robin Hood' and actively engage with their world.
The Merry Hideout
Learning Objective: To explore the characters of the Merry Men from the story 'Robin Hood' and actively engage with their world.
In groups of 4 (you might need one or two groups of 3) have the groups think about what the Merry Men and Women's hideout might look like.
What sort of material is it made of?
What sort of furniture do they have (if any)?
How many levels does it have?
Are there any secret sections?
Once they have made some decisions have them stand up and decide where in the space all of the items/sections are. Then come back together as a whole group and call groups up one by one to give the whole group a guided tour.
Have everyone find a space in the room to sit down in on their own. Cross legged and eyes closed. Explain to them that you would like them to imagine that they are one of Robin Hood's Merry Men or Women (they can choose male or female). Ask:
How long have you worked with Robin Hood for?
What is your job or special skill?
Once the children have thought about this ask them to open their eyes and without speaking start to go for a walk around the room imagining that they are in the forest world that they have just created. Have them think about the rhythm and tempo of their walk – you can demonstrate this for them. Once everyone has got this you can move on to Hot Seating…
Hot Seating
Explain that you are now going to get to meet some of the characters that they have created. Form an audience and place a single chair in the playing space. Call up volunteers one by one and ask them questions to flesh out their characters. Start with the questions above that they have already thought about and then move into deeper questioning:
Do you have any family?
Why do you work for Robin Hood?
What is important to you?
Not everyone will have a chance to have a go but encourage them to carry on the game together in the playground or in the classroom. Feedback to them about the importance of really knowing everything about your character when working as an actor.
Q: What did you enjoy today?
Q: What one thing will you take away from today's session?
I would highly recommend Emily and The Arts Place. Her Drama Sessions at WHS have been incredibly successful. Emily's sessions are meticulously planned, she is always organised, friendly to staff and really looks after the girls in her care.
– Mrs S. Kempton, Head of Pastoral Care at Wimbledon High School (Academic) –