21st Century Citizens
‘In what ways can theatre, film making and drama prepare Year 5 and 6 pupils for citizenship in a multicultural society?’
The aim of the enquiry at Kettleshulme St James Primary School was to explore alternative ways of developing a sense of global citizenship in a primarily white, Christian setting through theatre, drama and film making. The project enabled pupils to explore and develop these values through drama and role play. It supported the school in challenging prejudice and injustice whilst trialing creative teaching techniques.
To undertake the enquiry a link was forged with the Royal Exchange Theatre and the Water’s Edge Drama Company. This enabled the children to take part in workshops led by professionals located both at the Royal Exchange and in the school.
Impact
A key outcome of the project was a myth busting film including footage of workshops and pupils’ reactions and opinions. The film was produced in conjunction with the Royal Exchange and will be screened in the education suite in the foyer of the theatre. As a further ‘finale’ to the project the children attended a theatre production ‘Powder Monkey’ by Amanda Dalton, at the Royal Exchange: a play addressing many of the issues covered during the project. The children met with the cast, the director and the writer herself to discuss their reactions to the play and to reflect on the project as a whole.
Results
The benefits of the project have been immense with very positive feedback from all involved. Follow up work is now underway, exploring effective means of sharing the project outcomes and its benefits with the school community and beyond.
