Ten Ten Theatre Visit 20th January 2011
It was an exciting day, full of fun and education through theatre. The day began early as Ten Ten theatre set up in the school hall ready for two main performances, some scene recaps and freeze frames and workshops with the children. The work was based on PSHE themes of giving and receiving and the true value of gifts for the younger pupils and for the older pupils, the importance of finding similarities and respecting differences when building relationships with others.
We were privileged to have a visit from one hundred and ten pupils accompanied by their teachers from Crowfoot Primary and Worlingham Primary School in the morning. They watched a performance of ‘The Gift’ and enjoyed a discussion with the actors and an opportunity to reflect on what are the most valuable gifts in life. The time went quickly, but was memorable.
In the afternoon, our Year 7 pupils watched the theatre company perform ‘Healthy Heart’ and were encouraged to think about respecting others where they are different from ourselves and building on the similarities we can find. Again, pupils were invited to discuss the main issues using freeze frames from the play to focus their thinking. They then worked in small groups to create their own scene which included ideas from what they had noticed in the play. There was plenty of activity in the hall at this time and it was interesting to see what pupils produced. There was time for some to show their scene to the others.
Parents were also included. Mid morning, they came for tea or coffee and a chat with the actors who showed them an important scene from each play so they could see something of what their children had seen. It was lovely to hear parents’ views in this way and to note their positivity to this aspect and way of learning.
So, yes, it was an exciting day for those of us involved. I would like to thank the teachers and teaching assistants for their help with preparation and follow-up in PSHE lessons and assistance on the day, both with tea and coffee making and accompanying the children. Also, “Well done!” to the pupils. You responded admirably and as usual, came up with lots of interesting ideas in this creative context.
Thank you, Ten Ten Theatre.
Jo McGuire