Education

Sideways Theatre was approached by Debbie Harris from Birmingham Healthy Schools, informing us that Town Junior were keen on having some drama-based workshops. We met with a fantastic teacher who had great visions for the school, and she explained that her year 4s were worried that they weren't being listened to. This worry led to some self esteem and confidence issues. So Sideways needed to look at these and also look at group work, and social skills. In response to the brief, we came up with an idea based on the children gaining confidence within a group, culminating in an opportunity to get their message across to their peers. So 'Election Day' was created! This would be a two-facilitator day, working with the whole of year 4 (60 children). The children would set up small 'political' parties and run for the 'good of the school'.

The shape of the day
The day began with a few games to help the children feel relaxed and happy. The next stage was to introduce the idea to the children, set some parameters and then give them ownership, or agency within the project. Above all, the idea of a democratic process and the importance of listening to each other were top of the agenda. So, Year 4 set about sorting out their parties' name, while facilitators Mark and Steph handed out different colour 'rosettes'. Each party had one leader, two deputies, two communications staff, and a secretary.

They began to plan their image and start to put together their manifesto of improvements within the school. Sideways made it very clear that the day was a fun exercise and unfortunately if they did win, they wouldn't be able to turn the staff room into a pupil's-only chocolate-eating room! Steph and Mark worked on individual speech delivery, and techniques for making good first impression, and after lunch the children made their speeches to year 3.

A big polling station was set up with polling booths for the whole of year 3 & 4 to vote in private, and the votes were then counted.

'Question Time'
The day culminated in a 'Question Time' style session after announcing the winning party. The show was hosted by 'David Bumblebee'. With coverage and interviews from the school press gang, constant support from the very attentive staff, and the amazing positive attitude towards the project, the day seemed to be a great success.

The Benefits
The drama exercises were all designed to challenge the children to be able to work in any group, and to be a strong force when the time is needed. The children needed to be both heard and listened to. They all got to stand up in front of their peers and made speeches - a great achievement. The support they showed towards each other really grew throughout the day - a key aim of the project.

The teacher and Head teacher's view
Sue Cottom - Head Teacher: "The day led by Stephan arose out of a conversation about Arts Week. The brief was fairly vague but within minutes, we had an exciting plan for year 4... a parliamentary debate!! Although not actively engaged in the activity, I was aware of it happening... lots of exciting shouts from the hall, bright beaming faces, rapt attention and then the rosettes! Children on the playground at playtime drumming up support, and George asking what it meant to vote... So, my overall impression was one of excited children participating fully, organised leaders - firm, fair and supportive, empowering the children, and about all a huge amount of learning! I look forward to working with the team again."

Clare Rackham - Year 4 teacher: "The Drama day was greatly enjoyed by the children. They were given the opportunity to take part in various activities that perhaps wouldn't ordinarily be part of the usual timetable. It was a busy day. Pupils reported liking the different elements involved - the Drama, sharing ideas and opinions, the preparation, the presentations and the voting process. From a Teacher's point of view it was an opportunity to sit back and assess how the children worked together, how they approached different tasks and watch the confidence they displayed in presenting their ideas. As an activity it was very much worthwhile and provided a fun introduction to the democratic process, which will be built in Year 5."

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