An attitude-changing performance

What were the outcomes?

Pupils gained a huge sense of achievement from taking part in this project. They took enormous pride in their performances and it inspired them to move forward, both individually and as a group. The school noticed a real sense of group identity emerge as pupils learned to collaborate, co-operate and encourage one another. The pupils self-esteem rose and they showed a new thirst for personal achievement within and beyond the subject areas covered by the project. None of these characteristics were seen in the group that did not take part in the performance.

Pupils' drama and music skills developed significantly and they were surprised at how good they could be and how much they had to offer.

As a result of the project, other pupils (especially low achievers across the year groups) asked if they could learn skills on the mixing decks and associated technology. Using the equipment raised their sense of achievement and self-esteem and showed them that learning could be fun. This was a benefit that the school had not envisaged.

What pupils said

• I thought it was great because the adrenalin goes through you and I'd like to do it again please.'
• It is better on the stage, because it's more exciting. I feel it has changed my attitude to music and drama DRASTICALLY.'
• I would change the days back to Tuesday.' (the day of the first performance)
• It made me think "wow, look at all those people" and I felt really good.'
• I am not scared of speaking out in lessons now.'
• It boosted my confidence, we got lots of people saying how good it was.'
• I expected our performance to be a total failure and us all being total idiots on stage, but it was actually a big success.'
• Please let us do it again!!!!! I think maybe we have become closer as a class, as this is one of the few experiences we will share together.'