An attitude-changing performance

What went well? What could have been improved?

The headteacher's view

Setting clear targets and identifying specific outcomes at the start of the project was essential. The three departments could not have worked together effectively without a shared understanding of exactly what they were trying to achieve and we made sure that they had plenty of time to plan and collaborate.

We gathered as much information as possible about the strengths and weaknesses of the focus group at the start of the project. As well as being useful for evaluation purposes, this informed our planning. Pre-performance 'feelings' sheets, evaluation sheets, discussion, CD and video all provided useful evidence. We felt that it was important to collect evidence at, and as soon as possible after, the performance. With hindsight, we wish that we had videoed both performances, rather than just one, so that we could draw further comparisons.

The public performance worked brilliantly. The pupils had a chance to perform with older, more experienced performers; an 'elite band' who acted as mentors and were excellent role models. Ideally, pupils would have had more time to rehearse and prepare. We also wish that parents had attended the performances.

In terms of resources, it was vital to develop facilities so the pupils could use mixing decks and vinyl. A larger lighting rig would have been useful when it came to the final performance.

The collaboration between staff and pupils was outstanding and feedback from everyone has been totally positive -- beyond our wildest expectations. We will definitely do this project again and believe that it should be replicated in other schools. Taking part in a performance like this makes an enormous difference to pupils' learning experience. Our pupils grew in stature, were very proud and positive about their performances, and gained an immense sense of achievement.