An attitude-changing performance

Summary

This mixed comprehensive school wanted to improve the attitudes of a group of disaffected year 8 pupils through an arts-based project. The project involved pupils exploring the issue of drugs through music and drama in both timetabled lessons and out-of-hours sessions. Pupils composed their own music using music technology and developed their ideas through drama. Their ability to compose and perform was enriched by exploring values and feelings in PSHE.

The project culminated in a final performance, which empowered the performers and showed the whole school that learning can be fun and relevant.

Many of the year 8 pupils had low self-esteem at the start of the project. Taking part in a public performance boosted their confidence and generated a great sense of excitement and achievement. The school also noticed a strong group identity emerge as pupils learned to collaborate, co-operate and encourage one another. The impact of this project exceeded all expectations and the school is now committed to providing similar experiences for all pupils.