Using role-play in geography

Summary

This community special school wanted to encourage teachers to:

• plan more creatively;
• use a wider range of teaching and learning styles;
• use resources more flexibly.

To help achieve this, it set up a project that involved using role-play in geography and design and technology (D&T). The focus of the project was the proposed expansion of a local football stadium. Teachers worked with seven year 9 pupils, with levels of attainment ranging from P6 to national curriculum level 2. All of the pupils had barriers to learning -- one is non-vocal and uses a Dynovox electronic voice communicator.

The project increased pupils' self-esteem and gave them a great sense of achievement. They developed drama skills, became more confident both in and out of role, and were keen to share their work with others. As a result, their presentation and communication skills improved considerably. Teachers and non-teaching assistants also grew in confidence as a result of the project and are now using role-play as a tool for teaching across the curriculum.