Two of the biggest challenges faced by all primary schools are budgets and meeting the needs of the curriculum. Anyone working in education knows that they are not new, and that all schools work extremely hard and creatively to overcome them.
The very real and modern challenge causing difficulties within primary schools as we begin 2017 is finding the time and new ways of helping pupils to develop emotionally in order to be happy, and therefore achieve in this rapidly changing world.
Many schools inform us that on a day-to-day basis in their classrooms and playgrounds it is aspects of technology, social media, cultural and societal pressure and stress that are having the most negative effects and that are their greatest challenges.
We at Tip of the Iceberg feel it is essential to work with schools to educate children about how they relate to the wider world in a nurturing and non stressful environment, helping them to embrace their knowledge and resilience.
Children learn these key life skills through imaginative and creative play – remember saying in the playground? “Let’s make up a game?” This helped to teach us strategies for developing relationships, understanding status and power, building independence and the ability to think and rationalise. It is reported that this type of play is happening less and the time and opportunity for fun and creative learning is decreasing too.
As the last term ended, thousands of schools were enjoying Christmas celebrations, watching a pantomime, having fun and enjoying a creative experience in their school. Is it possible to increase the benefits and justify the budget and funding by delivering even more educational benefits?
In audience research pantomimes can work on lots of different levels for all ages and abilities, which is why we believe it can also be an excellent format to cover aspects of the curriculum and PSHE topics.
“Tell me, I’ll forget. Show me, I’ll remember. Involve me, I’ll understand.”
Ancient proverb.
Over the last 10 years alongside pupils, schools and PSHE practitioners Tip of the Iceberg Theatre Company has developed its Pantomime Plays. A unique highly interactive pantomime format performance, designed for a whole school (reception to year 6) that supports the learning and hard work of teachers that goes on throughout the rest of the year.
The pupils experience all aspects of a classic pantomime, which are brilliantly involving, with recognisable characters and plots, however each individually written show has an educational twist and every scene includes a different key learning element. Topics that the plays cover include literacy, bullying and friendships, health and wellbeing, living in wider world.
The feedback from staff and pupils has been amazing and there is an extensive teaching resource pack that supports the project so that the experience can continue long after the theatre company have left.
“In twenty years at this school you are the best company we have ever worked with. The kids love it, they talk about it for ages and they learn so much. See you again next year.”
Camrose Primary School, Harrow.
If you would like to find out more about our unique educational experiences please take a look:
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like any further information on the Pantomime Plays or any other of our shows and workshops.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Lisa Schulberg
(Creative Director)
e. admin@tipoftheiceberg.biz
t. 07519 593711