Each school identified two members of staff to work closely with artist Maddy Pike, although every member of the teaching staff would take part in INSETs delivered by Maddy at the beginning and end of the project.
The work with the two teachers started with a creative surgery session. Just like a visit to your GP... the session was on a 1:1 basis and conducted in private; it involved a full examination of the teachers' needs, skills and the curriculum; a diagnosis to identify the area to be explored; and the treatment, how both Maddy and the teachers would approach the planning and delivery.
After the creative surgery Maddy and the teachers were ready to operate with the children and young people in the classroom. They delivered practical drama sessions across three consecutive weeks in three different curriculum subjects.
Initially Maddy took the lead in the operation demonstrating the application of techniques but gradually the teachers' skills and confidence grew and before long they were leading the operation with Maddy's support.
"I have personally witnessed how drama helps children to learn facts, have more ideas and also to consolidate learning in any subject area."
Teacher, Owston Primary School
After the operation came the recovery period where the two teachers were given time to reflect on their learning. The teachers then delivered an INSET with Maddy to the rest of the teaching staff to share the learning and skills they had developed whilst working on the project.
The work with the four schools will continue well into the summer term, so let's hope operations continue to be successful!