School Residencies

"I learned that there are so many ways to express myself.  Before, I was stuck in my own head, but now I can show what I'm feeling."  Participant 

Every year Pan delivers a programme of theatre workshop sessions in schools to engage young people who struggle in mainstream education. We work closely with schools, especially Pupil Referral Units and Alternative Provision Academies, to tailor sessions to the needs of the young people.  Our aim is to ignite the creative capabilities of young people so that they can imagine alternative futures to those they are often told will be their fate.

"The project has not only enriched their creative skills but has also improved their overall behaviour and attitude. It's evident that the drama sessions have had a profound impact on their personal growth."    Headteacher

two men in black sweatshirt, one of the sweatshirt says at the back weapon of choice

Pan’s skilled artist facilitators, many with lived experience of the issues faced by the students, use theatre arts to stimulate engagement from the young people.  We use drama games, improvisation, character work, scene devising and Forum theatre techniques to initiate insightful dialogues with young people.

Such provision for young people who are disengaged from the education system offers a valuable social return on investment.  Individually students can benefit from greater self-confidence, improved self-esteem and better communication skills to take them into employment.  More broadly, it helps promote greater understanding and inclusion within society, avoiding dis-harmony and additional burden on social services.

The Weapon of Choice programme began in 2009 as a theatre group investigating gun and knife crime in youth culture, with performers drawn from the communities affected. Since then it has developed to run in schools, working closely with staff and pupils, especially in Pupil Referral Units or exclusion streams, such as our current residency with Beachcroft Alternative Provision Academy.

At the end of the residency, groups present performances that explore topics chosen by themselves, allowing them to express their hopes, fears, aspirations and the barriers they face to realising their potential.

"I used to think poetry and drama were boring, but now I can't wait for our sessions. It's like a space where I can be myself." Participant

Our current residency is at Beachcroft Alternative Provision Academy in Westminster, helping pupils engage more with their curriculum. We also run after-school sessions for those who want to develop their workshop facilitation and leadership skills.

Further pathways allow them to join our out-of-school theatre clubs for students interested in drama and performing.  Pan’s Weapon of Choice Theatre project, which came into being as a result of our school residencies work, provides an opportunity for keen students to take writing and performance skills further.  

To find out more about the WOC residencies programme at Beachcroft, read this interview with the Weapon of Choice team

 

Want to host Weapon of Choice in your school?

For more information about how to host the Weapon of Choice programme in your school, contact the Weapon of Choice Project Manager Alesha Pryce at a.pryce@pan-arts.net.


Funded by 

          The Eyre Estate Community Fund


Supported by

 


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