Re-engagement with Learning

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Case Study

Twenty year 7 pupils with behavioural concerns at a South Yorkshire School, also in challenging circumstances and on notice to improve, were taken by open Minds Theatre Company for a 6 week series of workshops. The workshops focused on finding positive solutions to dealing with frustration and aggression; learning was not taking place with some of the boys because they couldn't resolve conflict quickly and openly. The girls were not learning because the curriculum didn't allow them to explore their own fears and feelings in a safe, secure manner. Abuse at home had led to outbursts of aggression in some cases and being withdrawn in others.

The behaviour of this cohort affected the learning of others in the school. Main-stream classes were often disrupted by inappropriate outbursts and in-school truancy amongst this group affected the climate for learning elsewhere. Open Minds Theatre Company addressed the reasons for disaffection allowing the pupils themselves to identify and solve their own issues to learning.

A central feature of the workshops was to support the young people in developing higher levels of emotional intelligence and self esteem. Five competences of emotional intelligence underpinned the learning outcomes provided: Self awareness, self management, motivation, empathy and managing relationships.

Open Minds Theatre Company used this framework successfully before the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (S.E.A.L) agenda was introduced to Secondary schools. Using Drama and performance to explore the social and emotional skills that need to be taught to young people OMTC was successful in improving attendance, attitude to learning, inclusion in school life and indeed, attainment.

This was measured by the Head of Department through data collected before, during and after the workshops took place. Incident logs, attitude surveys and attendance data showed a marked improvement long after the workshops had finished. Observations of the group, as part of the evaluation process and to improve the quality of learning and teaching meant that the Head of Department introduced the skills taught in the workshops into the planning of schemes for the mainstream.

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