Primary School Workshops
Drama as a tool for learning
The workshops are designed for primary schools in Ireland and use process drama as a tool for learning and development, emphasising the learning that happens during the creative process rather than just performance. They align with key education frameworks and cover a variety of topics, from building fundamental acting skills to exploring history and fostering confidence.
The Workshops
Select a Workshop below for more info.
How these Workshops connect with your School
- co- creating content using a child-led approach
- providing feedback, sharing their thoughts and feelings about the activities
- shaping the learning environment, encouraging student expression and problem-solving
The workshops empower students to take ownership of their learning and contribute to the classroom and school community.
The Lundy Model of Child Participation
References:
Professor Laura Lundy & Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth gov.ie. (2020). Participation Framework. In Hub Na Nog. Government of Ireland.
Drama is part of the Arts Education curriculum in Irish primary schools, and the workshops directly link to the curriculum’s three main strand units:
- Exploring and making drama
- Reflecting on drama
- Co-operating and communicating in making drama
Primary School Key Competencies
Primary School Curriculum
The workshops foster creativity by encouraging imaginative thinking and problem-solving through drama activities. This aligns with the curriculum’s emphasis on creativity as a core competency.
The Centre for Real-World Learning’s five-dimensional model of creativity. Developed by Prof Bill Lucas and colleagues at the University of Winchester.
Several workshops are specifically designed to improve student well-being. Drama can positively impact areas like self-esteem, empathy, and communication skills. It provides a safe space for students to relieve stress and build a sense of community.
Resources
The workshops and the integration of drama into the curriculum can provide evidence for a school’s School Self-Evaluation (SSE) process. The impact of drama on student learning outcomes and well-being can be a key part of this evaluation. For instance, a school could use the workshops to gather evidence on how they are promoting student wellbeing, which is a recognised area of focus for SSE.
Resources
