A Dramatic Approach To Confidence Building

Year 10 GCSE Drama students at Notre Dame have created a play about confidence and self-esteem as part of their studies and have been performing it to primary school children.

The play, called ‘Moving On, Moving Up’, deals with issues relating to self-esteem, confidence, bullying and the transition from primary to secondary school. The objective is to explore these issues and worries through drama and the performances end with the primary children involved in a workshop with the older students. The work is based on Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) which is a key part of the primary school curriculum.

Drama student Georgina Stuart said, “I’ve really enjoyed the chance to create a play that will help younger children become more confident. It has been great to see how much they have enjoyed the performances so far – and how much they have learnt.”

Andrea Casey, Head of Drama, said: “A key part of the Drama course is about creating performances with a real purpose. Our students have really benefited from having to create a show that will entertain and educate younger children.

“The project is one of a number of community events we are involved in as part of our Humanities Specialism.”

There have been four performances of the play, presented to Year 5 and Year 6 children from Holy Cross and Keyham Barton schools.