The Listening Project

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Working with Listening Teams in each of our partner schools we identified three areas of priority:

• The need post covid, to address the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people
• The need in teachers to use creative methodologies for teaching across the curriculum
• To need to preserve the role of drama as a fundamental part of the curriculum

With funding from Royal Opera House Bridge, East Herts District Council, Arts Council England and the Hertfordshire Film Office we have developed a bold and innovative new tool, Dramatic Enquiry, to support teachers in the development of their pupils oracy skills. 

In a complex world where information is at our finger tips, Dramatic Enquiry enables participants to really question their own beliefs, by developing philosophical question that can be problematised, leading to debates and discussions, which enable the pupil to understand multiple perspectives and make challenging decisions. Using philosophical enquiry and active drama techniques such as Teacher in Role, the work happens in a fictional world that participants can invest in. For students, this creates an immersive environment that feels real and safe. 

The results of the six pilot projects with our school partners and our arts partners from Tangled Feet and Trestle Arts Base, will be evaluated by senior researchers at the University of Hertfordshire's School of Education.

Here is a brief overview of the impact to date: 

Total number of Children and Young People involved: 139

• Number on Educational Health Care Plans: 14 – 10.7%
• Number with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities: 35 – 25.17%
• Number with English as an Additional Language: 10 – 7.19%
• Number on Pupil Premium/Free School Meal: 19 – 13.66%

• Expansive Thinking and Empathy: Students reported greater ability to understand different perspectives, challenge their own beliefs, and step into other people’s shoes.
• Cognitive Dissonance and Critical Thinking: Students enjoyed challenging their own preconceptions, with some reporting mental conflict as they adopted perspectives they wouldn’t usually agree with.
• Confidence and Independence: Many participants, particularly older students, gained confidence in discussing and presenting complex topics and making decisions, resulting in increased autonomy and independence.
• Immersive Learning: The fictional scenarios allowed students to engage deeply, sometimes in role, with the learning process described as emotive, creative, and distinct from traditional classroom settings.

If you would like to know more about the pilot projects do contact Stuart Mullins, who has produced the project since 2021 – freelance@stuartmullins.co.uk

Current  Partners:

Benington Primary

Icknield Primary 

Sele School

Freman College and Edwinstree

Herts Regional College

SAPERE

Tangled Feet Theatre Company

Trestle Arts Base

Hertfordshire Futures - working with the Film Office 

University of Hertfordshire, School of Education - working with Professor Karen Mpamhanga

Rosie Stanbury - Independent Evaluator 

Its Our Theatre

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A nationwide scheme of youth engagement and talent development. Working in marginalised communities in areas of socio economic decline. The methodology, developed with key artists from the world of theatre and the urban arts, built a reputation for engaging young people aged 11+ in the arts: theatre, spoken word, street dance, spoken word, music production, graffiti art and entrepreneurship training.  

Partners and investors included:

• The Royal Opera House
• Thurrock Borough Council
• Arts Council England
• Children in Need 

Facts and Figures about It's Our Theatre:

• Engaged over 20,000 people in our work – most from areas of disadvantage or low cultural engagement (as defined by Arts Council England)
• Run 300+ workshops for over 6,500 young participants
• Accredited 150 young people with the nationally recognised Trinity College Arts Award
• Awarded 10 It’s Your Future Bursaries to support young people in leading creative community projects and developing their skills
• Delivered over 345 performances – many to new audiences
• Collaborated with over 80 professional artists, 40 venues, and 50 schools 
• Partnered with local authorities, arts organisations, funders, schools, youth clubs and agencies concerned with young people’s welfare, in areas as diverse as Birmingham, Bedfordshire, Essex, Manchester, Norfolk, Hertfordshire, Bristol and Northamptonshire

• Managed individual grant awards of up to £183,757 and projects of up to £141,500 
• Received core investment from Arts Council England of £731,710, and levered in significant additional contribution of £921,500 funding and substantial amounts of in kind support from our partners.

Cardboard Citizens: Act Now

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Act Now is a programme of regular activity and skills based learning for young people aged 16 to 25 who have experienced homelessness or in danger of becoming homeless. A mix of regular accredited activity and annual projects, under Stuart's leadership, Cardboard Citizens took a dual approach: developing the self esteem and confidence of the members, whilst nurturing the young people as community activists. Funded by Comic Relief's #iwill fund, Act Now produced a touring Forum Theatre piece called No Box No Labels. This culminated in a performance at London's South Bank Centre. 

Partners:

• Lyrix Organix
• Catch 22 'The Hive' 

Investors:

• The Henry Smith Charity
• Société Générale Community Fund
• Comic Relief
• St. James's Place Foundation
• Anton Jurgens Charitable Trust
• Wessex Youth
• Prudential
• John Lyons Charity

Facts and Figures year 18/19:

• Numbers engaged through outreach and performances 300
• Members engaged in workshops 70
• Number of qualifications achieved 40
• Number of employment outcomes 6
• Number of volunteering outcomes 15
• Number entering education, employment and training 40 

Herts Inclusive Theatre

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For over three and half years I worked with Herts Inclusive Theatre. From 2019 I worked both online with adults with learning differences and disabilities; in the room I worked with children, young people and young adults. In 2021 I initiated three new groups in Hertford and Stevenage that continue to this day. The aim being to create the best art possible in collaboration with the participants whilst developing their communication skills, growing their self confidence and self esteem and creating a social and safe atmosphere. We make shows that are produced in the community.

As my final project I took great pride in creating our version of Alice in Wonderland with the children and young people who attend the regular Stevenage workshops at Lonsdale School.