Ark Dickens Primary

Earlier in the year we worked, over a three month period, with two Year 6 classes, alongside their teachers and TAs at Ark Dickens Primary to create their end-of-year performance, using the format of I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here as a fun and familiar starting point.

The script, "I’m an Ark Dickens Year 6, Get Me Out of Here!", was adapted to reflect the children’s personalities, humour and most importantly their own memories of their time at primary school. The result was a co-created performance that celebrated the uniqueness of this year's group and gave every child the chance to be seen and heard.

Rehearsals, focused on stagecraft, voice projection, and performing to an audience which was displayed beautifully in their final performance. The school has a strong singing culture, so songs were incorporated and with a rewrite of some lyrics reflected the children's own heartfelt memories from their time at Ark Dickens.

The TAs developed new skills, gaining confidence with leading rehearsals, helping with choreography, and supporting the children both creatively and practically. This process gave them real boost, and by the end it was suggested they continue drama work in school, leading their own production next year and perhaps setting up an after-school drama club. It was also great to see their creative input valued by the wider team.

We found the project fully engaged participation from all students whether they were onstage or working as part of the technical crew backstage, each were given their moment to shine. 

Overall, the final performance was full of energy, joy and laughter and was a true celebration of this Year 6 cohort. The process offered them a chance to reflect, express themselves, and come together as a group and also brought the staff team together creatively and left a real sense of momentum around drama in the school.

Rebecca Milner (Freelance Practitioner, Ark Dickens Project)