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A to Zee

An engaging, theatre based programme that encourages the development of inclusive practice in primary schools

Availability:

Women & Theatre would welcome the opportunity to revive A to Zee. Owing to the work and investment needed in remounting the production however, it would necessitate at least a 4-week tour period and thus the commitment of 4 schools with adequate resources. We have no current plans to remount the programme, but welcome registrations of interest at info@womenandtheatre.co.uk

Introduction

A to Zee takes inspiration from the highly regarded Italian Reggio Emilia movement that puts children into the role of experts. It aims to foster and develop inclusive attitudes and strategies amongst pupils which can then be shared within the whole school community including with parents.

Over 4 days the company comes into school and works with one class. Pupils meet and interact with the characters of:

  • New teacher Mrs. Tartan-Haggis. She is at a cross roads in her career and wonders should she stay or should she go?
  • New pupil Zee who is on the autistic spectrum (a life sized child puppet). Can he fit in with the class?
  • Zee’s Dad Nick Cowley. How can he pass on his knowledge about his son’s needs to the school?

Alongside set scenes and drama, the children participate in activities that require them to explore their own identity, environment and creativity. Constantly being asked to question and challenge, the children discover stories about the characters that enter their classroom and form strategies to help them get used to their new surroundings.

In this way, pupils are encouraged to learn about the social, educational and creative needs of the characters, themselves and their peers.

On the final afternoon, the class work with the cast to present their ‘findings’ through performance to the rest of the school and invited parents, encouraging wider reflection.

A to Zee is suitable for nursery up to year 2 pupils. A key strength of the programme is its flexibility. This enables it to be adapted to suit the needs and ages of the groups involved and the different set ups at each school in terms of breakdown of the day and available rooms to work in. The cast always tailor the delivery in discussion with staff, enhancing the impact made in each school and creating a strong sense of joint ownership.

History

In 2003, Women & Theatre were commissioned by Birmingham City Council’s Action for Inclusion to develop a drama programme for primary school settings, resulting in the development of A to Zee. It was widely researched with parents, teachers, inclusion support staff and pupils. The programme was very successfully piloted in 2004 at Bourneville, Little Sutton and Chad Vale Primary Schools.

During June 2005 – March 2006, A to Zee was then delivered as part of an action research project entitled Leading for Inclusion, examining the impact of using different resources commissioned by Action for Inclusion, on inclusive practice in schools. Associate schools ‘tested’ different resources. 13 of the 15 schools involved engaged with A to Zee during summer, autumn & spring terms. This was made possible with funding from Action for Inclusion and Arts Council England, West Midlands.

Following the extension of the Leading for Inclusion project, A to Zee was also delivered at 7 schools in 2006/7, with schools buying in the programme with part-funding from Action for Inclusion.

The level of engagement of children across all schools was very high. The children empathised with Zee as well as with the adults in the story. They developed increased tolerance levels and learnt to problem solve and work as a team.

They also reflected on their own emotions and how they react to someone who behaves differently. The teachers working along side the programme’s delivery got a lot out of working with the team. Several staff commented that the programme had encouraged them to reflect upon their own teaching practice.

Across all of schools in which it has been delivered, A to Zee has impacted positively on inclusive practice within the classroom as well as promoting thinking and discussion within the wider school community around issues of inclusion. The schools that got the most out of the programme and for whom it made the greatest impact were those which had made efforts to actively engage the whole staff team, ensure a well attended presentation took place at the end of the week and that lasting resources to disseminate findings further were created.

Notes

What’s great about this project is that the cast gets to spend a whole week in a school. The class and teacher get to know Zee, his Dad and Mrs. Tartan Haggis very well and the cast get to know the class and the teacher. It’s really wonderful seeing children communicating with Zee and it is notable how it is the children who are “difficult” that often are the ones to champion and protect him.

The larger than life Mrs. Tartan Haggis is a colourful and comic character and there is a big helping of physical comedy in the set pieces that provides the audience with a lot of laughs as well as food for thought.
Janice Connolly, researcher & Writer

Outcome

Independent Research:
During 05/06 and 06/07, Carol Miller from the School of Education at Birmingham University led an action research project entitled Leading for Inclusion, examining the impact of using different resources commissioned by Action for Inclusion, on inclusive practice in schools. Associate schools ‘tested’ different resources, including the A to Zee programme, with extremely positive responses from schools.

Teachers:
‘They won’t remember adding up in six months but they’ll remember Zee. This gives us something tangible to refer to and build on, particularly when developing the personal, social and emotional area of early years learning objectives.’ – Amanda McKenna, Great Barr Primary School

‘Zee has made a lasting impression’ – Meg Griffin – New Oscott Primary School

‘The staff felt it was an exciting and very interactive way of supporting inclusion and an excellent way of raising everyone’s awareness…It taught us about understanding differences, handling new situations and environments.’ – Penny Webber, Osborne Nursery

I think the most successful part was the relationships that some of my children built with Zee. He evoked thoughts and feelings from children who are reluctant to contribute in a normal classroom environment.
Deanna Franklin, Turves Green Primary

Family Members:
‘I feel very emotional and moved by the drama and as a man I know we don’t often express our feelings in public but it gave me a tear in my eye. It is a wonderful way to show how children can help with inclusion.’
Grandparent, Osborne Nursery

‘I have noticed a real change in his behaviour this week and he was much more aware of when he was being naughty and apologising for it.’ – Parent, Great Barr Primary School

Production Credits

Researched and devised by: Janice Connolly, Jill Norman, Louise Bedford & Paul Magson
Construction of Zee: Caroline McDowell
Original Cast:
Mrs Tartan-Haggis: Jill Norman
Zee: Louise Bedford
Nick Cowley: Paul Magson

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