This is a lovely resource which introduces students to the concept of Didactic Theatre – drama which has a message – more commonly known as Theatre in Education. Aimed at Year 8 or above, the end result of this unit will be work which can be performed to a younger audience. (For example, it has been used as a basis for a BTEC group to devise and perform a play about Internet safety to incoming Year 7 students). This makes it ideal for producing work to show to primary schools, new Year 7 students and so on. A 4-page script is used as the basis for students to produce their own devised message play using the same characters – the cartoonish Daft family. Students are asked to evaluate their own devised work at the end of the process and a helpsheet is provided for this. The script is accompanied by a full scheme of work (6 lessons), extension and homework activities and Key Words.

Four detailed lesson plans (60 minutes each) looking at the subject of Diversity, Body Image and Acceptance, followed by two (or more) further optional lessons which give opportunities for formal assessment through a devising process linked to GCSE criteria. This is an issue which is sure to resonate with your students and here it is treated in an informative and sensitive manner which will challenge their pre-conceptions. How we look at ourselves - and at others - with one lesson referencing The Greatest Showman and P T Barnum. The theme is “acceptance” - both of ourselves and of others - and the scheme can be used from the end of Year 7 upwards. Contains all required resources, including PowerPoint, music and links.