They are new to Primary 6 but that’s the only thing they have in common.
Martin and Simon. Newcomers. One keen to fit in; the other doesn’t care.
A coming of age tale about friendship, bullying and overcoming adversity.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk addresses important themes about growing up including bullying, making friends and fitting in. The ideas of becoming aware of who you are, and being honest with yourself and with your friends, are also key to the play.
WHAT TEACHERS HAVE SAID
‘A highly engaging play that dealt with the difficult issues of bullying and peer pressure in a way that was accessible to the children. Very thought provoking.’ Sciennes Primary School
‘It was a very engaging performance that encouraged the children to think about their own actions and question others’. Bramble Brae Primary
‘Absolutely fantastic. I have never had so many comments from children as I did following the performance, and to see them all so engaged was amazing’. Stoneyhill Primary
WORLD-CLASS THEATRE IN YOUR SCHOOL
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk has been performed all over the world including The Sydney Opera House and at festivals in Washington DC, Auckland and Edinburgh. This is its second tour of schools in Scotland.
‘The very model of audience-capturing storytelling, this is a well-written and excitingly performed tale’
London Theatre Review.
THE BENEFITS
The play addresses a variety of curricular areas as outlined the Curriculum for Excellence expressive arts experiences and outcomes. The Curriculum for Excellence has provided schools with the responsibility to provide young people with cultural opportunities:
“It is therefore important that all teachers and educators look for opportunities within their own teaching approaches, through inter-disciplinary projects and studies and through fostering partnerships with professional arts companies, creative adults and cultural organisations.”
ACfE Expressive Arts guidelines
Delivering the Curriculum for Excellence
Participation in arts education projects such as this helps schools to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence by encouraging, supporting and developing cross-curricular learning. The arts in general and drama in particular can encourage children and young people to express their own ideas, beliefs and values through creative work and can help them to develop their capacities as confident individuals, responsible citizens and effective contributors. The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk will help pupils engage with all four capacities with particular emphasis on:
Confident individuals
The play will encourage pupils to think about the decisions the character has made and encourage them to think about:
- Relating to others
- Self awareness
- Taking informed decisions
Responsible citizens
By witnessing a character who makes decisions that adversely affect his life, pupils will be asked to:
- See the importance of respect for others
- Understand the value of informed choices and decisions
- Develop informed, ethical views of complex issues
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Dates 3rd February – 4th April 2014 (inclusive)
Space required
The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk has been created to be performed in a clear school gym or dining hall. Minimum size equivalent to a badminton court.
Running time
Approximately 50 minutes
Setting up / Dismantling time
We will need access to the hall at least 90 minutes before the first performance and 1 hour after the performance
Audience size
Maximum audience 120
Age Suitability
P5 – S1
Cost
Two performances in same venue, same day £600 + VAT
One performance £350 + VAT
Questions / Booking Anna Derricourt on 0131 653 5255 or anna@catherinewheels.co.uk
