It is, and always has been, the desire of M&M to ensure our productions offer much more than just a visually stunning and entertaining theatrical experience. With that in mind our Artistic Director Margaret Garry B Ed., a primary school teacher for many years, has ensured that all company productions can aid classroom teachers in meeting the requirements of the National Curriculum by outlining how each show links to the programmes of study and /or strands in relevant subjects. (In most cases teachers’ notes and worksheets are available to show bookers.)

The National Curriculum Guidelines for 5 to 11 year olds.

In England this is split into Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
In Scotland this is split into levels A to D.

Why do we promote classic children’s literature ?

Our classic literature productions are aimed at helping class teachers to encourage children to read for enjoyment, particularly classic fiction by long established children’s authors.

The Cox Report 1989 states, “Literature has an important role to play in improving abilities in speaking and listening, writing and reading”….. “Approaches which actively engage pupils working on texts are far more likely to lead to enjoyment and understanding”.

What better approach than to watch a book come to life in a live theatrical performance……..

Oliver Twist- Charles Dickens

This show can aid classroom teaching in the following subjects:

English-
Programmes of Study

1. Speaking and Listening :-
KS1- or levels A to B. Gives pupils the opportunity to respond to the performance constructively.
KS2- or levels C to D. Gives pupils the opportunity to evaluate how the characters and the narrative contribute to the overall effectiveness of the performance including language variation and dialect forms.
(A glossary of Dickensien terms used in the production are listed on the accompanying teachers’ notes.)

2. Literature. Helps to develop in KS1 and 2, or in levels A to D , an appreciation of one of the most long established significant children’s authors- Charles Dickens.( English born 1812 )

3. Drama:-
KS2 or levels C to D. Allows older pupils the opportunity to evaluate how the technical aspects of the show, including sound, lighting and special effects, contribute to the overall effectiveness of the performance as well as costume and set. At this level they can also discuss the use of multiple role play and the versatility of the actors playing very diverse roles.

History-
Programmes of Study

1. Knowledge and Understanding of Events, People and Changes in the Past :-
KS1- or levels A to B Gives pupils the opportunity of identifying differences between ways of life during this period in history.
KS2- or levels C to D Gives pupils the opportunity to reflect on the experiences of men, woman and children during this period in British history including how wealth or poverty could alter these experiences.