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……..

Pinocchio- Carlo Collodi

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.

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- Carlo Collodi. ( Italian born 1826 )

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.

PSHE & Citizenship: ( Personal, Social and Health Education )
Programmes of Study

Developing good relationships:-
At all levels this performance illustrates the importance of not speaking to strangers. It also looks at moral issues such as lying and stealing and listening to your conscience to help you recognise what is right and what is wrong.