Face Front Inclusive Theatre are proud to launch their online teacher’s resource ‘It’s My Choice’, exploring true life dilemmas concerning young learning-disabled people who are leaving school and completing their education, health and care plans.
‘It’s My Choice’ is aimed at learning disabled young people from 14 – 21 years. It aims to:
- Reduce stress and anxiety around transition for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities (LDD) and their carers
- Help young people express their choices and for carers and professionals to listen
- Improve understanding of the local offer and the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
The programme puts the young person at the heart of the action, helping them to make important life choices and negotiate the maze of potential pressures, confusion and anxiety that can occur when planning to leave the safety of their school. The series of stories are adapted from the popular theatre production ‘It’s My Move’ and are presented through teacher-friendly PowerPoints with interactive films embedded. It includes multiple communication tools including music, movement, poetry, Makaton and animation. The piece is based on the ‘Forum Theatre’ style, where the audience explores how to make positive outcomes through changing the actions of the characters.
All the stories are based on interviews and interactive drama sessions with young learning-disabled people going through or soon after transition, as well as with parents, education, health and social care professionals.
The short films follow the story of either Warren, Melody, Stanley or Finlay. The presentations will focus on a particular character’s challenge or concern about moving on from their school and feature ‘pause points’ for activities and discussions to take place. Through these opportunities for discussion, the audience will explore how to make positive outcomes through changing the actions of the characters.
Stanley’s story is aimed at those with Mild Learning Difficulties. Finlay’s story is aimed at those with Severe Learning Difficulties. Warren and Melody’s stories are available in versions suitable for MLD and SLD.
This resource was created in response to the pandemic, when it was no longer possible to tour the live theatre show ‘It’s My Move’. We are happy to say that every challenge brings opportunity and has enabled us to extend our reach of this valuable resource.
Feedback for ‘It’s My Choice’ includes:
‘Every aspect of how to make resources as useful as possible when transferring from live to online seems to have been considered by Face Front. The overall standard of all the resources is incredibly high… Enormous congratulations to all those involved in making such invaluable comprehensive educational content… I would consider this online resource to be an exemplar of best practice in moving from live to online delivery.’ (Anna Hoddinott & Jean Carter of the John Lyon’s Charity)
‘We would definitely want to access this resource.’ (New Horizons)
‘I am so excited to be introducing this amazing project and resource, thank you once again on behalf of everyone at Oaktree.’ (Oaktree School)
‘I love the effects and the characters and how they show you how they feel. And always ask a friend or a teacher if you ever need support. I learnt a lot about making choices. Never give up.’ (Oaktree Student)
The ‘It’s My Choice’ resource is now available for free and available to be used by teachers, families and youth groups for young learning-disabled people across a range of abilities.
Author: Face Front Inclusive Theatre
