Moving Stories: Embedding Dance and Drama in SEND teacher practice is one of the 8 UK-wide projects chosen for support from Round 6 of Paul Hamlyn Teacher Development Fund. We are working over 2 years with our arts delivery partners Peoplescape Theatre and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and six Lewisham schools: Watergate, Brent Knoll, Drumbeat, New Woodlands and the Resource Bases at Tidemill and Athelney Primary. 12 workshops are taking place across each school over the Spring and Summer terms.
Posted: 10/03/2025
Project Update
Our first year of Moving Stories delivery has been a great success!
Watch a 1-minute summary film here!
“A great adventure for adults and children” Athelney Primary School
Together with our partners, we’ve delivered 72 drama and dance workshops across 6 Lewisham schools.
Artists from theatre and dance have collaborated with teachers to develop a unified learning journey, focusing on improving the communication skills of young people facing high levels of disadvantage. These skills are essential for unlocking their potential to thrive as active, engaged, and connected members of their communities.
“Confidence, participation and engagement have improved, brilliantly across both classes” Brent Knoll School
Teachers and artists have learnt from one another. In November 2023, we hosted an immersive training day where our Dance and Drama Specialists and participating school teachers exchanged expertise, offering hands-on insights into their innovative practices.
“I have been inspired to write my own songs to use with my pupils” Watergate School
Year 1 Highlights
Mid-Point Learning Day
In July 2024 we held an evaluation day at Trinity Laban that brought together all artists and participating schools. This gathering was an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the achievements and experiences of Year 1, share innovative approaches, celebrate successes, and address challenges faced throughout the project. It also served as a pivotal moment to gear up and set the stage for an even more impactful Year 2.
“This project could be incredibly valuable to the entire local authority to understand what progress, attainment, and social emotional support looks like for our children in this context.” Teacher Reflection
Teacher Hopes for Year 2:
- “I hope to be able to further develop my English curriculum to reflect work done in Moving Stories.”
- “I want to be able to support colleagues to develop confidence in drama and movement activities.”
- “I want to share best practice across the wider school who aren’t directly involved in this important work.”
It was amazing to see the development in each school’s practice, the strengthening of artist-teacher relationships, and the growing confidence of all our teachers. Bring on Year 2!
Blog post by Alison Hale
As Moving Stories enters its final months, Alison Hale, Creative Director of Peoplescape Theatre, reflects on the lessons learned for both herself and her organisation, supported by the Teacher Development Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
Learning in partnership through dance and drama
