The tradition of putting on Christmas plays at Birralee is one that has been cherished for many years. These plays not only bring joy and excitement to the holiday season, but they also provide numerous benefits for learning.
From developing their social skills and confidence to fostering creativity and teamwork, Christmas plays offer many learning opportunities for our students.
At Birralee, we have scheduled the rehearsals very carefully so that English, Maths, Norwegian and PE lessons are taking place as normal.
Example: How Year 5's Christmas Play Madagascar covers different Learning Goals in the Curriculum
Year 5 are currently preparing for their play Madagascar. In addition to English, Maths, Norwegian and PE, Year 5 have kept two IPC lessons for Science learning. The rest of the IPC lessons are being spent preparing for the Christmas Play. However, the Christmas Play itself covers much of the curriculum:
1. It supplements the English Curriculum in the following area:
6SLm.01 Adapt pace and tone of speech appropriately in formal and informal contexts.
2. It covers the following learning goals in IPC:
3.05 Be able to use modelling and testing to improve design (Design Technology)
3.15 Be able to convey information, experiences, arguments and opinions clearly when speaking to others
3.16 Be able to convey a clear main point when speaking in response to others
3.42 Be able to make use of scenery, stage properties, costume and makeup
3.44 Be able to evaluate their own and others’ performances
3.46 Be able to make use of voice, language, posture, movement and facial expression
3.47 Be able to perform a scripted play
3.01 Be able to sing songs with expression and audience awareness
3.02 Be able to fulfil their role when performing with others, following conductor cues
3.02 Be able to use movement as a means of expression and communication
3.25 Apply myself to practising things I need to get better at
Side project on Madagascar
In addition, whilst the children are not participating in particular scenes, the Year 5 Team has created a research project to learn more about Madagscar itself to ensure that their time is well spent and is learning focused. This project covers aspects such as the flora and fauna of the island, the culture, the climate, as well as an ethical debate all about zoos.
This project covers the following learning goals in IPC:
3.06 Know that the weather and climatic conditions in places is influenced by different geographical factors
3.11 Be able to name and describe geographical features of the Earth
3.09 Be able to frame search terms for effective gathering and interrogating of information
3.10 Be able to analyse the validity of online sources
3.14 Understand that there are rules for using the work of others
3.01 Know that stereotypes give us a limited insight into other cultures
3.02 Be able to categorise similarities and differences between people and places
Finally, the Christmas Play is a wonderful opportunity for the children to continue the hard work they have put into developing a very positive environment this year, demonstrating the personal goals of empathy, collaboration and respect.
Birralee Christmas Play 2021: Pirates
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