The decision to 'not go ahead' with the traditional, bi-annual school production was fraught with emotion and angst. The discussion was, at times, heated. The community response will be the next big hurdle.
Everyone would agree on the positive effect the school production has on those who shine, those who love performing. It is an opportunity to share and develop ones strengths, talents, interests and maybe an opportunity to tackle headfront some of those needs.
But what about those kids for whom the traditional school production just doesn't float their boat? What about the hours of rehearsal with all that sitting and waiting? What about the effect of stress on the teachers and helpers that put it all together? What about the lost learning time in an already busy curriculum? And where is the student agency?
In my experience, the school production as it stands works for some and not for others. It puts enormous stress on an already busy workload. There are those for whom the experience is immeasurable and for others a torturous event. And I am not sure I have seen a school production that showcases true student agency (perhaps I have been unlucky).
Whatever we decide we have to be very clear about the "why" and we must determine the benefits versus the costs. We have to be prepared for it to look different. It is not good enough to continue with traditions because "that is the way we have always done this around here".
I enjoyed reading this reflection...perhaps there are alternatives.
https://traintheteacher.wordpress.com/2015/04/02/breaking-educational-moulds-the-school-production/
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