Minding the Gap
This project fuses drama, visual and creative art to explore culture and tradition, while improving confidence, self-esteem and language skills for young refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who are not yet in mainstream education. Providing alternative forms of self-expression builds confidence, and improves academic achievement in young people whose first language is not English. A safe and supportive environment helps to address the emotional issues associated with transition and migration.

‘I learnt new skills – speaking, self-confidence, teamwork.’ – Participant

Literacy though Drama (off-site in primary schools)
This project uses drama, poetry, music and performance to enhance literacy skills and achieve specific learning objectives in line with the requirements of the UK National Literacy Strategy. Delivered in Brent primary schools, physical drama and performance techniques are combined with Literacy objectives to provide a fun and valuable learning experience for Key Stage 2 pupils.

‘Children love the practical activities and the role-plays. They like being given the chance to express themselves in ways other than writing.’ – Teacher, Stonebridge Primary School

Numeracy through Drama (off-site in primary schools)
Following in the footsteps of ‘Literacy through Drama’ and after a successful pilot project in summer 2009, the Tricycle continues to deliver this project in local primary schools. Well-known children’s literature is used as a base for participatory drama exercises, which aim to improve maths skills.

Press Road Drama Group (off-site)
Weekly drama workshops focus on building transferable skills with young people who have been or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream school. Young people aged 6 to 18 years attend weekly workshops, developing a project of their choice; the emphasis being on creativity, enjoyment, confidence-building and achievement both individually and as part of a group. In Spring 2010, the film group produced short film ‘Choices and Changes’ which was screened at the Tricycle cinema.

‘I can’t believe the group produced something so professional. It’s the best thing they’ve ever done.’ – Stadium Housing Association Youth Worker

Drama in Pupil Referral Units (off-site)
Linked to the National Curriculum and GCSE syllabus, this programme assists children and young people excluded from mainstream education through weekly workshops using drama, moving image and spoken word.

Young Carers Performing Arts Group
This project involves young people aged 12-18 who help to care for a family member with a physical or learning disability, serious long-term physical or mental health problem or substance misuse issues. The programme focuses on a devised performance piece that takes place at the Tricycle.

‘[I’ve learnt] how to communicate with a bigger range of people and work with them and ultimately make friends’ – Participant.

Traveller Project (off-site)
This project works with young people from the Traveller community. Weekly drama sessions are used to explore the rich culture and tradition of their community, working towards a devised performance to be shown in primary schools. The project is run in partnership with Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS), providing the opportunity for schools to work positively with the Traveller community in bringing cultural awareness to the fore of primary school learning.

Special Educational Needs (off-site)
Since January 2010, the Tricycle has delivered weekly workshops for young people with special educational needs (SEN). A large-scale project tackling the issue of primary to secondary ‘transition’ with Manor SEN primary school and Woodfield SEN secondary school uses drama, voice and movement to work towards a performance.

After-school Activities
Guitar and Street Dance classes are offered for free to young people in receipt of free school meals or whose parents are entitled to Working Tax Credit. Professional musicians and dancers work with young people aged 7–19 to help them develop their skills. All participants must register with the Education Officer for these workshops.

Guitar: every Thursday

• 4pm – 4.45pm: Beginners 1
• 4.45pm – 5.30pm: Beginners 2
• 5.30pm – 6.30pm: Intermediate

Street Dance: every Friday

• 4.15 – 5pm: 5 – 8 years
• 5 – 5.45pm: 9 – 12 years
• 5.45 – 6.45pm: 13 + years

We’ll Meet Again
This project is an activity group for people over the age of 60, which has previously featured drama, dance, art and singing workshops. It is intended for individuals who find that being older means they are at risk of loneliness, as the project is a great way to socialise.

For more information on all these projects please contact the Education Officer on 020 7372 6611.