special educational needs...clone confusion at doncaster
Doncaster School for the Deaf (DSD) students have recently performed at The Forum Theatre in Wythenshawe, Manchester. They took part in Science Centerstage, a national science drama festival.
The Manchester Festival is one of ten festivals being held throughout the UK in March, involving 60 schools and around 600 students. Following these festivals, one school from each region will be selected to stage their performance at a national event held at The Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, in London on the 9th May 2002.
In order to appreciate the achievement of the pupils to reach this stage it is important to know that 100 schools and more than 1000 students originally entered the competition in November 2001. All were hearing schools and many of the schools are performing arts status schools with teachers specialising in Drama and Dance. The DSD Drama Group were supported by Steve Jones (Head of Science), Martin Weatherall (Learning Support) and Tracy Lawton (Communication Support).
‘Cloning About’ is a thought provoking 20 minute play which explores the controversy surrounding cloning through a naturalistic comedy drama. Developed and performed by seven deaf pupils it tells the story of two sisters and their friends who are confused by identical twin brothers, believing one boy to be two-timing both sisters. The highly amusing finale highlights that although the twin brothers are physically identical, they have different personalities, preferences and needs.
The scientific issue being that clones are not identical in every way.
Deaf awareness is raised through the drama by the use of sign language, placement, flashing lights, text messaging, subtitles and the telling of jokes.
Doncaster pupil Robby Hill received particular praise from the judges at Manchester for his comedy performance in which he is constantly switching between 3 different characters, whilst at the same time narrating the story to the hearing people in the audience. Robby, who had no previous experience of acting before his involvement in Science Centrestage, would now like to find out more about opportunities for him to study performing arts when he leaves school in the summer.
Leanne Ramsden who stars as one of the sisters is quoted from her review of Science Centrestage:
"I love drama and acting. Science is more fun now. I had fantastic time, thank you. I will love to go to London for drama. I am hopeful."
Steve Jones says: "Creating the science drama ‘Cloning About’ has been enriching for everyone involved. Successfully performing in front of a large appreciative hearing audience has raised the students self-esteem tremendously. We are hoping to be in London on the 9th May, either on the stage or in the audience. It will be a great experience for the students, who have worked so well as a team."
In the summer term, DSD Drama Group will be contacting other independent schools for the Deaf and LEA mainstream and special schools offering a touring Science/Drama Roadshow.
Science Centrestage is funded by the Wellcome Trust, an independent research-funding charity whose mission is to foster and promote research with the aim of improving human and animal health and managed by The Oxford Trust, a charity that encourages the study and application of science and technology.
The aim of Science Centrestage is to encourage young people to consider the impact of medicine in society.
For further information about how the drama was developed or to enquire about the DSD Drama Roadshow,
please contact Steve Jones
Doncaster School for the Deaf.
Leger Way,
Doncaster
DN2 6AY
Tel: (01302) 386733
Fax: (01302) 361808
Email: sjones@yrsd-dcd.org.uk