Heysham Primary Project

Between April and July 2010, Lancaster Dance Development Project (LDDP) worked with three of the feeder primary schools for Heysham High School, delivering a six-week dance project culminating in a sharing performance. Overton Primary School, St Peters Primary School and Mossgate Primary School took part in the project.

The sessions developed specified skills highlighted in the National Curriculum Key Stages. LDDP also provided a resource pack for teachers, allowing them to enhance their teaching skills in this area whilst engaging in the project.

Gareth Finney, Senior School Sports Coordinator, supported the initiation of the project and provided the schools with the opportunity to share their work at Heysham High. Gareth's feedback was extremely positive and he is keen to run the project again in the future.

OUTCOME: Transferable Skills

'I worked with Mossgate Primary School and delivered a World Cup themed project. The theme successfully engaged both girls and boys. The group developed dance, creative, communication and team building skills amongst other transferable skills over the six-week period.'

Helen Gould, Community Dance Artist

OUTCOME: Case Studies

'One child had ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), and I was warned he would probably not participate in the classes; he didn't usually do PE.

'In the first two weeks he participated minimally. In the third week, I gave him the option to accompany a piece of group work playing a drum. This he did very successfully. Week Four, without any persuasion, he participated in the full class and contributed to a piece of group work. And in Weeks Five and Six, not only did he fully take part in the sessions, but brought his PE kit into school in anticipation. A first apparently!

'Another girl developed in confidence remarkably during the project. She engaged in all the work but greatly lacked confidence. She had previously not taken part in performances whilst at school and we expected she would find the prospect of performing in the Mossgate assembly too daunting, not least performing at Heysham High. She took part in both performances!'

Helen Gould