The theme of Refugee Week 2019 is ‘You, me and those who came before’. Inviting us to explore the lives of refugees – and those who have welcomed them – across the years, it promotes empathy and tolerance amongst us all. Refugee Week will take place between the 17th - 23rd June. 

Welcome Gems (KS2 - 4 / P7 - S6)

Reflecting on ways we can make newcomers feel at home

Unfortunately, though, the news is often full of stories recounting how refugees can sometimes be made to feel less than welcome in their host countries and communities. Designed to remind us of the value of shared and positive pasts and futures, this emotionally engaging (and safe) workshop uses drama in everyday situations to help pupils consider the impacts of being made to feel unwelcome - before turning this all round by designing their own “Welcome Gems” – a series of vignettes illustrating how being welcoming can improve the well-being and futures of all. And children can go on, of course, to "spread the word" by sharing these with other classes and/or parents and careers!

Duration: 1½ hours – half a day, depending on your needs

Exploring: empathetic thinking, speaking and listening skills (and, for upper KS2 onwards, testimonials from survivors of persecution)

Cross-Curricular Links: Literacy, History, Geography, MFL, Drama, RE, PSHE

Suitable for: KS2 - KS4

 

A Home is More Than a House (KS1 – 4 / PS1 - S6)

Thinking positively about the value of "home"

Whilst great efforts are made to rehouse those genocide survivors torn from their homes,

it can take many years of struggle to build a new "home". Thinking about this, A Home is More Than a House starts with an activity designed to support pupils in considering and sharing what "home" means to them - and what people torn from theirs might miss. Moving on to an exploration of ways that images, colours, patterns and textures can all represent feelings, it culminates in students working collaboratively to create a powerfully evocative display – spelling out the phrase, “A Home is More Than a House”.

Duration: 1½ hours – half a day, depending on your needs (shorter workshops might require you to devote additional time to allow students to complete their work)

Exploring: emotional wellbeing, art media, presentation (and, for upper KS2 onwards, testimonials from Holocaust survivors)

Cross-Curricular Links: Maths, Literacy, History, Geography, MFL, Art, DT, Drama, RE. 

 

Anne Frank: Adjusting to an Unwanted Home (KS2 / P4 upwards)

A true story of determination and co-operation

This workshop uses a range of drama activities to explore how Anne Frank, her family and friends were forced to make a secret home in the Second World War. Pupils will consider what the Franks did to turn an attic into a home and the constraints they were forced to live under - before identifying the factors that turn a building into a home.

Duration: 1 - 2 hours, depending on your needs and the number of groups we work with.

Exploring: uses of space, relationships, the Holocaust in context.

Cross-Curricular Links: History, Geography, Literacy, Drama, RE

 

Find out more about our Welcome Gems workshop or reserve a date by getting in touch on 0151 708 8886 or email us at info@as-creatives.com. 

In the UK, Refugee Week (17th - 23rd June) is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities. Find out more about Refugee Week by visiting refugeeweek.org.uk/about-us/

 

Refugee Week SchoolWorkshops

 

Related Workshops

Shakespeare

Shakespeare Workshops for Schools

Our immersive approaches engage even the most reluctant pupils, offering them fun and exciting environments in which to enrich their knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare.

Find out more...

 

Literacy workshops

Holocaust Memorial Day

Holocaust Memorial Day, marked all over the world, is one of the most important days in the calendar.  It takes a different theme each year - and on and around January 27th we’re able to offer schools a number of different workshops.

Find out more...

Poetry Workshops for Schools

National Poetry Day

Our Poetry workshops come highly recommended from teachers and are available throughout the school year, as well as on key dates such as National and World Poetry days. 

Find out more...