Theatre Cohort: Express 10
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In 2015 St. George's School invited faculty to pitch possible focus cohort programs to launch the following school year. Through collaboration with my HOD, we pitched 'Express 10'. Express was adopted and I was given the position of cohort lead and the task to design the course PE for Theatre. This has been an amazing learning opportunity as I was able to not only create another new course but an entire program and performance tour. Express 10 offers the opportunity for groups of students to study the grade 10 curriculum through the lens of a focus 'cohort.' These groups, consisting of approximately 15-20 students, will take a modified English, social studies, drama and PE course directed through the lens of performance. This model allowed me to develop unique learning opportunities for the students that blur the typical boundaries of the classroom and permit greater connections with real-world learning.
Express 10 offers students an enriched performing arts environment in which to study, grow and enjoy their curriculum through the prism of theatre arts and other performance avenues. An actor’s physical training, storytelling skills, literacy through the study of drama and song and of course, performance opportunities of many kinds are offered in this cohort, exemplifying visible, experiential and meaningful learning. |
In addition to the performance focus of the course work, students in the cohort program work through-out the year to write and rehearse their own one act play, finally taking the show on tour to a number of unique school communities on Vancouver Island. This program has proven to be incredibly successful by offering boys a unique opportunity to create and take full ownership of their story and work.