Drama initiative launched to train teachers

Halton Borough Council has launched a new initiative to help teachers to use drama workshops to address road safety issues.

The ‘Roots Project’ is being funded by PSA money until March 2005.

"Roots is a drama initiative in conjunction with the Box Clever Theatre Company," explains Julie Windelar, RSO. "The project sets out to train teachers to undertake effective drama workshops within a road safety and accident reduction remit."

Staff are being trained at away day workshops and surgeries and Box Clever is also working with staff and their pupils in the classroom. "We are planing a grand finale with all 10 schools involved in the project coming together and working as one large Road Safety Premier League," Julie adds.

At the same time, teachers are being briefed on a variety of road safety issues that are specific to their area and how to encourage children to learn through the arts.

A breakdown of the activity taking place in the participating schools, and comments from pupils at the schools can be found on the project web page, www.boxclevertheatre.com/roots.

Alternatively, further information can be obtained from Julie Windeler, Julie.Windeler@halton-borough.gov.uk