Perform Bursary Scheme

Priorities

Providing Opportunities

The immediate priority of the Scheme is to increase the number of young people reached and supported within the target group. The target group is:

Young people aged 4-12 years old who are:

  • From a household income of less than £40,000 (and ideally less than £20,000)
  • Have specific personal development needs
  • Are likely to benefit from drama as the tool for development

Additional considerations have been identified for the assessment of a young person. These include:

  • Referral from a teacher
  • Specific character descriptions e.g. shy or boisterous/difficult to concentrate
  • Already showing an interest in a Perform class
  • Young people from single parent families

The Scheme aims to increase the number of young people receiving opportunities from 120 young people to 200 young people by the end of April 2011.

The key outcomes are as follows:

  • The provision of drama class opportunities for young people who would otherwise not get the chance due to low family income and additional barriers to access.
  • The provision of a positive and inspiring space for young people to grow and develop.
  • The development of young people who have specific needs through the provision of drama classes that inspire, encourage and build confidence.
  • The provision of kinaesthetic activities that enable young people to enjoy life, improve fitness, and assist in the development of emotional and cognitive skills who would otherwise not have the chance.

Securing sustainable funds

To enable the increase in young people benefitting from opportunities it is necessary for the Scheme to secure additional funds. The fundraising approach is set out section 5.

Key considerations for securing funds are:

  • Diverse funding streams that support the values of the Scheme
  • Targeting funds and securing supporters that will support the priorities of the Scheme
  • Encouraging long term support of the Scheme to enable a steady increase in opportunities over the next five years

Increasing Awareness of the Scheme

To ensure that the Scheme targets young people most in need and within local communities across the South East, it is important that stronger links are made with local schools. Teachers of local schools where there are Perform drama classes are aware of the opportunities for young people who can pay for classes but are less aware of the opportunities for those who cannot afford to pay and have additional development needs.

To increase awareness and the referral of young people most in need and can most benefit from the drama classes, a more targeted approach to communicating with teachers will be carried out. This will be achieved by improving the communication with teachers i.e. from sending out letters/formal communication (current method) to speaking directly and more informally to teachers either face-to-face (by Perform Teachers) or by telephone at times when teachers are less busy and easiest to contact.

Key considerations for more effective communication include:

  • Clearer articulation of young people to be targeted and the potential benefits of the drama classes (for young person development)
  • Record of teacher communication and referrals as a result
  • Clear avenues for a teacher to link to their own assessments and support of a young person
  • Specific communication channels for a teacher to discuss possible referrals