Background, values and aims
Background
The Perform Bursary Scheme was set up in 2009 in response to teachers, parents and others in the community requesting opportunities for young people who could benefit from Perform courses but who were not in a position to pay for the costs of the course. In response to this and internal discussions on embedding the values of Perform in a wider project, the Bursary Scheme was established.
Significant work was carried out to clarify the values underpinning the scheme and what this would mean in practice, including a structure that would allow continued growth in terms of its reach to young people.
Values
The underpinning values of the Scheme are:
Learning
The Scheme provides a space where young people can not only develop basic physical skills but also emotional and social skills that will enable them to increase awareness of self and enable positive interactions with other young people. Learning in this way is young person centred, recognising that every young person is different and will have different needs and paths in which they develop.
Opportunity
The Scheme provides an accessible and positive environment in which a young person can feel safe and secure to participate and grow. In addition an environment in which young people have the opportunity to see things differently, to be encouraged and inspired and importantly, happy in their own skin.
Focus
Drama is an excellent tool for developing a young person; it creates a clear focus for their participation and progress but without being intrusive i.e. they are engaged and enjoying the experience whilst being less aware of the range of skills they are learning. It also provides a framework for discipline and concentration, two key elements found to be important in the young person’s development.
Fun and Enjoyment
The Scheme provides an opportunity for young people to have fun and enjoy themselves in other young people’s company. It gives many young people a chance to be happy and to forget about worries and concerns and just enjoy being part of something; where they are important and their progress is consistently encouraged.
Diversity
Young people with and from a range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, ages, disabilities and/or beliefs are welcomed and supported. Diversity itself is valued as an important asset to a drama class, endorsing different thinking and types of social interaction.
Aims
The aim of the Perform Bursary Scheme is to provide the opportunity for young people to attend Perform drama classes who would not otherwise have access due to socio-economic and/or other social barriers.
The key component of the Scheme is the allocation of a year’s free drama sessions to young people across the South East, provided by Perform.
By attending the drama course a young person has the opportunity to improve confidence, concentration and have a sense of knowing what they can achieve. The course provides more than just activities; it is a step-by-step journey of inspiration and encouragement, taking young people from an unconfident and under-performing place to one where their potential is awakened and developed.
I am so impressed with Samantha. She is enthusiastic and so lovely. Evie was so shy, but within a few weeks she stood up in front of an audience and spoke a line. I was blown away. I never thought she would do that.
Poppy is really enjoying the classes and I can already see after only a few weeks how much she is getting out of it so thank you to Susie and Katie.
Etta, speaks positively of the class. Considering, she is one of the youngest her concentration is impressive. I really like the weekly themes, such as responsibility and teamwork. I’m sure it will support her growing in confidence in new or unfamiliar situations.
Jabari is loving his Perform workshops. He is really coming out of his shell and has become more talkative and open to new friendships.
Sian is a different child since joining Perform. For quite some time, her confidence and self esteem were low. It was a battle to get her to try anything new. We have all seen an amazing difference with Sian. She is enthusiastic, energetic, and most important to us 'happy.'
Aaliyah has loved her classes at Perform and today I watched the show. It was amazing! Aaliyah’s confidence wowed me. Previous shows she has taken part in she has been really nervous but this time she was calm and totally in control.
My daughter has so much fun in the class. She always looks forward to coming and leaves happy too. We can already see a difference in her, her confidence is growing and she is opening up more too.
Mia has absolutely come on leaps and bounds during her time at Perform! From being a very quiet and shy girl, Mia has blossomed so well and thoroughly loves her lessons and shows. Her confidence also radiates to all other aspects of her life. Amazing!!
Liana was being so badly bullied at school that she had become a shell of herself. Perform is making such a difference to her confidence levels and Charlotte is absolutely wonderful with the children.
This is the first class that both my children enjoy equally and really enjoy going to. I’m delighted. I really want them to grow in confidence and the class size and Naomi’s and Ben’s infectious enthusiasm help this.