T1’s rendition of their nativity production, Christmas with the Aliens, centred around the traditional Christmas story being retold to some alien visitors. Stranded on earth with their broken spaceship, they meet a group of schoolchildren about to rehearse their Christmas play. Invited to watch, the aliens discover an amazing story they want the whole universe to hear. But will the aliens be able to mend their spaceship and travel back to outer space whilst also learning what the true meaning of Christmas is along the way?
Many life skills and transferable skills are learnt through T1’s drama lessons – listening carefully to instructions; responding appropriately; respecting other opinions; working together; considering other viewpoints; speaking clearly and with purpose and this learning, plus an increase in self-confidence and self-awareness, is what makes drama such a fantastic teaching tool for this age group.
The play provided a variety of roles for the children to inhabit and they responded to the challenges with enthusiasm and commitment. The on-stage action was interwoven with songs and dancing, carried off with notable confidence. Anyone who saw Christmas with the Aliens will agree that the final performance really left the stage as the children really threw themselves into the story, with many pupils even improvising new lines and actions.
“I loved it when we all played air guitar and even the teachers did too!"