Refugees Scheme of Work

6 Drama Lesson Plans for Year 7 (Ages 11-12yrs)

This scheme of work explores the experiences of refugees through the tale of displaced children. Students are taught to empathise with their plight through character development exercises using Role on the Wall, Mantle of the Expert and Stanislavski techniques. They will reflect on the real life tale of a wartime refugee, focus on issues of identity and communication and relate these to current events.

Each lesson plan has clearly stated objectives and learning outcomes. They are structured to include introductory warm up, development and plenary sessions. A homework task is also included.

Refugees

This scheme of work contains 6 drama lesson plans.

Lesson 1: The Children Leave

Students learn to understand the confusion refugees feel when they arrive in unfamiliar place by devising scenario-based pieces from story cards.
Lesson 2: The Children go to a new Family

The importance of communication is explored through spontaneous improvisation with language difficulties highlighted.
Lesson 3: Identity

The concept is introduced and challenged by the students as they devise and perform scenario-based pieces.
Lesson 4: Developing Your Character

Groups develop a character using basic Stanislavski and Role on the Wall techniques, bringing the character to life in their new environment.
Lesson 5: 5 Years Later

The characters are developed further using Stanislavski methods and Mantle of the Expert as the refugees' situation changes.
Lesson 6: Mrs Shumacher's Story

Students read and discuss a real-life refugee’s experiences. Groups devise a scene where the refugees are reunited, using a frozen picture and thought aloud to express the final part of the tale.