Eating Disorders Scheme of Work

(ages 13-14)

This six-lesson scheme uses a single case study ('Casey') and a short poem to explore self-image, family dynamics and eating disorders safely through drama. Lessons combine practical devising techniques and performance work—hot-seating, essence machines, split scenes, narration and internal voices—to help students research causes, develop empathy and create responsible performances that conclude on a more hopeful note.

What Students Will Learn

Students will research causes and effects of eating disorders through a dramatic lens, develop character understanding and empathy, and practise a range of performance techniques. Across the unit they will use hot-seating, essence machines, narration, split scenes and voice work to devise and perform scenes, write short poems for performance and use symbolic or musical elements to shape a concluding performance.

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6 detailed lesson plansA complete, practical teaching sequence for the unit.
Lesson-by-lesson activity guidanceUse the unit structure, skills focus and classroom tasks without starting from scratch.
Linked classroom resourcesResources, Music are included where they support the lesson sequence.

Week 1: The Reflection
Introduces self-image and self-esteem through the story of 'Casey' and the poem 'The Reflection'. Students engage with the activity 'The Mirror' to begin exploring poetic performance and personal perspective.
Resources Include
Resources
The Reflection
Week 2: Casey's Family
Explores causes of Casey's issues by examining family dynamics and motivation. Pupils use hot-seating to probe characters and then develop the material into a domestic scene.
Resources Include
Resources
The Reflection
Week 3: Essence Machines
Introduces the concept of an Essence Machine to heighten tension and focus emotional beats. Students practise the technique and use it as a tool to devise a new scene reflecting Casey's experience.
Resources Include
Resources
The Reflection
Week 4: My Poem
Students create their own poems and transform these into performance pieces combining narration, split scenes and an essence machine. The lesson emphasises writing for performance and staged narration.
Resources Include
Resources
The Reflection
Week 5: The Discovery
Uses 'voices in the head' to dramatise Casey's internal struggle through the activity 'Angel and Devil'. Pupils develop the plot further by presenting contrasting internal perspectives.
Resources Include
Resources
The Reflection
Week 6: A Happy Ending
Concludes the story using symbolic and musical elements to move the narrative towards a more hopeful resolution. Students stage and rehearse a final performance that integrates symbolism and sound.
Resources Include
Resources
The Reflection
Music
Eternal Hope