Model theatres

Enborne CE Primary School

Children and teachers at Enborne CE Primary School in Newbury looked at Rubens’s painting together and compiled a list of questions to explore. Working in mixed-year groups of about six children, they used these questions to write a play about a small section of the painting. The pupils made model theatres and puppets, and then performed their plays at a special evening event.

This project fulfilled many areas of the curriculum. Writing the plays developed literacy, while working in teams and performing to an audience improved speaking and listening skills. Design technology requirements were met in making the theatres and designing the sets. Maths was used in scaling the puppets and props to the scenery, including understanding the concepts of background, middle ground and foreground.

© Enborne CE Primary School. Photo: The National Gallery, London.