We understand children’s experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic will have been significant and life-changing for some. We have been exploring creative ways to begin the process of unlocking and processing children’s anxieties and feelings in a safe environment.

HOPE, a 60 minute participatory workshop is a production that has been written by The Playhouse to support children at KS2. At Raddlebarn we felt strongly that we needed to support our pupils in a multitude of ways so we invested in this. On consecutive Mondays Year 6, year 5 and year 4 will have had the opportunity to partake in this.

Set in the Derbyshire village of Eyam after the plague of 1666, this workshop explores the amazing true story of the villagers’ voluntary isolation that saved the lives of the surrounding communities.

The children are taken back in time by the character of Hope, the daughter of the village blacksmith, as she shares her experiences and the events leading to the great sacrifice made by the people of Eyam.

The children  explore the story through Hope’s diary she has kept since the plague visited Eyam and changed her life forever. They then step into the shoes of the villagers and imagine their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

 During the workshop the children are given an opportunity to:

• Develop empathy and tolerance towards each other and acknowledge their different experiences of the COVID pandemic and lockdown.
• Express their feelings, hopes, and fears for the future.
• Reconnect with classmates and friends in an exciting and creative activity.

Explore the positive consequences of social distancing and staying safe into the future.