The transition from infant to junior school is important in the lives of children and their families, yet research has shown that transitions can be stressful for children. This project facilitates joint working between Year 2 and Year 3 pupils and teachers to support this transition.

See here for information about our Year 6 into Year 7 transition project.

Key activities

• CPD for Year 2 and Year 3 teachers
• Storytelling performance(s) for Year 2 and 3 pupils
• 5 rehearsal workshops with each Year 2 and Year 3 class (1 per week)
• Optional workshop(s) for Year 2 and Year 3 parents
• Performance in the Key Stage 2/Junior school for all participants

Please note: we can tailor the project to the schools’ requirements. For example, we can vary the number of rehearsal workshops.

Available texts

This project is based around A Midsummer Night’s Dream due to its themes of change and friendship. However, we can tailor it around a different play. Please get in touch to discuss this.

Curriculum links

For pupils

• Improves self-esteem and confidence and promotes social and emotional development
• Develops understanding of Shakespeare’s stories
• Develops oracy skills: developing confidence in the art of speaking and listening; using discussion in order to learn; being able to elaborate and explain ideas
• Develops literacy skills: reading challenging texts with good understanding; acquiring a wide vocabulary
• Enables all learners to participate in and gain knowledge, skills and understanding associated with drama.
• Supports learners to adopt, create and sustain a range of roles, and respond appropriately to others in role.
• Supports pupils to prepare ideas before they write

For schools

• Facilitate and effect good working relationships between Year 2 and Year 3 teachers
• Builds teachers’ understanding of Shakespeare’s language and craft
• Encourages active teaching approaches to Shakespeare
• Develop parents’ understanding as to how they can ease the transition for their children