Across the spring term, Make Happen partnered with Performance in Education to deliver two engaging theatre-based widening participation programmes to Year 9 and Year 10 students across Essex schools. The interactive productions, Future Forward and Working Wonders, reached over 3,000 students and were designed to raise aspirations, increase awareness of post-16 pathways and encourage students to consider Higher Education as a realistic and achievable option.
Future Forward, aimed at Year 9 students, was delivered across nine schools and engaged approximately 1,913 students. The programme focused on helping young people understand the different pathways available after GCSEs, including A Levels, T Levels, apprenticeships and vocational qualifications. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 88% reporting that they found the event helpful and 86% saying they had learned something new. Importantly, 80% of students agreed that university is available to everyone, regardless of background or learning style.
One student commented: “I was so scared about my future but now it’s not too scary. I know what I will do after GCSEs.”
Meanwhile, Working Wonders engaged approximately 1,180 Year 10 students across eight schools and explored transferable skills, resilience and future planning. The production encouraged students to think positively about their futures and understand the importance of keeping options open. Evaluation data showed that 97% of students enjoyed the presentation and 91% learned more about transferable skills. In addition, 72% said the session encouraged them to consider Higher Education.
Teachers across both projects praised the performances for being engaging, informative and highly relatable for students. Staff feedback highlighted the value of using theatre and storytelling to communicate important messages around progression, aspirations and future opportunities.
Together, these projects continue to demonstrate the impact creative outreach can have in helping young people feel more informed, confident and optimistic about their futures.
By Annika Burges, Senior Outreach Officer at Make Happen