In a primary school setting, can drama workshops based on the ideas of Keith Johnstone achieve the Experiences and Outcomes set out for Drama in the Curriculum for Excellence?

This study explores and uses the ideas of Keith Johnstone, a pioneering theatre practitioner, to create drama workshops that link directly to the new learning approaches detailed in the contemporary Scottish education system, The Curriculum for Excellence (CfE). The recent introduction of the CfE has led to a shift in the way teaching professionals are expected to approach and create their lessons, with greater emphasis now being placed on student-led learning through collaboration and play. This study specifically uses the games, exercises and pedagogy of Johnstone to create four primary school drama workshops which aim to achieve the experiences and outcomes set out for Drama within the framework of the CfE. This study uses a methodology which includes the creation and implementation of these four drama workshops with two classes of Primary 7 pupils. Qualitative and quantitative feedback is gathered on the workshops through questionnaires and interviews with both pupils and teachers. This data is then analysed against the experiences and outcomes for Drama, allowing for an open and honest reflection of the project's strengths and limitations. Although the practical research is undertaken with a relatively small sample group, the feedback suggests that Johnstone's ideas provide a supportive, engaging and appropriate framework for primary school drama workshops, which achieve the majority of the experiences and outcomes set out for Drama in the CfE.ba_dapunpub1544_ethesesunpu