The unique value of theatre has been acknowledged for hundreds of years. Around the globe, theatre takes on a diversity of roles, from entertainment to therapy, storytelling to social justice exploration. This has given theatre a powerful community position as a timeless and transformative tool for learning. In ancient Greece, theatre was how people learnt about themselves and each other. They developed empathy and understanding to support key decisions in their communities. So how can we apply this in our classrooms?

Children naturally gravitate towards role play, imagination and stories. It is how they navigate and make sense of the world around them and who they are. By understanding theatrical frameworks educators are enabled to extend, expand and deepen the children’s curiosity and capacity for empathy. This workshop will explore practical ways to include theatrical frameworks by reimagining the education system as one huge theatre workshop. What would happen if we just played theatre?

In a digital world, play is evolving. This workshop examines how technology can enhance, rather than replace, traditional forms of play. You will explore digital tools, interactive platforms and emerging technologies that promote creativity, collaboration and problem-solving. All learning in this workshop is rooted in neuroscience and brain-based research to ensure we build a balanced and sustainable approachable to the fast paced world of technology.

This workshop is designed for leaders and decision-makers who shape educational policy and practice. Learn how embedding a culture of play and playful mindset within institutions can drive innovation, equity and well-being. You will examine case studies where play-based approaches influenced systemic change.

Assessment and play are often a challenge to marry together and produce tension between what educators want to be doing and what they believe they need to be doing. This workshop enables us to rethink assessment through the lens of play. We will explore how to observe, document and interpret play to capture learning authentically. Learn to use reflective tools and practices that capture children's voices and developmental trajectories.

Uncover the rich historical, cultural and scientific foundations of play. From ancient philosophies to contemporary neuroscience, this course traces the enduring relevance of play in human development, challenging the idea that it is a frivolous pastime. This course is particularly helpful for educators and schools who are working on communication for their families and communities where play based learning could be a new idea. 

This workshop explores how play fosters emotional intelligence and empathy. Through games, role play and social storytelling, you will learn strategies to support children in developing compassion, perspective-taking and prosocial behaviour. We will learn about the brain-based research behind the theory and examine the power of the environment as we explore opportunities and strategies you can use to scaffold and extend your learners' experiences of empathy. 

Inclusive play is about ensuring every child belongs. This workshop offers tools and strategies to create play environments that respect and reflect diverse abilities, identities and backgrounds, supporting equitable access to joyful learning. This workshop explores inclusion for all ages of learners and focuses on how the playful mindset can carry us through our ever-changing society.