Theatre at the heart of English learning publié le 15/01/2025
Par Magali BRUNET et Sophie RENAUDON, enseignantes Anglais-lettres, Lycée Hôtelier, LA ROCHELLE.
From November 12 to 15, with the help of the Pass Culture facility, the three "Première BAC PRO" classes from La Rochelle Hotel and Catering School participated in two theatre workshops organized by the CaroleEtOliver company.
Each class took part in object and action theatre workshops conducted in both French and English. To conclude the three days, the students attended a bilingual French and English performance, entitled "Our South Africa", relating Carole’s first trip to her husband Oliver’s home country.
These two practices allowed the students to work in small groups and experience a different approach to teamwork and collaboration. The role-playing exercises encouraged everyone to express their personality and creativity but also to build connections with others.
While most of the activities were carried out in the momentum of the present moment and gave rise to joy and laughter, other more reflective exercises created very intense emotions.
Our aim in organizing these days was to help the students gain confidence in their ability to express themselves orally and present in front of others. As language teachers, we also hoped they would feel free to speak in English without the pressure of a teacher’s opinion and our goal was fulfilled !
Our first objectives were achieved with some of the students, but above all, these days created a cohesive effect within the groups.
We hope this experience can be repeated in the future.
Here are a few comments from participants :
• “Drama allowed me to get out of my comfort zone.”
• “It gave me more confidence, and I dared to speak.”
• “I felt at ease and inspired.”
• “We were able to express ourselves in lots of different ways, even though we don’t do that every day.”
• “It was an emotionally rich day that gave us a lot of moral support. It created a bond in the class and some great anecdotes.”
• “I’ve learnt some English vocabulary thanks to action theatre.”
• “I’ll be happy to do it again next year.”
• “Incredible, moving, fantastic.”