Wicked Learning casts a spell against bullying with free on-demand workshop
Photo by Matt Crockett
Wicked Active Learning, the cultural and social education programme for the London stage production of Wicked, has unveiled a new, free, on-demand Anti-Bullying Workshop.
Developed in collaboration with Starling Arts and the Anti-Bullying Alliance, the workshop focuses on themes central to the musical's narrative, including self-esteem, discrimination, and identity.
Led by Anna Shields and Emily Garsin from Starling Arts, the interactive workshop is suitable for KS2 and supports PSHE and Citizenship teaching and Anti-Bullying strategies. The workshop aims to provide students with practical strategies to recognize, prevent, and address bullying behavior, fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked in the UK, expressed pride in launching this resource, stating:
“We’re very proud to launch this free Anti-Bullying Workshop experience to support PSHE and Citizenship teaching and anti-bullying strategies. Filmed on stage at the Apollo Victoria Theatre and developed with the Anti-Bullying Alliance and our official workshop provider, Starling Arts, we’re pleased to make this Key Stage 2 resource freely available to every school in the UK via our Wicked Active Learning education programme.”
Martha Evans, Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, emphasised the importance of the partnership, stating:
“Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Wicked's narrative lies a powerful message: the journey towards acceptance, empowerment, and friendship. As Director of the Anti-Bullying Alliance, I am pleased to see our partnership with Wicked materialise into a free, on-demand Anti-Bullying Workshop for schools to use. By weaving themes of Wicked into this educational anti-bullying experience, we aim to empower students to stand tall against bullying in all its forms.”
Anna Shields and Emily Garsin from Starling Arts added:
“Starling Arts is honoured to play a part alongside Wicked Active Learning in equipping students with the knowledge and tools to combat bullying. This on-demand digital workshop complements our official Wicked in-person workshops, which bring the world of Wicked into schools and youth groups across the country.”
The launch of the Anti-Bullying Workshop aligns with Wicked Active Learning's commitment to supporting educational initiatives beyond the stage production. It forms part of the programme's broader mission to enhance students' cultural and social education, promoting critical thinking, creativity, and empathy.
In addition to the Anti-Bullying Workshop, Wicked Active Learning offers a range of resources and experiences designed to enrich students' learning journey.
The programme includes official in-person workshops covering themes such as Anti-Bullying, Wellbeing, and Musical Theatre, facilitated by experienced practitioners from Starling Arts. These workshops provide students with interactive opportunities to explore the themes and messages of Wicked.
Teachers and school staff can also access the 'Wellbeing' workshop, which is adaptable and tailored to address the specific needs of educators.
An additional KS2 PSHE classroom resource, Be a Wicked Friend, has recently been added to the selection of free teaching and learning resources. It has been designed to complement the Anti-Bullying Workshop, providing educators with supplementary materials to reinforce key messages about friendship, empathy, and inclusion.
