Lancashire Schools’ Magic Fest

Initially funded by the Department of Education via the Arts Council, The Lancashire Schools Magic Fest is now in its second year. The project aims to challenge, evaluate, and develop numeracy and literacy skills (and wider cross curricular themes) within the Primary sector.

Working with five schools and five museum/heritage sites - the project uses the presentation of magic and illusion as a performance art to advance and strengthen functional skills and subject knowledge:

• numeracy

• literacy

• communication

• confidence

• oral storytelling

• local history

• art

• design

• science

As part of the project, pupils explore their local museums and heritage sites to design and create a performance piece laced with magic inspired by their local heritage and the diverse communities within that heritage. These shows are performed as a collective within a large theatre space.

We are validating that magic has the ability to support, develop and aid a diverse group of pupils.

The project develops and supports the following objectives:

• Numeracy and Literacy development

• Oracy

• Develops creativity

• Improve self-esteem and self-expression

• Encourages self-confidence

• Improve written/oral communication

• Develops critical thinking in the pupils

• Builds a love of reading

• Growth mindset and resilience

Pupils work with internally renowned magicians and drama experts and will get the opportunity to perform on stage.

For more information, please email heritagelearning@lancashire.gov.uk