A study into the theatrical techniques created by Augusto Boal and how they can be used to teach First Year Secondary school pupils about Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, 'The right of the child to be heard'.

Abstract

This study will explore whether the theatrical techniques created by Augusto Boal can be used to create four workshops to be delivered to first year secondary school pupils based on Article 12 of The UN Convention and the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), 'the right of the child to be heard'. Furthermore, this study will explore the relationship that the UNCRC has with A Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) in Scotland, and it will establish if the workshops created can align with the four capacities that underpin CfE, therefore showing that the UNCRC can be taught as part of the curriculum. A thorough study of literature based on the UNCRC, CfE and Boal's theatrical techniques, Theatre of the Oppressed (TOTO) will be at the centre of this study. Additionally, an interview with a specialist practitioner in TOTO and an observation of his practice will also be referred to. In conjunction with this, an interview with a member of the Children's Rights Office will ensure that the information provided in this study is accurate. Finally, along with the researchers own observations, an analysis of questionnaires filled in by pupils and teachers following their engagement with a practical experiment will help to define the success of the research project. To conclude the study, a thorough analysis of all the data collected will discuss the strengths and limitations of the workshops created. This study will use predominantly qualitative data, however due to the small sample group being used, this study cannot draw any definite conclusions. Instead, the study will analyse the effectiveness of the project as a whole, and it can act as a starting point for a further investigation into the research area.