Oxfordshire SEND students experience theatre performances

Students at Banbury and Bicester College and City of Oxford College and University Centre took part in the shows organised by Make/Sense Theatre Company.
The students, who are studying supported learning – tier 2, have been attending weekly sessions since the start of the second half of the term.
Rhianna Petrie, supported learning student at Banbury and Bicester College, has fun with props with Jane Hibbs, 7Sense co-creative lead and company manager at Make/Sense Theatre (Image: Activate Learning) Archie Fox, supported learning student at Banbury and Bicester College, explores the map with Cathy Parkin, 7Sense actor (Image: Activate Learning) Make/Sense Theatre creates theatre for and with the neurodivergent community across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
The company runs youth theatres and holiday and after-school clubs in special educational needs settings, and provides community outreach for adults and individuals with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
It also offers supported internships and work experience for neurodivergent individuals.
Every Thursday at Banbury and Bicester College, and every Friday at City of Oxford College and University Centre, three professionally trained actors and a technician from Make/Sense Theatre’s 7Sense, its multi-sensory theatre offering, visited to perform a show called Sky Bound.
Kuba Pilch, supported learning student at Banbury and Bicester College, plays with props with Cathy Parkin, 7Sense actor at Make/Sense Theatre (Image: Activate Learning)
Kuba Pilch, supported learning student at Banbury and Bicester College, has fun with the map with Cathy Parkin, 7Sense actor at Make/Sense Theatre (Image: Activate Learning) Sky Bound is about three pirates embarking on a journey in a hot air balloon.
The show takes place in a tent resembling a hot air balloon, which students are encouraged to sit inside.
The actors use various storytelling techniques, songs, puppets, props, and sensory offerings to engage the students, and a technician plays soundscapes that change according to the story, setting the scene for the students.
The show is a multi-sensory piece catering to audiences with complex sensory needs or profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Supported learning students at Banbury and Bicester College, Toby Hiley and Timothy Ho, enjoy music and props with Tyrese White, Jane Hibbs, and Cathy Parkin from Make/Sense Theatre (Image: Activate Learning)
Supported learning students at Banbury and Bicester College, Ella Markham and Kuba Pilch, have fun with props with Tyrese White, Cathy Parkin, and Jane Hibbs from Make/Sense Theatre (Image: Activate Learning) The repetition of Sky Bound each week helps the students to play, and grow in advocacy and independence.
Rhianna Petrie and Archie Fox, who are studying supported learning – tier 2 at Banbury and Bicester College, shared their experiences.
Rhianna said: “I liked the acting and the thunder and lightning. It was good.”
Archie added: “I liked Jack Sparrow and the music.”
Cathy Parkin, a 7Sense actor at Make/Sense Theatre, said: “The shows have been really good.
Toby Hiley, supported learning student at Banbury and Bicester College, inspects hidden treasure with Tyrese White, 7Sense actor at Make/Sense Theatre (Image: Activate Learning)
Archie Fox, supported learning student at Banbury and Bicester College, plays with treasure with Tyrese White, Cathy Parkin, and Jane Hibbs from Make/Sense Theatre (Image: Activate Learning) “They’ve been well received by the young people and staff have been very complimentary.
“There’s a nice sense of familiarity where the young people know what’s coming, and they’re getting to the point now where they know the show so well that they can almost partake in it.
“They have the freedom to unmask in the space, and to do and be whatever they want.”
Kate Johnson, LLD/D course lead at Banbury and Bicester College, added: “Hosting the 7Sense Theatre was an incredible opportunity for our learners.
“The sensory input was outstanding, incorporating auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic elements that enhanced sensory awareness and feedback.”