About the Company

Scapegoat Schools was set up in 2002 by director, Toni Brown. Its aims were to help facilitate young people to make positive choices and decisions in their lives, by using a combination of drama and therapy techniques. This method is known as Forum Theatre or “Forumming”. Scapegoat now runs interactive workshops in schools as well as programmes during the summer holidays and is helping to promote positive behaviour and good emotional literacy skills in children from KS1 right up to KS4.

There is a wide range of topics that Scapegoat can cover in its workshops such as; Bullying and low self-esteem, divorce, bereavement, family relationships, self-harm and sexual health issues to name but a few.

Scapegoat workshops link in directly with Emotional Literacy programmes and they also adhere closely to the 5 main guidelines set out in the ECM Green paper. “Forumming” allows the children to actively work through various different problems that they encounter in every day life and see for themselves the consequences of the different courses of action they take. The Forum technique empowers children to make positive life decisions, helping to equip them with the knowledge they need to survive and thrive in adulthood.

Our Method

• Our collaborative learning ethos ensures that our workshops are interactive sessions where every pupil is involved and works together towards a common goal. We have developed a methodology that ensures all of the multiple intelligences are stimulated during the session. This type of work is proven to increase social development, incorporating issues such as teamwork, cultural awareness, boundaries and equality
  
  
• Our Kinaesthetic learning techniques explore different ways of looking at subjects, issues and problems. By using the methods of trial and error, exploring habits and roles or seeing from another perspective, the physical experience of problem solving through drama, becomes an excellent aid to learning and understanding.

Aims and Objectives

• To provide a FUN, stimulating, safe environment for discussion, the communication of feelings and emotional release.
  
  
• To expand on Social skills within the group and help to develop positive and trusting relationships, based on mutual respect and support.
  
  
• To facilitate an easy way for the children to raise their Self-esteem and self-confidence and to encourage all positive behaviour, including self-discipline and control.
  
  
• To explore various ways on how to make positive decisions in life and how to choose the right path. Exploring different alternatives and choices in order to pave the way for individual change.
  
  
• To encourage the group to take responsibility for themselves and others and the courses of action they choose. Allowing them to pool their knowledge and experience for group problem solving exercises.
  
  
• To enable the children to view their own behaviour/ problems/ attitude/ situation with objectivity and distance.