Worlds Within
A group of students from Furlong Park School for Deaf Children cluster down one end of the school's gymnasium. At the other end, Sue Giles grins and gestures at the kids. She holds up one finger and they watch her intently, then she turns her back to them. The Furlong students run towards her, and Sue quickly turns around again. They stumble and freeze. Sue laughs and points to a few who are still moving, gently banishing them to the bottom of the room again.
The students at Furlong Parl School for Deaf Children play What's the Time Mr Wolf?
Photo: Marcel Aucar
This session of What's the Time Mr. Wolf? is part of a workshop with Polyglot Puppet Theatre, an internationally acclaimed company that has been touring Australian schools for over thirty years. As the artistic director of Polyglot, Sue Giles specialises in creating interactive works for children that are inspired by their artwork, play and ideas.
"This program is about helping the students to grow by opening them up to the world of imagination and inspiration," Sue says.
"By nurturing a sense of wonder and an appreciation for the power of art, we build stronger, happier adults."
Polyglot was invited to the Furlong Park School for Deaf Children as part of Arts Victoria's Extended Schools Residencies program. Thanks to a $35,000 grant, Polyglot is able to visit Furlong Park every week over two school terms to collaborate with the students on a unique cross artform performance.
Over the course of the residency, the children at Furlong Park will experiment with drawing, puppet making and physical theatre. They will also communicate via video link to students in Cambodia, at the Epic Arts special needs school in Kampot. A former Polyglot puppeteer is currently running a program at Epic Arts, giving Polyglot and Furlong Park the opportunity to connect with students from another culture who also have a disability.
"This is a very exciting project," says Furlong Park principal Robyn Lawrence, "We want the children to explore their identity and their world through art, to help them feel better connected to each other and to the wider community."
Photo: Marcel Aucar
Robin says the Extended Schools Residency program is a great opportunity for the Furlong Park students, and she is already seeing fantastic results.
"In just a couple of weeks, we've seen increased interaction and confidence in our students because of this different way of learning and playing. Our students absolutely love Polyglot."
Visit the Education Partnerships page to find out more about Extended Schools Residencies.