A FLAGSHIP £7.5 million primary school in York has attributed improving pupil behaviour to the work of an innovative theatre company.

According to Ofsted, Hob Moor Community Primary School, in Acomb, has shown a “rapid improvement” since the regulatory body issued the school a notice to improve in October 2007.

Head teacher Angela Charlton, determined to improve on the school’s remarkable turnaround, enlisted the help of the Alive & Kicking Theatre Company, which has been working with schools in disadvantaged areas for more than 25 years.

Mrs Charlton has a track record of using the expressive arts to raise attainment and self-esteem.

“The school had put in place a new behaviour system which was beginning to have some effect,” she said. “However we wanted the children to understand why it was important to treat each other with respect and that if they did, they would feel happier and the school would be more fun.”

Mrs Charlton explained that Alive & Kicking developed the The Princess Who Couldn’t Play for the children, with a special focus on bullying. The interactive play involved introducing them to a character called Charles Brown, from the Foreign Office, who needed the children’s help to avoid the wrath of his boss, who was a bully.

“This storyline gave the children real purpose in learning a range of games which focused on them taking turns, sharing and working together,” said Mrs Charlton.

As a result of the company’s time at the school, there were dramatic improvements in playtime behaviour, as well as improved speaking and listening skills.

Parental involvement also increased with 16 parents taking part in the project. An Ofsted monitoring visit recognised the progress the school had made.

Parents were very enthusiastic about the long-term results of the drama and have been encouraged by their children’s reactions.

“Haydon still talks about it a year later,” said parent Faye Tindall. “He enjoyed it so much that he can’t wait to see Charles Brown again.” Parent Mrs Devanne said: “I can remember the anticipation and excitement that the children felt. They weren’t bothered if swimming was postponed – all they wanted to do was to see Charles Brown and help him sort out his problems.”