Teach Primary Issue 18.6

Out of the Ark know how to produce joyful, creative, energetic resources. It’s in their musical DNA. For many pupils, Out of the Ark resources have become the soundtrack of their childhood in school featuring in various assemblies, musicals, choirs and nativities. And for good reasons too – they are blue-ribbon resources that are polished and professional, with a real passion for singing. Their latest resource is a nativity one and it had me giggling right from the off. The Fleece Force is, as the name suggests, is a bit of a woolly caper from another eweniverse and shear madness in places, but don’t worry, all’s wool that ends wool, culminating in peace, hope and love. Here’s the situation: so many people have flocked to Bethlehem, The Fleece Force are trying to keep the peace and make sure no one ends up behind baaa-rs. Newbie Constable Woolly has her work cut out only letting people into Bethlehem that are on the census, but this proves to be difficult with shepherds, three kings and angels on high arriving. Aiding and abetting her is the rather woolly- headed Constable Jumper, a colleague with an unconventional approach to police work who manages to get everyone safely to the stable including Mary, Joseph and the donkey! The editable script for this nativity is very witty and communicates the Christmas story in an entirely fun and engaging way without losing the inherent sense of wonder embodied in the original tale. Whilst this might not appeal to those that prefer a traditional re-telling, there is little doubt that this is a very creative and novel narrative that keeps the core storyline in a way that hasn’t been done before. It’s actually a fantastic way to teach and remember the biblical story, and children will love performing it as not only a religious concert but a cultural one too as it fosters a lovely sense of school community. Okay, so the resource might not have Lady Baa Baa, Britney Shears or Ed Shearan on vocals but what it does have is the rather marvellous singing from school children who always hit the right note all supported by expertly crafted words, music and backing tracks. As always, the cast list suggestion is perfect for all sheeps and sizes with 30 speaking parts that can be edited according to your own context. There is the simplest of staging and minimal props with a suggested generic ‘Bethlehem skyline’ backdrop with lots of ideas given for costumes. A staple of UK primary school culture and one of our most cherished traditions, the annual nativity is a defining moment for a school and its children which is why considerable thought needs to be devoted to each and every one staged. Well, The Fleece Force deserves centre stage as it is a fantastically baarmy resource full of shear brilliance. This is a happy and inclusive nativity that lets the biblical story speak in a new, fresh and exciting way and gives the children an enriching and positive experience that delivers an unequalled opportunity for school synergy. At its heart is super music and really great singing embedded in a fun-loving and high-quality retelling that maximises participation and engagement for all. There is a real richness, diversity and relevance to it with very high production values. A nativity is a whole class production with many The Fleece Force: An arresting nativity AT A GLANCE MUS I C , DRAMA A new blockbuster nativity from the award-winning Out of the Ark stable Teacher’s book containing everything you need for staging a showstopper An online Words on Screen™ product to stream or download Seven tried-and-tested songs full of humour, colour and vitality www.outoftheark.com | info@outoftheark.com | 020 8481 7200 A really imaginative, heart-warming and comical nativity A gripping script, flexible roles and fun songs Tip-top musical composition Fosters pupil wellbeing, inclusion and togetherness Builds teamwork and friendship Provides diverse opportunities for creativity Increases the awareness of the value of active music-making and singing You are looking for a fun-filled and ‘up-bleat’ nativity that tells the traditional Christmas story in a ewe- nique way. VERD I CT UPGRADE I F. . . REVIEWED BY: JOHN DABELL Out of the Ark moving parts that needs careful coordination which is why I’d be confident in choosing this resource to help me stage the biggest ticket of year. It is another compositional masterpiece from Out of the Ark. Fleece Navidad! www.teachwire.net | 95 RE V I EWS