We had already seen the profound insights that clowning can give to both teaching and learning.  Participating teachers reported a distinct impact on their ability to engage their students in creative activities, in giving them confidence to take risks and in enabling them to engage in learning.  They also reported on the impact on themselves, of feeling reinvigorated with renewed confidence and inspiration to take their own creative risks in the classroom.

The clowning really awakened hidden aspects of all the individuals who took part.  The confidence to go on the learning journey with students, to be able to take risks and make mistakes, and to break down the false notion of teacher as the holder of knowledge are core elements of the Labs in Learning philosophy which are embodied in the work with de Castro.

“The Lab has just made me clearer about my educational philosophy, re-inspired me and enabled me to enjoy teaching more than I’ve ever done before.”

“I came back with a bank of activities and a framework for learning…PAL made me realise that there are like-minded teachers out there, and gave me confidence to think we can make room for creativity.  I still use it all the time”