A Typical Kakatsitsi School Day
The ideal format is for Kakatsitsi to spend a full day at a school, beginning with a whole-school educational performance followed by four 45–60 minute hands-on workshops.
Each workshop period can accommodate up to 60–65 children, divided into two class-sized groups using two spaces. One group takes part in a drumming workshop while the other learns traditional Ghanaian dance, before the groups swap halfway through the session.
This format enables up to 240–260 children to participate directly in drumming and dance workshops during the course of the day, in addition to the whole-school performance.
“ Thank you for the performance yesterday, it was magical. The spontaneous applause and cheering from the children at the end said it all. A lot of the children were fascinated by the box drum made out of plywood, and a number of classes came back to school and searched the classrooms to see what objects they could use as a drum. Life- long memories and experiences are one of the best things we can give to children during their time in school”.
Ian Robinson, Headmaster, Monkton Heathfield Primary School
Approximate Timetable
The times given are approximate and can be adapted to suit the timetable of a school day / the ages of the children involved. Times and capacities also vary depending on the educational package booked.
Time | Activity | Capacity | Duration | Location |
9.15-10.00 | Performance | Whole School | 45-60mins | School Hall |
10.15 – 11.00 | Workshop 1 | 60 children | 45–60mins | School Hall plus 1 nearby room |
11.00-12.15 | Workshop 2 | 60 children | 45–60mins | School Hall plus 1 nearby room |
13.00 – 14.00 | Workshop 3 | 60 children | 50–60mins | School Hall plus 1 nearby room |
14.15 – 15.15 | Workshop 4 | 60 children | 50–60mins | School Hall plus 1 nearby room |
End-of-Day Performance
Where circumstances allow, Kakatsitsi can finish the school day with a short outdoor performance in the playground, timed to coincide with parents arriving to collect their children.
Children who have taken part in the workshops during the day can join the musicians and dancers, giving them an opportunity to demonstrate some of the rhythms, songs and dance movements they have learned. Parents are able to see something of what their children have experienced during the day, while the performance creates a lively and celebratory conclusion to Kakatsitsi’s visit.
“WOW! What an absolutely INCREDIBLE day and experience we had yesterday with Kakatsitsi – an AMAZING drumming group visiting from Ghana! The children and staff were so fortunate to share the amazing talent, music, culture and positive energy from these fabulous people. From the moment the first drum was played to the final beat of the last performance, the day was full of dance, laughter and very happy faces. A truly unforgettable experience that we will be repeating for sure!”
Boyton Primary School, Cornwall
More information on Kakatsitsi’s educational work :
Educational Performance – how Kakatsitsi’s interactive whole-school performance works.
Educational Workshops – participatory drumming and dance workshops for pupils.
Links with the National Curriculum – see how the programme supports learning outcomes in England and Wales.
Links with the Curriculum for Excellence – see how the programme supports learning outcomes in Scotland.
Links with the Irish Republic Curriculum – see how the programme supports learning outcomes in The Republic of Ireland.