My name is Dan O’Donnell and I am a class teacher at Redhall School, teaching Primary 3 – Primary 7 composite classes since the school opened 12 years ago. Redhall is a primary school for children with complex long-term additional support needs primarily associated with learning disabilities. Many of the schools’ pupils have an autistic spectrum condition.
I first came to Edinburgh to visit a friend in August 1994; when I arrived, the Fringe was in full swing and I was instantly taken by how full of life and creativity the city was. I fell in love with Edinburgh and, despite my firm attachment to and affection for my hometown of Manchester, I moved to the city the following autumn. Aside from a five-year stint in the States, I’ve lived in Edinburgh ever since and have looked forward to and enjoyed its festival season transformation every summer.
I recall being amazed by the sheer number and variety of shows it was possible to see any time of day or night and the atmosphere everywhere – in venues, pubs and on the streets – being good-natured and fun. I remember being especially thrilled by the street performers, there were comedians and musicians performing everywhere (it was much smaller and less regulated then). I also remember constantly being happily lost around Edinburgh and getting stuck on George IV Bridge trying to make it to a show in the Cowgate on time.
Once, years ago, I took a class from another special school to see the street performers in the High Street. A very witty singer noticed us and proceeded to teach my pupils the chorus to the Pink Floyd song, The Wall. They all joined in and were very pleased to learn that they didn’t need ANY education!
In 2020 the Fringe Society enabled my class to embark on a much-needed creative adventure during these strange Covid days. A very talented and patient artist held weekly video meetings with my class and, through his own demonstrations, encouraged them to develop their own circus and performance skills, particularly with balloons! It was a real highlight for my class and the pupils would look forward to each session with great anticipation every week.
It has been a pleasure to work with the Fringe Society. From the very beginning of the project, it has been a collaborative experience and I truly feel my suggestions, especially concerning the style of artist that would elicit the maximum amount of participation and engagement, were considered. This cooperative approach resulted in my class having a wonderful experience and was very much appreciated.
This is the second time I have worked with the Fringe Society. Doing so has allowed the young children I teach to access live performance in a safe and fun way and has resulted in all my pupils expressing a desire to visit the Fringe in years to come; this is especially remarkable as many would not have otherwise been able to be a part of it or, in some cases, even be aware of it. As a teacher, collaborating with the Fringe is a highly enjoyable and effective way for me to meet curricula targets while building up my pupils’ creativity, self-expression, self-confidence and resilience.
