Circus Optical offers an exciting range of circus skills workshop activities such as juggling, stilt-walking, balance, mime and clowning without a trace of makeup. .

Although Peter Optical’s Circus Skills Workshops are designed very much with schools in mind they are also fully adaptable for all ages and occasions where there is a safe and reasonably sized working space.

A Circus Skills Workshop is not only ideal for schools but also for fetes, after School Clubs, Youth Clubs, Play Schemes, Scouts, Cubs, Guides, Brownies, Adult Education, Corporate and Special Events............. and so much more!.

With a wealth of knowledge and experience Peter Optical has been taking his style of Circus Skills Workshops and Educational Entertainment into schools for over 30 years.
Why have circus skill workshop in your school?
Firstly, circus is fun! It can bring colour and excitement to your school and this through Circus Skills Workshops can be used as a motivating force right across the curriculum. Many primary and middle school teachers have already realized its potential and agree that circus and a circus skills workshop lends its self as an excellent springboard for thematic work.
Secondly, circus skills can promote learning development in the following areas:-

•   INTELLECTUAL:
  Perseverance is the key to acquisition of many circus skills. It can improve concentration and attention span. Children are made aware of their own learning process as their perseverance, while participating in a circus skills workshop is reinforced by tangible improvements at every stage.
•  PHYSICAL:
  Co-ordination, balance, reflex, timing and rhythm are improved with a circus workshop as are eye-hand coordination and tracking (through juggling in particular.)
•  EMOTIONAL:
  Children's confidence and self-esteem can be enhanced
•  SOCIAL:
  They are encouraged to trust and co-operate, particularly during stilt work. All communication skills are fostered.
•  AESTHETIC:
  Circus and its skills is a great stimulus for creativity in all aspects of language, drama and art
  
  Lastly, circus and its associated skills have appeared in many different cultures throughout history. It has a universal appeal and thus can be incorporated into an equal opportunities curriculum.
  
  CIRCUS - DRAWS TOGETHER THE SCHOOL AND IS AN EXCITING VEHICLE FOR SCHOOL SHOWS. CIRCUS and CIRCUS SKILLS WORKSHOPS ARE ALSO AN IDEAL ACTIVITY FOR A COMMUNITY GROUP.

All circus skills workshops are adapted in length to the needs of the school and its timetable.
A circus skills workshop starts with a friendly introduction and chat about safety followed by some simple warm up exercises/co-ordination games.
The basics of juggling, its rhythms and patterns are then taught firstly using scarves, progressing, where appropriate, to one, two and three balls.

All circus workshop equipment: ~ Scarves, balls, clubs, rings, spinning plates, Diablo, devil sticks, cigar boxes, rola-bolas, balance wheels, Balance sticks and stilts (unicycles and poi depending on age and space) are fully discussed and demonstrated prior to the pupils use.

Peter Optical can confidently run a circus skills workshop with groups of 30-35 pupils which are a recognised safe number for such an activity. Also small groups allow for individual teaching and guidance.

As well as working with young people of all ages and abilities from infants to A' level and diploma drama students, Peter Optical has had many years experience working with children and adults who have special needs.

"We are very happy to recommend him to other schools."
Thorpe Junior School

"We all appreciated the trouble taken to present the workshops at an infant level of understanding, while not patronising them. Many thanks for an excellent "One Day Workshop".
Holt Farm County Infants School

"His enthusiasm was infectious and his patience rewarded as even some of the most reticent children wanted to take an active part. We sincerely hope he will return."
Lancaster special School

"We particularly appreciate the amount of preparation to ensure both quality and quantity of material. Thank you for your help in setting standards and inspiring pupils and staff."
Westcliff High School for Girls

"Upon entering into the school, the circus has arrived! Peter resplendent in his circus outfit entertains children of all ages and possesses excellent skills, teaching every child to juggle, spin plates and Diablo. A most energetic day was enjoyed by all ".
Porters Grange Primary School and Nursery

Thank you so much for coming in to run your circus skills workshop. The children had a fantastic day.The smiles and looks of determination on their faces was a delight to watch as they spun plates and walked on stilts! We hope that you will visit us again".
St Mary's Catholic School, Hertfordshire

Just wanted to pass on a big thank you for your work with our children on Monday. They loved the stories and the instruments but I have to say that the tricks and the juggling was my class's favourite!!
Hillingdon Primary School

"He communicates so well with children - I am sure this is the secret of his success with them ".
Peggy Batchelor Clegg F.G.S.M., L.G.S.M., P.G.C.A., G.O.D.A., F.R.S.A.

Equity Member/Public Liability Insurance/Standard & Enhanced CRB disclosure Certificates

Prices on request.
Telephone; 01702715882
Mobile ; 07947536634
e-mail;
peteroptical@circusoptical.co.uk
www.peteroptical.co.uk
www.the-storyteller.co.uk
www.circusatschool.co.uk