Living with Loss
The tragic death of an eight-year-old boy has led to the launch of a new
schools project to help children deal with loss. Joshua Deriaz (pictured)
suffered the sudden onset of a brain stem tumour early last year, dying just 21
days after diagnosis. His parents, Paul and Sarah, of Bovingdon Heights, Marlow,
struggled to come to terms with their son’s dramatic decline – and how to
explain it to his sister Sophie, then aged nine.
Questions about Joshua’s sickness and death proved a challenge for the
grieving parents. “We had to find the words that would not only satisfy his
young friends’ inevitable questions but those of their parents’ as well.
The couple read the book, Waterbugs and Dragonflies by Doris Stickney
and recommended it to other parents. “By using the analogy of the water bug’s
short life under the water and their emergence as dragonflies into the bright
sunlit world above, it provides many basic truths surrounding loss and death.”
The family also became aware of the need for resources to help schools when
an unexpected death occurs within their own community. They arranged a meeting
with cre8.ed (Creative Resources in Education) to discuss the possibility
of developing a schools programme, now entitled The Loss of Someone
Special. Permission was granted to use the text of Waterbugs and
Dragonflies and, working in partnership with Springs Dance Company, cre8.ed
is developing a dance presentation based on the story for Key Stage 1 and 2
pupils (ages 4-11).
The The Loss of Someone Special is designed for primary school pupils
to explore and respond to the wider issues associated with loss. This can be
from the death of a family pet, a best friend moving away, the perceived loss of
family life through divorce or separation to the deeper issues of the death of a
close family member or the frightening episodes in today’s society - for
example, recent events of September 11 and the abductions and deaths of our
schoolchildren.
cre8.ed plan to provide a schools assembly dance presentation, followed by
dance workshops, for teachers and pupils to explore and respond to issues
surrounding loss, through the use of the arts. The project will become a primary
curriculum-linked training program for Key Stage 1 & 2 pupils initially. It is
intended to help equip and empower teachers to tackle a sensitive subject
proactively through the arts medium. Guidelines will be offered for teachers to
prepare pupils prior to the dance presentation. Follow-up resources, including
visual art-based lessons for the teachers to use in the classroom, as
appropriate, will also be provided. Materials from The Child Bereavement Trust
will be also be available.
Tom Peryer, Director of Education for the Diocese of London, says
“Not many of us prepare well for death, least of all when it is unexpected.
Death and bereavement in school is not expected, but of course it does happen.
Sometimes in especially tragic circumstances as when a child is killed in a
car accident or drowned on holiday; children also become terminally ill.
"But children also lose parents or close relatives. Sometimes a teacher or
member of staff dies suddenly or after a long illness. When these things
happen, there is an expectation that the school will cope and knows what to
say, how to care for the child or children. But this is not always the case,
which is why I welcome “The Loss of Someone Special”. It will help schools
help children cope with death and bereavement.”
Jenni Thomas, OBE – Chief Executive, The Child Bereavement Trust
“Meeting the needs of children and their families experiencing the death or
loss of someone important in their lives is not easy. Schools have a key role
to play.
"Anything that encourages open and honest communication surrounding this
difficult and challenging task is to be welcomed. I am therefore delighted to
endorse The Loss of Someone Special project. This vital initiative will
bring to schools a fresh and stimulating opportunity to open the door on a
subject that many of us struggle with. Importantly, the creative workshops
will be backed up with resources for school staff following each performance
providing long term support. I wish the cre8.ed team every success with this
very worthwhile venture.”
It is estimated that £20,000 is required to deliver this project and to make
it available to schools nationwide. Ideas are already being discussed by the
cre8.ed team for a Key Stage 3 and 4 project, using different texts.
Joshua’s dad, Paul, says “We really hope this project will help children to
learn invaluable life skills to build on as they develop into responsible and
secure citizens.” |
Further information
cre8.ed – Creative Resources in Education – is an educational
charity comprising a team of professional practitioners in art, dance,
drama and music. cre8.ed delivers art based teaching and learning
strategies which promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural
development of pupils. They work in all types of schools, including
special schools, throughout the UK.
For further information, or financial contributions, please contact:-
cre8.ed
PO Box 496
High Wycombe
Bucks
HP14 3GP
Tel: 01494 882073 |
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