Thank You Wellington College Arts Fund

The Drama Department is celebrating the arrival of an exciting new set of resources, made possible through the generous support of the Wellington Arts Grant.

Thanks to this funding, the department has taken delivery of two complete sets of beautifully handcrafted tabletop rod puppets, opening up a wealth of creative opportunities for students across all key stages.

These puppets are far more than props — they are powerful storytelling tools. Designed to be operated by one to three performers, they encourage collaboration, communication, and imaginative risk-taking. With two full sets now available, entire classes can participate simultaneously, ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage fully in practical work, rehearsals, and performances.

Puppetry offers a unique and transformative approach to drama. It allows students to explore complex ideas, emotions, and narratives in ways that go beyond traditional acting. Through this medium, abstract concepts can be brought to life, symbolism can be explored visually, and students can develop the depth of interpretation required for GCSE and A Level study.

Importantly, puppets also provide a valuable “safe distance” between performer and performance. This encourages even the most hesitant students to take creative risks, build confidence, and engage more fully in the learning process. The result is a more inclusive, supportive environment where all students can thrive.

These new resources will also play a key role in developing students’ understanding of core theatrical principles, including physical theatre, ensemble work, focus, scale, and visual storytelling - all essential components of the Drama curriculum.

In keeping with Charters School’s commitment to inclusion and representation, the puppets have been selected in a range of tones that reflect the diversity of our student community.

This is an exciting moment for the Drama Department, and we look forward to seeing the creativity, collaboration, and innovation these resources will inspire in our students for years to come.