Common Wealth's Off the Curriculum to teach new topics in Bradford

Common Wealth is launching Off the Curriculum, from its Common Space building on John Street, which it says follows a wave of strike action by teachers across the UK.

It will run from Saturday, March 18 to Sunday, March 19 and the programme’s co-creator, Noor Jahangir, argues that it will help young people express themselves beyond the classroom.

“Many agree that school restricts our creativity, and Off the Curriculum is giving us a chance to express ourselves in a way that school can't,” he said.

“I think school is limited in what it teaches.

"This is why Off the Curriculum and its aims are vital, because it acknowledges how unaware we are of certain things, despite needing to know them or being interested in finding out more.”

Common Wealth member Safah during a performance (Image: Common Wealth)

Some of the topics addressed in the programme – which have been suggested by young people – include capitalism, self-care, climate change, graffiti, pottery and den building.

A ‘new parliament’, which will see young people debate ideas and “take back control” of their education, as Common Wealth puts it, will also be part of the initiative.

Audiences are invited to discover multi-sensory rooms at Common Space, including a Kurdish living room, the deep sea and the ‘Great Wall of Zimbabwe’ – designed by young co-creators and built by professional set designers.

A projection performance by Sehrish of Common Wealth (Image: Common Wealth)

A projection performance by Common Wealth's Rumanah (Image: Common Wealth)

Common Wealth Director, Evie Manning, added: “How often do we let children and young people have free reign of their imagination? Off the Curriculum shows the potential of children and young people and what happens when they are given permission to dream, play and come up with big ideas.

“It brings to life ideas from young people and shows them transformed into reality at an impressive scale.

“The weekend is going to be really fun and will involve work created by young people for people of all ages, adults and families.”

Producer, May McQuade, also said: “We’ve been thinking about how much of our lives are spent at school and ideas for how formal education could be more expansive.

“So much is learnt through your mates, family, connecting online and also your community.

“This is a celebration of curious minds in a complicated world – almost a revolution in a wacky warehouse.”

The programme will run between 12pm and 5pm on the Saturday and Sunday, and is free to attend.