Creative Connections

Creative Connections is a fully funded scheme, designed to increase engagement with theatre and storytelling in schools.

A group of primary school children in the audience watching a performance intently.

Creative Connections is working with 8 schools across London to provide access to live theatre for children and arts-based training for teachers, as well as shaping the future of Polka’s shows and schools programmes. 

From September 2026 to July 2028, Polka is proud to be partnering with:

  • Cricket Green School, Merton
  • Falconbrook Primary School, Wandsworth
  • Garfield Primary School, Merton
  • Harris Primary Academy Purley Way, Croydon
  • Malmesbury Primary School, Merton
  • Morden Primary School, Merton
  • St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, Lambeth
  • Winterbourne Boys’ Academy, Croydon

Schools taking part in Creative Connections shape the work we produce by taking part in our Teacher Advisory Group, research and development and feedback sessions.

So far, schools have:

  • Taken part in an R&D for an adaptation of a popular children’s book
  • Created a costume piece for our upcoming production of Arthur
  • Taken part in photoshoots for our new website
  • Helped to design upcoming schools projects

Alongside this, schools are provided with:

  • At least 2 free tickets to Polka for every child
  • 4 Polka Teacher CPD days based on Polka’s leading schools programmes, covering Storytelling, Oracy, Literacy and PSHE
  • 4 whole school story assemblies
  • Discounts on workshops and in-school CPD days
  • Last minute ticket offers
A close up of children's hands drawing on sugar paper with felt tip pens.
A group of primary school children sat cross legged on the floor with their hands raised.

Eligibility:

In order to be eligible, schools must fill a minimum of two of the following criteria:

  • Have more than 30% of their students who are eligible for Pupil Premium Grant (PPG)
  • Have more than 40% of pupils for whom English is an additional language
  • Have a large number of children who have refugee status
  • Are a special school, or have a high number of children with SEND
  • Find it difficult to give their students opportunities to experience the arts
“The first year of our partnership has demonstrated the transformative impact that regular engagement with high-quality theatre can have on our pupils… We have seen notable improvements in children’s confidence, vocabulary, oracy, imagination and empathy, alongside increased enthusiasm and engagement within literacy lessons. Our children increasingly view the performing arts as something that belongs to them and is accessible within their community, rather than something beyond their reach.”

Teacher

Morden Primary School

“Having all year groups visit Polka Theatre throughout the year created a buzz about going to the theatre to see live performances… School budgets are tight at the moment and it was so wonderful to be involved in a programme that brought so much joy! Not only have the children benefitted from some wonderful experiences, but the teacher CPD days were also amazing… I think because the Creative Connections programme involved everyone, it has given drama a higher profile in the school.”

Assistant Headteacher

Malmesbury Primary School

“For the children, it has exposed children to theatre and live performances that they may not have had a chance to see. It has supported children’s understanding and exposed them to a wider range of texts. A lot of the texts children have read in school before so seeing it as a show really brought it to life for all children. The CPD sessions have supported staff with oracy and also bringing drama into our English lessons as well as other lessons to support understanding.”

Teacher

Harris Primary Academy Purley Way

Creative Connections is kindly supported by The Garek Trust.