April Aardvark April Aardvark Resource Pack | Page 2

From The Education Coordinator
April Aardvark is a play about being true to
yourself despite what others might think.
When supreme bully April Aardvark turns up
at Mildew College and begins mercilessly
picking on anyone in sight, our heroes
gradually come to realise that it’s only by
feeling confident in being their authentic
selves that they are able to shrug-off her
attacks. This is the perfect play to spark
conversations around bullying, online safety
and personal and social capability in your
classroom.
Playwright Nathaniel Moncrieff has crafted a
darkly funny, complex but ultimately uplifting
tale about loving yourself and positively
managing relationships that will hold students
spellbound throughout.
Curriculum Connections
Stage Subject Outcome
3 English EN3-3A
EN3-5B
EN3-7C
Drama DRAS3.4
English EN4-1A
EN4-3B
EN4-5C
Drama 4.3.1
4.3.2
4
Themes Cyber-safety
Anti-bullying
Personal responsibility vs
Peer pressure
Activity: Cat & Mouse
This is a game of collaboration, but can also
be used as a gentle metaphor for feelings of
exclusion that can be the result of bullying.
1.
One player is the “Cat”, another is the
“Mouse”. The remaining players stand
in a circle, facing inward and holding
hands with the player either side of
them.
2. The cat chases the mouse around and
through the circle. At any point,
players in the circle may raise or lower
their linked hands to block the cat or
mouse, or allow one or the other of
them to pass through. The cat and
mouse may not move through the
circle unless permitted.
3. The round ends when the cat catches
the mouse. Repeat as desired.
Reflection:
• As the cat or mouse, how did it feel to be
blocked or let through the circle?
• How did players in the circle make
decisions about who to let through?
How To Use This Resource
This resource has been designed to help
students and teachers explore, creatively and
imaginatively, the themes of April Aardvark in
your classroom.
April Aardvark is a play about bullying, both
online and in reality, and as such we
recommend the following online resources to
help with discussions that may arise over the
course of the activities.
NSW Department of Education
Anti-Bullying Website
www.antibullying.nsw,gov.au
Bullying. No Way! (Australian Government)
www.bullyingnoway.gov.au
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800
www.kidshelpline.com.au