YOUNGSTERS from Swindon schools have been boosting their confidence and improving their social skills with the help of professional drama workers since the start of the year.

And on Thursday next week they will all come together to demonstrate what they have learned in a free show at the Wyvern Theatre.

Making It ART 2015 will be performed by students from Uplands, Crowdys Hill, Commonweal Special education unit and The Ridgeway School Wroughton’s Autism Unit.

Drama tutors from Reach Inclusive Arts are experienced at working with mixed ability groups and have spent time with each school group to develop original performance pieces.

The pupils are encouraged to express their thoughts and hopes about their lives after full time education has finished and their aspirations for identity and adult living.

The four groups will spend the morning rehearsing at the Wyvern Theatre next Thursday, during which time participants are able meet one another and share their experiences and in the afternoon friends, family, supporters and members of the public are invited to view the results of months of their hard work.

Members of Reach Inclusive Arts will also be distributing Opportunities Information about local organisations which offer a range of activities and further education opportunities that are accessible to the young people taking part.

“Making It Art is an excellent opportunity for our students as it helps build their confidence and social skills," said Josie Williams, Community Arts Development Officer at Commonweal School.

"They have a great time in the process. I cannot sing the praises of this project enough,”

And she added: “I love Making It Art with the specialised group from Commonweal. Working in theatre means I regularly see the inspiration and energy the arts can have but it is through projects like this that I witness and feel the power of the arts and to create change in those involved.

"The children excel, are focused and push their own limits because they are proud of what is happening and what they are making. It is that pride that creates tangible change and momentum. The over-riding theme this year is the future and all schools are being asked to look at that theme through a journey across water.

Reach Inclusive Arts is a Swindon based arts charity founded in 1983 supporting learning disabled people and those who have used mental health services.

Its aim is to create opportunities for people to experience art as a therapeutic medium.

Making It Art can be seen on the main stage at the Wyvern Theatre on Thursday from 1pm -2.45pm