Workshop thoughts

Following four days of brain-stretching, opinion-changing and cell-mutating, we've come to the end of the research and development workshops for the Darwin project.  Our writer Ali Taylor now has five weeks to sift, sort and develop the ideas that we started to explore. 

It's been a really wonderful few days, and the feedback from all the participants, actors and scientists has been excellent. We've learnt about cells, time, chance and adaption - about how old the earth is and how important time is to evolution.  We've discussed belief, faith, science, evidence, philosophy, politics and the meaning of life.  We've proved that young people are sometimes better than adults at being open minded, conscientious and respectful when talking about evolution.

We're all really excited about how the script will develop.

There's a new gallery of photos from the workshops now online.

And, to finish the week, here's a selection of comments from the participants about the workshops.  Check back on Monday for a video of our Year Ten participants talking about what the project meant to them.

"I have a higher respect for the process and it has furthered my belief in the idea of miracles - miracle as in a scientific word meaning mistake or chance"
Naomi Ackie

"I find Darwin much more interesting now"
Jake Head

"I've most enjoyed learning about evolution in a theatrical way"
Hauk Pattison

"I know a lot more about Darwin now to tell the truth.  But I still feel the same because I believe parts of what Darwin said and parts of the Bible"
Nickcolia King-n'da

"It was much better than I could have imagined.  Ben and Dale (science experts) for the win!"
Daniel O'Keefe

"I've never had to teach Darwin's theories before, and look so closely at the social/spiritual aspects ... I was really surprised at how enthusiastic and insightful everyone was"
Dale Bancroft

"It was so interesting to see individuals' reactions from different angles"
Ben Storey

"The project met my expectations - and more - I thought it would be education without fun, but it was extremely the opposite"
Hayley Thomas

"I was really surprised by the level of dedication and input the kids put in and the enthusiasm they had"
Okorie Chukwu

"We touched on SO many aspects of life ... I've really enjoyed meeting new people and working with professional actors and writers"
Aisha Issahku-Ajona

"I think Darwin is really clever!"
Diego Alejandro

"I now believe in God and a bit of evolution ... learning what other peoples' thoughts and opinions were just amazing"
Robert Ristic