ABSTRACT
The dramatic liaisons which occurred between the schools involved in this project have been successful, and more schools have become involved in subsequent versions of the project. The commitment to joint activity contributes considerably to the success of liaisons between schools. Groups of pupils and their teachers from mainstream and special schools worked together each week, participating in drama, music, dance and costume design activities. It involved teachers and pupils from special and mainstream schools working together with initial teacher education (ITE) students and a theatre company on a performing arts project. By initiating and supporting the project, the university benefited by extending its partnership arrangements with the schools involved. The structure of the university-based course allowed participants the opportunity to reflect upon existing and past practice and to consider implications for future developments. It is hoped that this project will stimulate others in special and mainstream schools to work collaboratively.
