Competition Ethos:
We feel that every team that enters the competition and makes a costume is a success. Therefore we try and ensure that students have a good time during each stage of the competition and especially at the provincial heats. We want students to walk away feeling that their achievement has been recognised and that they have enjoyed the experience. Participation, learning new techniques and making new friends are encouraged as more important objectives than winning.

Team motivation:
Students usually experience a dip in motivation mid-way between the initial briefing and the stages just before their costume is finished. This is entirely normal and we found that the most common quote from student's who succeed in making costumes,is that "it was worth all the hard work in the end". Therefore, we feel that one of the best lessons derived from

participating in the competition is growth of stamina and the ability to work as part of a team.

Materials:
The costume does not have to be made entirely of "recycled" materials. We encourage students to use waste-materials as it keeps the costs down and it raises the important environmental issue of dealing with waste/rubbish in an eco-friendly way. Many students use t-shirts, leggings, etc as a structure to stick on or build up further details.

Finish:
Although the judges will be looking closely at detail, the costume does not have to be expertly sewn or constructed; most costumes are sellotaped, stapled or glued together. Nevertheless, the costume should withstand a few outings without falling apart.

Colleagues' Support:
Perhaps some of your colleagues e.g. a metalwork/ woodwork teacher or a student's parent could help out if they have the time? They could help weld/ rivet a structure or frame, or help construct special effects (lights etc) if the costume warrants it. Also another teacher or parent with an interest in drama could work with the students to develop and give them confidence in their performance before the provincial heats.

Suggested teaching and learning strategies:

Research
Research completed by the team can be in the form of mood boards, colour schemes, inspirational visual collages, written accounts, sample materials, work in process photographs, original sketches and drawings etc.

Debates /classroom discussion.
Class discussions or brainstorming sessions, "think tanks" can be extremely beneficial for generating original ideas and encouraging them to share their ideas.
E.g. "Imagine a day's activities in the world, 100 or 1000 years in the future & what would the transport, accommodation, leisure activities, food, fashion like?" etc &

Demonstrations
New techniques could be introduced in an early workshop by the Art Teacher or outside suitably qualified artists. Students could then be invited to use them in their costume construction.

Guest speakers
Talks by guest speakers such as local designers, dress-makers, drama teachers, artists, performers, make-up artists, or a person involved with recycling, the environment could inspire and motivate groups

Group - work
We have found that small groups of 3-5 tend to be the most productive. Group work in this kind of long-term project is an invaluable strategy for interpersonal skills and learning about compromise and decision-making.

Computer-based learning
The Internet is a good source of inspirational material as is www.formandfusion.net!

Video
Videotapes can be used as inspirational resources in the classroom, and work can be filmed and documented.

Field trips
Some schools organise trips to local industrial estates and factories to source factory waste materials like foam packaging, paper, card, tubing, rubber, metal, etc. Alternatively, students could go to a fashion show or gallery to research their concept or to get ideas for their design.

Student presentations
Presentations by the students to their classmates at key stages should encourage everyone to share their findings and establish an atmosphere of camaraderie and support.

Useful Materials

Here are some ideas for construction
· Glue guns Great for fine details, awkward bits, instant results
· Plaster of paris/Art-Rock (cheaper in medical supply shops,)-good for making masks / body casts (although should be primed / sealed with PVA after making a mould to retain paint)
· Shop Mannequins, they can be used to mould wire / paper - mâché for hats, body parts, etc. Often shops do not mind loaning older models.
· Duck Tape- great for bonding PVC, etc.
· Super Epoxy Resin e.g. Araldite. Very strong glue for metal, plastic, etc & more flexible than Chemical metal glue
· Wire can be obtained cheaply at co-op stores. Off cuts of Copper wire is often given away freely at "electrical rewind outlets".
· Other materials e.g. foam, card, paper, plastic are regularly disposed of by factories, some of these off cuts make very interesting materials

Provincial Heats Admission Fee
Please note there will be a small admission fee of €1/£1 for all supporters at the provincial heats.

All Ireland Final expenses:
If your costume is lucky enough to reach the All Island Final, schools need to consider the costs involved in transporting and accommodating the winning team over two days at the Final venue. Coca-Cola will provide a €100 voucher for each costume and generally schools are happy to support their team in their successful participation in this prestigious event. Some schools hold an internal fashion show to raise funds and also to select their 3 costumes. Nearby schools often work together to raise funds and also reduce costs.

At all times encourage students, even those not participating to bring in any objects or materials they come across, especially those in plentiful supply