FUSE Cultural Education Partnership, Havering London and Queens Theatre Hornchurch have been collaborating on Digital Wonder, a research project with The Centre for Performance, Technology and Equity (PTEQ). Based at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, PTEQ works with community and cultural industry partners to research technological innovation through the arts. At the core of PTEQ’s mission is a commitment to equity, cross-sector collaboration and upskilling in creative technologies.
‘Digital Wonder’ is led by Dr. Nic Abraham, who has been working with Year 5 and Year 7 pupils from two schools in Havering to co-create digital escape rooms that integrate storytelling, puzzles, and emerging technology into core curriculum learning. The research investigates what happens to curriculum engagement when young people are invited to co-create their own digital learning experiences and whether educational escape rooms can support collaboration and connection between peers. It aligns with the Government’s recent Curriculum and Assessment Review, which calls for a stronger focus on oracy, digital literacy, and the development of critical and creative thinking skills in the classroom. These are skills that Digital Wonder places at the centre of its methodology.
What do teachers say?
“[It] will help develop team work, communication and resilience alongside the curriculum”
“Teachers can use this to create a love of learning and enhance our curriculum.”
“This would help pupils that may be less academically inclined or struggle to self regulate.”
Teachers who attended the CPD pilot.
The research has economic as well as educational value. The Creative Industries sector is expanding at four times the rate of the wider UK economy and has been identified as a priority growth area in the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy. With a ten-year vision to position the UK as a global leader in creative investment and innovation, there is an urgent need for a talent pipeline of young people equipped with a hybrid of creative and technical skills.
As part of the research project, Dr. Abraham is developing resource packs and training sessions for teachers interested in co-creating digital escape rooms in their classrooms, supported by free CPD training from Dr. Nic Abraham from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. This will be taking place at the Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on the 16th July 2026, 4-6 pm. Find out more about this event here: https://fusehavering.com/events/free-cpd-co-creating-educational-escape-rooms/
BELOW: Example of digital escape room technology.
