OUR LEARNING MODEL

In an era where digital distractions often overshadow traditional learning, Once Upon a Bus, a mobile initiative based in the UK, has pioneered a transformative approach to education. The "Whale, The Star, and The Campfire" model serves as the cornerstone of their storytelling methodology, blending narrative with symbolic realms to foster holistic development in young learners. This three-point framework draws from natural and human elements to represent interconnected domains of knowledge: the planet and its life, the cosmos and scientific inquiry, and the essence of human social bonds. By weaving these symbols into interactive stories, the model aims to ignite curiosity, enhance literacy, and promote equitable education, particularly in underserved communities. And it's always fun; That's Edu-tainment!

We want to inspire a lifelong love of learning; for learning's sake.

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At OUAB, we invent, write, and design every one of our edu-taining learning modules in-house. Each module is thoughtfully created by our team to combine high-quality storytelling with clear educational outcomes, ensuring children enjoy memorable, engaging experiences that support literacy, creativity, and personal development.

"Once Upon a Bus is a unique, fun-filled educational experience for children right across the primary age range. As Teacher and now Headteacher of Waltham St. Lawrence Primary School, I have seen the positive impact that the sessions can have both on an individual class basis and across the school as a whole. Once Upon a Bus sessions are interactive, engaging and most of all fun, allowing the children time to explore learning in a setting which feels very different from the structured classroom. The children emerge from the sessions feeling like they have been in a different world and the Once Upon a Bus experience is one that stays with them throughout their primary education. At Waltham St. Lawrence Primary School we love Once Upon a Bus... It’s the way learning should be!"

David Errington
Headteacher, Waltham St Lawrence Primary School

"We are delighted to have the ongoing support of the beautiful Once Upon a Bus for the Maidenhead's Big Read festival. In March, we held our 8th annual event, and once again Once Upon a Bus has played a significant part in supporting our local schools and community and encouraging children and families to read together and to love reading. Arti, Matt and their team (including their lovely children), in costume and with great panache, narrate and perform magical stories in line with the festivals' theme over the two day event every year. All are drawn into an immersive storytelling world - many leaving the experience with a new enthusiasm for the magic of books and reading."

Stephan Stephan
Twice president of Maidenhead Thames Rotary Club & Chair of Maidenhead Community Book Festival CIC

"Once Upon a Bus is something special. Having worked with various storytellers / communicators / workshop providers over the past 15 years, I can honestly say that OUAB are the only one that properly understand how to engage with people of all ages, bringing together creativity, humour and rigour to excellent effect. Crucially, Arti and Matt fully remember what it is to be a child, helping anyone who enters their bus to have fun, enjoy learning and embrace silliness. Children and adults alike enter the bus not entirely sure what to expect, and leave not necessarily realising that they have learned something. I have learned a lot from working with them, adopting new approaches and bringing more creativity into my own practice."

Dr Russell Arnott PGCE
Director www.incredibleoceans.org