The Learning and Performance Network (LPN) is the RSC's long term partnership programme with schools across England.
Established in 2006, the programme works with schools over a three year period to bring about a significant change in the way that young people experience, engage with, and take ownership of the work of Shakespeare.
The LPN offers teachers in depth training in active approaches to Shakespeare, postgraduate action research and offers performance opportunities to young people and further school-initiated projects. It is targeted towards those schools and young people who have least access to Shakespeare and the RSC.
The LPN represents the RSC's Stand up for Shakespeare manifesto in action, with its call for children and young people to:
- Do Shakespeare on your feet
- See it live
- Start it earlier
The sustained relationship with schools in the network enables a dialogue between students, teachers, the RSC and the University of Warwick. This in turn supports rigorous and robust research into the impact of active, exploratory approaches to the teaching and learning of Shakespeare.
Each year six to ten schools from around the country are recruited into the LPN. These 'hub' schools, secondary and primary, each work with up to seven 'cluster' schools from their locality to share training and produce a Shakespeare performance festival. The LPN is now in its fifth year and 53 clusters of schools (over 400 schools in all) have completed or are currently enrolled in the programme.
From these schools 101 teachers have completed an action research assignment towards a Postgraduate Certificate in the Teaching and Learning of Shakespeare, awarded by The University of Warwick. Further information on their findings and other documents about the LPN can be found on our Research page.
Find out more about the LPN's three year curriculum (PDF) »
Watch two short films of schools' experiences of the LPN »
In July 2012, the LPN presents 'This Poor Trash of Venice', a public performance event in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Teachers mentored by RSC artists through the LPN will be directing Shakespeare's Venice plays, with five different classes from schools across England performing together. Find out more »
To experience the way we work, you might like to attend a Continuing Professional Development course in Stratford-upon-Avon or London.
We also offer a wide range of workshops and events for students to enhance their confidence with Shakespeare's text.
'The active approaches enable a level of understanding and enjoyment that is deeper and more entertaining than just reading the play.'
Secondary teacher, LPN INSET day, April 2009