This UNESCO International Arts Education Week, RSC Board Member Geoff Barton spoke to teachers and students from one of our Associate Schools to find out how working with the RSC has made an impact on them.
UNESCO International Arts Education Week (19 to 25 May) celebrates the contribution of arts education to the social, emotional, academic and skills development of children and young people.
To mark the week, and reflect on our wide-ranging, transformative programme of work with schools, our board member Geoff Barton visited one of our Associate Schools, Abington Vale Primary School in Northampton.
As well as watching a performance of our 80-minute touring production First Encounters: The Tempest, he caught up with some of the teachers, Shakespeare Ambassadors and Scout Worsley, who played Miranda in the show and is a graduate of our Next Generation Act young company, to hear their feedback first-hand.
OUR WORK WITH SCHOOLS
We work with 1,000 schools, 2,000 teachers and 500,000 young people each year, using methods our actors use in rehearsals to spark imaginations, boost well-being and improve writing, communication, oracy and problem-solving skills.
Through our industry-leading Associate Schools Programme we work in long-term partnership with 280 schools and 16 regional theatres in 30 ‘cluster’ areas across England. Our Shakespeare Ambassador, Next Generation, Youth Advisory Board and award-winning apprenticeship programmes provide young people with talent, leadership, skills and career development opportunities.
As an Independent Research Organisation, our ground-breaking Time To Act 2024 study shows how our rehearsal-based methods boost children’s language, reading and writing skills, attitudes to learning, self-belief and well-being.
As well as a range of professional development programmes for teachers, we offer opportunities to enjoy and take part in live theatre through our First Encounters with Shakespeare tours and annual Playmaking Festival.
