Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Hubs for Primary Schools
Creative learning experiences inspired by Shakespeare and delivered by experts across the country
The Trust is using National Portfolio Organisation funding to support an exciting outreach initiative across 72 schools as part of the 'Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Hubs Programme for Primary Schools'.
The Trust has established 12 regional Shakespeare Hubs in the following areas: Merseyside, Birmingham, Oxfordshire, London, Nottingham, the North East, Bristol, Greater Manchester, Rotherham and Barnsley, Doncaster, West Midlands (made up of schools from Wolverhampton, Dudley and Sandwell) and the Isle of Wight.
Find out which schools we are working with and the range of partners and organisations we have worked with to date in each of the four Arts Council England regions, North, The Midlands, South East and South West.
Each Hub comprises six to eight schools, with each school receiving exciting, creative learning experiences delivered by commissioned arts professionals, all with a Shakespearian twist. Every school also receives ongoing support and training, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for teachers delivered by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and other commissioned professionals.
The project provides a platform for children to share their experiences, sometimes as experts, teaching their peers. In addition there are opportunities to complete an Arts Award. Over the last six years the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has provided memorable learning experiences for over 25,000 children. Membership of the Shakespeare Hubs is fully funded.
What was especially lovely was to see some of our children of South-East Asian origin enjoying the dance workshop - for some of them, this was the first time that they had experienced an art form originating from the heritage/countries of their parents/grandparents.
— Blakesley Hall Primary School, Birmingham
An integral part of the project is the chance to showcase children’s creative work inspired by Shakespeare’s stories, language and heritage.
It has brought our community together being able to link with other local schools and has given the teachers who were nervous about teaching Shakespeare a clear, easy and creative way to engage the children.
— Sir John Sherbrooke Junior School, Nottingham
To support this exciting programme of activity, teachers are invited to attend a range of related CPD activity where they explore innovative ways to engage and inspire children to discover Shakespeare in the primary classroom. The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s intention in establishing these Hubs is to collaborate with teachers and partners to influence, at a national level, the teaching and perception of Shakespeare in primary schools. This is in line with the Trust's charitable objective.
Collaboration with Little Angel Theatre was a brilliant way to instil confidence and excitement about the text
— Torriano School, London
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is proud to be an Arts Award Supporter organisation and to hold the Arts Award Supporter badge. We are able to offer activities, events, expertise or resources which help young people, both in our Hubs and beyond, working towards their Arts Award.
Find out more about joining our Hubs.
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