Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Hubs for Primary Schools
Creative learning experiences inspired by Shakespeare and delivered by experts
From April 2018 until March 2022 the Trust is using National Portfolio Organisation funding to support an exciting outreach initiative; Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Hubs for Primary Schools. The Trust has already established regional Shakespeare Hubs in the following areas: Merseyside, Birmingham, Oxfordshire, London, Nottingham and the North East. A further six Hubs will be established over the next two years.
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. By 2021 the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will have provided memorable learning experiences for 20,000 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.
Collaboration with Little Angel Theatre was a brilliant way to instil confidence and excitement about the text
— Torriano School, London
To support this exciting programme of activity, teachers were invited to attend a range of related CPD activity. In these practical workshops teachers were able to 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 our charitable objective.
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
Find out more about joining our Hubs.
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