BARD AT THE YARD SHAKESPEARE PROJECT KS2
BOX OFFICE 01432 340555 In partnership with
courtyard.org.uk
BARD AT THE YARD
What is it? Bard at The Yard offers schools across Herefordshire an alternative to traditional teaching and support to teachers who may have their own concerns regarding the best methods for delivering Shakespeare. Practitioners work alongside teachers and students to dispel myths about the inaccessibility to the texts by facilitating sessions that will have the whole class engaged.
Links to the Curriculum: English: Addresses all aspects. History: Historical context, historical chronology. Art and Design: Creating props, costumes, character drawings etc. PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education): Developing team work, confidence, communication and general knowledge of themselves and the world around them.
THE RESEARCH Amid ongoing criticisms of the introduction of an English Baccalaureate (EBacc) and the demise of arts in education, it is now more important than ever for children and young people to be provided with external opportunities to develop their creative skills. In a recent research project commissioned by London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), studies found that almost one third of British school children did not know who Shakespeare is. Through The Courtyard’s Shakespeare project, the Education Team have worked with 27 different schools, 49 different classes and 1,238 students.
Contact takepart@courtyard.org.uk / 01432 346526
BARD AT THE YARD
WHY CHOOSE US? “Our Shakespeare project is not just worthwhile for the students involved, but for the teachers and the practitioners as well.” Says Ellen Pitts, The Courtyard’s Youth & Communities Participation manager, “Every year brings new ideas and fresh interpretations of the classic texts, but always results in high quality performances that students, schools and parents can and should be proud of. The Education team love delivering this project, mainly because it allows them to build a relationship with each group they work with. It is especially rewarding to see the positive outcomes it has for a class as a whole, but particularly for individuals who may normally struggle in a classroom environment. We feel this project really does make Shakespeare accessible to all and are proud to continue to bring the ‘Bard to the Yard’!”
What is the structure of the project? Act 1: Pioneer Shakespeare (Autumn Term) The Courtyard Education team deliver 5 engaging sessions in your school, looking at story, characters, language, creativity, performance skills and confidence with Shakespeare. Act 2: Bring the Bard to The Yard Day (January) Your students get to experience a day at the theatre, including a backstage tour, arts activities, with the highlight of performing on the main stage.
Contact takepart@courtyard.org.uk / 01432 346526
BARD AT THE YARD
TESTIMONIAL - Sarah Kingsalter, Peterchurch Primary School I think that the main curriculum link is clearly English for which it addresses all aspects. I have also found it to be very useful when addressing historical context issues and those of historical chronology; it is important that the children understand the period in which Shakespeare was writing, as well as the tremendous influence he has had on all subsequent literature. We also do a certain amount of Art and Design linked to the project. However, apart from the English aspect, I think that the most important thing is really PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) it really develops team work, confidence and general knowledge of themselves and the world around them. They are made to consider the effects of their own and other people’s actions and thoughts. The chance to perform on a professional stage is the most amazing experience for them, as well as being, for many, their first exposure to the world of the theatre.
BOOKING £600 all-inclusive for up to a maximum of 30 children. Small schools discount £550. Transport funding available for schools in Herefordshire to attend the Bring the Bard to The Yard Day from the Sylvia Short Trust. For more information about The Courtyard’s education provision visit courtyard.org.uk/ education, or email takepart@courtyard.org.uk. Our Education Administrator is available to answer any questions or take you through the booking process on 01432 346526. Here ye here ye we have a deal for you’s, For vocab and confidence issues. It’s all about group work and ensemble, It’s all inclusive and accessible. You’ll learn about Shakespeare and a chosen play, Then about each character and what they say. We look at dialogue for one or more, And explore the text a way they haven’t before. Translation is the aim on session four, A modern-day change will help them to explore. A script you will be given to perform, From the bloody Macbeth to Prospero in a storm. We guarantee sessions full of fun, And unforgettable moments for everyone
Contact takepart@courtyard.org.uk / 01432 346526