In many of the schools we have visited, students complain about the ‘where’s that going to get you?’ question. This question refers to their choice of art, drama, music, dance or photography as a GCSE subject. If we follow the question's rather literal logic we might expect all students who have taken History to become Historians. Putting our collective understanding … Continue reading where’s that going to get you?
redeeming Shylock
During my visit to King Ethelbert School in Kent The headteacher, Kate Greig, attended the annual Dimbleby Lecture, this year presented by Gregory Doran, Artistic Director at the RSC. I felt at first hand Kate’s delight at the school being mentioned during this speech because of their commitment to teaching Shakespeare actively. Kate believes the … Continue reading redeeming Shylock
being a tree
There is a myth that ‘doing drama’ regularly involves 'being a tree'. This was something the year 12 students at the Canterbury Academy were keen to highlight, having been trees in a recent ensemble production of ‘The Dream: Met by Moonlight’ at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. Although they shared this experience with a great … Continue reading being a tree
keys to the city
My research conversations with GCSE and A level art students from Upton Hall School FCJ quickly revealed some in depth knowledge and engagement with the galleries and public art in the centre of Liverpool. On further enquiry it was clear that this relates to an annual summer homework which invites the students to visit a … Continue reading keys to the city
wanting to join in
A lot of the research I do is ethnographic and that means I generally get to participate in what’s going on - and I get to do a lot of interesting things. However, the TALE project isn’t an ethnography, and most of our data will come from interviews and observations, as well as a very large … Continue reading wanting to join in
a SLICE of creativity
When I first arrived at St Ambrose School in Salford, it was the day after attending a seminar at the Centre for Creativity, Arts and Literacy (CRACL) led by Paul Collard of Creativity, Culture and Education. When I mentioned this to Bernie Furey, the assistant head in charge of creativity across the curriculum and research … Continue reading a SLICE of creativity
the ensemble approach
The final observation during my visit to Minsthorpe School was a rehearsal for 'Henry V' by the school Shakespeare ensemble. The students describe themselves as the 'Henry' group and are an extra-curricular group of Years 7, 8 and 11 pupils, launched by English Teacher, Sally Thompson, following her RSC Learning Performance Network (LPN)training. The scene … Continue reading the ensemble approach
research partnership
One of the purposes of the Arts Council grants is to explore what happens when arts organisations work together with researchers in higher education. In the case of TALE, we have all worked together before, but in different ways and on separate projects. We hadn't anticipated any particular problems, but we have found a couple of interesting issues already. … Continue reading research partnership
TATE ambassadors
Talking to young women at Grey Coat Hospital School about their involvement in the Tate Collective was a brilliant start to my three day visit. A striking aspect of the discussion was their articulation of the way their involvement in the project changed their engagement with art and galleries. One student vividly described her anxiety … Continue reading TATE ambassadors
school performance (of drama)!
The performance space at Treviglas school takes centre stage; it is the first thing you encounter as you enter the school. It’s interesting that this makes the arts departments highly visible to the whole school community. Whilst visiting I saw this space used as a rehearsal space for drama, dance, singing and music as well … Continue reading school performance (of drama)!
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