Category: Schools

Masterclass for Schools: Directing

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Masterclass for Schools: 

 Directing 

Wednesday 11 October, 9:30am – 1pm

Two young men sitting on a studio floor, holding paper to read from

Do you teach pupils who have been chosen to be assessed as Directors for Higher or Advanced Higher Drama? Then our Masterclass for Schools: Directing is for you.

This workshop aims to help your young people achieve as highly as possible in their practical directing, in relation to the SQA Marking Criteria. Your pupils will be supported to get up on their feet and share ways to bring text to life. 

Come along with your Directing candidates and let’s pool our resources to give them the best opportunities for success. 

When: Wednesday 11 October, 9:30am – 1pm
Where: RCS, 100 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G2 3DB
Who is it for: Teachers of Drama and their pupils

 Book Your Place Here On Our Form 

This workshop will be led by Linda Duncan McLaughlin (Director) and Neil Millar (Education Scotland) and is in partnership with Glasgow CREATE.

‘This was such an enjoyable and insightful session in how I might approach directing.’

‘It was valuable to see the process that a director goes through in the rehearsal room and processes you can take an actor through.’

Note: Fair Access is funded to support young people who face the greatest barriers in accessing the arts. Teachers are welcome to book up to four of your directing students onto this session who meet the following criteria:

  • living in a SIMD20 postcode and/or
  • care experienced or estranged and/or
  • identifying as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour (living at a SIMD20 or 40 postcode).

You can check your postcode here or the team can check it for you.

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions or any issues with filling out the form, please get in touch at: waci@rcs.ac.uk

Fair Access Goes North!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Fair Access Go North! 

Dingwall Academy and Eden Court

Fair Access enjoyed a road trip to the Highlands, with Mark Stevenson and Ramesh Meyyappan from the BA Performance and graduate of that course Benedetta Zanetti. Our mission? We had several!

Thow pupils with a singing tutor in a gym hall

Just before the winter holidays, we were delighted to work at Dingwall Academy with ten pupils, most of whom are deaf and others who are hearing but learning British Sign Language which is taught in the school. The group were almost all new to Drama but threw themselves into games and creating characters and scenes. We had a great morning and Ramesh told the group, ‘We really enjoyed working with you, it was really lovely. You’re really creative and playful and fun.’ Mark added, ‘Drama’s about being brave, standing up and trying something and I’m really impressed with what you did. For that kind of bravery, I want to commend all of you and during the morning I saw some beautiful moments.’

Whilst at Dingwall Academy we also spread the word about Fair Access to teachers including Art + Design, Woodwork, Technology, Dance, Music, Guidance and the senior management team.

We also visited Eden Court, leading deaf awareness training for fifteen staff members including Engagement, front-of-house and audience managers, restaurant and bar, box office, freelance arts facilitators, and National 5 Drama BSL interpreter. This session explored a range of topics including the best terminology to use when speaking about users of BSL or deaf people, BSL signed and captioned performances at Eden Court, how to attract deaf audiences and the value of programming work by deaf artists. Everyone signed their name and learned key phrases in BSL relevant to their job area, such as, ‘do you know where your seats are?’ It was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon with a lot of laughter as well as learning.

Then the next day, we returned to Eden Court, which was buzzing with audiences and shoppers enjoying a Christmas craft market that spread over several floors of this lovely building. Instead of browsing, we were welcomed to a National 5 Drama class, comprised of pupils from several secondary schools in the Highlands, which don’t teach the subject. In the group were two talented pupils from Dingwall Academy, one deaf and both BSL users. Ramesh taught visual storytelling techniques and Mark shared ways to physicalise text. The aim was to provide new creative tools for devising and performing, and the group produced some very beautiful work. Fair Access is very excited to be working in the Highlands and developing such great partnerships with Eden Court Theatre and Dingwall Academy.

A huge thank you to everyone who got involved and made us feel very welcome. We can’t wait to return to see you all again.

 Visit the Fair Access Website 

If you would like to know more about the work Fair Access do, head over to our website at: rcs.ac.uk/fair-access

Fair Access Go North

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Fair Access Go North 

Dingwall Academy and Eden Court Visit

Greoup of people in gym hall in drama session

Fair Access enjoyed a road trip to the Highlands, with Mark Stevenson and Ramesh Meyyappan from the BA Performance and graduate of that course Benedetta Zanetti. Our mission? We had several!

We were delighted to work at Dingwall Academy with 10 pupils, most of whom are deaf and others who are hearing but learning British Sign Language which is taught in the school. The group were almost all new to Drama but threw themselves into games and creating characters and scenes. We had a great morning and Ramesh told the group, ‘We really enjoyed working with you, it was really lovely. You’re really creative and playful and fun.’ Mark added, ‘Drama’s about being brave, standing up and trying something and I’m really impressed with what you did. For that kind of bravery, I want to commend all of you and during the morning I saw some beautiful moments.’

Group of young adults in a gym hall.

Whilst at Dingwall Academy we also spread the word about Fair Access to teachers including Art + Design, Woodwork, Technology, Dance, Music, Guidance and the senior management team.

Later in the afternoon we were at Eden Court, leading a deaf awareness training for fifteen staff members including Engagement, front-of-house and audience managers, restaurant and bar, box office, freelance arts facilitators, and National 5 Drama BSL interpreter. This session explored a range of topics including best terminology to use when speaking about users of BSL or deaf people, BSL signed and captioned performances at Eden Court, how to attract deaf audiences and the value of programming work by deaf artists. Everyone signed their name and learned key phrases in BSL relevant to their job area, such as, ‘do you know where your seats are?’ It was a great way to spend a Friday afternoon with a lot of laughter as well as learning.

The next day, we returned to Eden Court, which was buzzing with audiences and shoppers enjoying a Christmas craft market which spread over several floors of this lovely building. Instead of browsing, we were welcomed to a National 5 Drama class, comprised of pupils from several secondary schools in the Highlands, which don’t teach the subject. In the group were two talented pupils from Dingwall Academy, one deaf and both BSL users. Ramesh taught visual storytelling techniques and Mark shared ways to physicalise text. The aim was to provide new creative tools for devising and performing, and the group produced some very beautiful work. Fair Access is very excited to be working in the Highlands and developing such great partnerships with Eden Court Theatre and Dingwall Academy.

 Get In Touch 

If you would like further information or have any questions about Fair Access Outreach work, email: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

 

Apply Now To Become A Fair Access Ambassador!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 FAIR ACCESS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME 

September 2022 through to Summer 2023

⭐️ Applications are now open for our Fair Access Ambassador programme ⭐️

Young people sitting chatting in student area

 What is Fair Access? 

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is an inclusive and diverse environment. We want to encourage as many people as possible, regardless of their background, to get involved with the performing and production arts. The Fair Access department at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland run two programmes – Transitions and WACI – alongside our Fair Access Outreach and Partnership programme. 📽 Watch more here.

 The work of Fair Access Ambassadors 

Our Ambassadors work alongside our staff to help promote and provide information on opportunities around entering into the performing and production arts and our Fair Access activities and events within their local schools and communities. In return, our Ambassadors gain experience within the arts sector, working with people, and developing teamwork and communication skills alongside bespoke training opportunities.

 About you! 

The Ambassador programme is aimed at those aged 16+ who are passionate about the performing and production arts. You will meet the WACI eligibility criteria or be a current Transitions student. Checking your emails regularly, having good knowledge in social media, clear communication skills and being comfortable in social situations are an advantage.

 When will I need to be available? 

Aside from normal Ambassador activities, you will be available to attend our Ambassador meetings either at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland or via Zoom:

▪️ Residential Weekend: 2 – 4 September
▪️ Meetings: 20 Nov 22, 18 Feb 23 and 17 Jun 23.

 Sounds good, where / how do I sign up? 

Our application form will ask you to fill in your personal details and write a short response to the following questions:

▪️ Why are the arts important?
▪️ How would you promote the arts within your community to young people?
▪️ Why and how would you commit to being a Fair Access Ambassador?

*Alternatively, you can attach a short video (2-3 mins) that answers the questions above.

 Completing you application 

To complete your application we ask that you provide a reference from someone you know who is involved in the arts. This can be a teacher, tutor, community practitioner etc.

Get in touch 

If you require further information or have any questions, get in touch with the team at: fairaccesshello@rcs.ac.uk

Pathways Into The Creative Industries

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS 

Available to eligible Secondary Schools until June 2022

WACI and Transitions are offering fun practical workshops that will give pupils an insight into the creative industries and how we can help them in taking the next steps.

Graphic image with text

Available for S3-S6 pupils, we are reaching out to our WACI schools and beyond. Open to pupils interested in Drama, Art and Design, Music, Dance, Media, Filmmaking, Production, Engineering, Woodwork and Carpentry, Sound, Electronics and more!

Sessions explore: 

  • What are the creative industries?  
  • What jobs do people actually do?  
  • How can you train to do this? 
  • What free training pathways can we offer to eligible pupils at RCS?

These sessions complement your activity in Developing the Young Workforce. 

 Get In Touch 

If you require any further information, have any questions or want to book your workshop, get in touch with Louise Brown at: l.brown5@rcs.ac.uk

Announcing: Come and Try Online Festival 2022

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 COME & TRY ONLINE FESTIVAL 

Short Courses, Masterclasses and In Conversations, 5 – 15 April

WACI are delighted to announce that applications for our Come and Try Online Festival are now open! 

Image mixed with photo and graphics and text. Schoolgirl on a stage looking at an ipad.

Whether you’ve already got loads of experience or you want to try something for the first time, the Come and Try Online Festival is a great way to get your creativity flowing, work with experienced artists and meet other young people who are into the same things as you are. 

Taking place from 5 – 15 April, all of the workshops and Q&A sessions will take place on Zoom – and best of all, it’s all free!

 Programme of Events 

In Conversation
These sessions are for everyone:

Making Music on a Budget

Combating Barriers in the Arts

Balancing your Mental Health with your Artform

Short Courses
Open to secondary school-age pupils: 

Let’s Make a Scene

Let’s Make Music

Storytelling for Film 

Masterclasses
Open to secondary school-age pupils: 

Musical Theatre

Costume Design for Theatre

Devising Monologues 

Improvising and Accompanying in Music

Production for TV and Film

Button that takes you to registration formDeadline for booking: 29 March

 

 Priority Places 

Please note that priority places will be given to pupils who are in the West of Scotland that: 

However, the festival is also open to: 

 Contact Us 

If you require any further information or have any questions, get in touch with WACI at: waci@rcs.ac.uk

Creative Clusters - Spring 2022

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 CREATIVE CLUSTERS 

Spring 2022!

Fair Access at RCS are planning two clusters of creative activity for Spring 2022, in Ayr and Easterhouse, Glasgow.  Our Easterhouse Creative Cluster will be based at Platform, and see workshops delivered for young people in partnership with GMAC Film and an RCS CPP artist.  This will provide participants with a taster of both artforms and offer opportunities for continued activity with Fair Access. 

We hope to work in partnership with local community organisation FARE and to offer pre-projects tasters at Lochend Secondary School.

For our Ayrshire Creative Cluster, we will offer local people a project exploring spoken word and sound design / production.  We hope to work once more in partnership with the Gaiety Theatre, South Ayrshire Champions Board and the music departments of local secondary schools.

For further information regarding these Creative Clusters you can contact our Fair Access Outreach and Engagement Officer, Louise Brown, on: L.Brown5@rcs.ac.uk

Apply Now for the Bachelor of Education (Music) with Honours at RCS

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Bachelor of Education (Music) with Honours:
Inspiring tomorrow’s teaching
Application deadline: 15 Jan 2021

Teacher with hands raised in demonstration mode, smiling at students. Can see backs of students heads.

The Bachelor of Education (Music) with Honours at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is the only undergraduate programme in Scotland dedicated to teaching the next generation of music teachers within a conservatoire setting. This vocational programme offers musicians an alternative to a performance career – where they can study their passion for music and education for four years at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and then progress to inspire and nurture young people in classrooms.

Why choose RCS?

• Study at one of the world’s top 10 performing arts education institutions (QS World University Rankings 2020)
• Inspire and nurture young people in classrooms
• Guaranteed probationary year of employment (Scottish, UK and EU students)
• Starting salary is approx. £27K
• 100% of graduates are in employment (HESA, 2017/18)
• Gain provisional registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland
• Have the choice to balance a part-time career in teaching with a freelance career in music

What’s it like being a Music teacher?

RCS Graduate Claire Friary tells us:

Teacher at front of the class with hand gesture towards class.“I graduated from the BEd Music course in 2017. I completed my probation year at Coatbridge High School and I was lucky enough to be kept on after this year and eventually made a permanent member of staff in early 2019. I am now in my 4th year of teaching at Coatbridge High and I absolutely love every single day of my job as a music teacher!

The BEd Music course leaves you well-equipped with all of the necessary tools to become an excellent music teacher. I undertook 5 different placements during my undergraduate degree (1 in primary, 4 in secondary) which gave me a magnitude of experience across schools with all ages and abilities.

Last year, I was appointed the Musical Director of our annual school show. I have also been involved in plenty of whole school initiatives outside of my subject, such as organising the S5/6 Winter Wonderland Ball and supervising in the Pupil Support Base and Learning Zone.

The best part of my job is watching pupils grow and flourish in music. I have witnessed so many young people come through the ranks in my department now and it is so rewarding to see their enthusiasm, determination, and progress over the years.”

Bookings are now closed.

Launching: Let's Sing in Scots

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

The WACI Team are delighted to announce the launch of the third in a series of online toolkits, Learning Scots Song

If you have ever wanted to learn to sing in Scots but didn’t know where to start, this project is for you! We’ll take you through the steps in learning to sing ‘Sands o’ the Shore’ featuring video tutorials from folk singer Josie Duncan with downloadable resources to help you along the way.

Our toolkits are open for anyone to use, so whether you’re a teacher looking for new resources to share, a young person at home who is keen to learn Scots Song, we really hope you will enjoy learning with us.

If you’d like to send in photos of you practising or videos of you singing what you’ve learned, we’d love to see them! We are hoping to choose some of them to feature on our social media and Vimeo page.  Also if you are sharing any photos or videos on social media be sure to tag us @RCSWACI and use the hashtag #WACILetsSingInScots

To get started click here!

Shakespeare in Schools Bookings Are Open!

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

Calling all WACI Schools!!

Teachers can now apply to become a participating school in our Shakespeare in Schools activity. Places are limited on a first-come-first-served basis. Not sure if your teacher knows about it or if they have applied? Let them know and get involved in spreading the word!

Who it is for: Those interested in performing arts.
When: Wed 30 Oct – Fri 1 Nov, during school time.
Where: In participating schools OR in-house at RCS

The Shakespeare in Schools initiative is offered in collaboration with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s BA Acting programme. BA Acting students are invited into participating schools to work with pupils on a piece of Shakespeare. This opportunity will give participants a greater understanding of Shakespeare’s text and help to foster an interest in his work.

Shakespeare in Schools includes:

  • Workshops on the themes of a Shakespearean play (Macbeth)
  • Observation of scenes from the play performed by BA Acting students
  • A devised performance based on the themes of the Shakespearean text by BA Acting students and your pupils
  • Tickets to see a performance at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in January/February

Shakespeare in Schools framework:

  • 9am – 3pm
  • Maximum number of 30 participants
  • Suitable for Nat 5, Higher and Advanced Higher Drama students. Also suitable for English classes with students happy to get involved in a drama style workshop.
  • A drama space or assembly hall is required to work in

*Update: Sign up for this has now closed.