Category: Widening Access

The Future of Fair Access at RCS

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Exciting Changes for Fair Access 

As we move towards the end of another amazing year of Fair Access activity we want to share some exciting news about the future of our programmes.

We have launched brand-new SCQF 6 credit rated Access Courses which allow us to continue to support progression pathways into the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland from school/college for those most disadvantaged or under-resourced.

As such, our Transitions programme which has been running for the past 12 years is coming to a close. It has facilitated the creative journey of so many inspiring and determined young people, supporting them to achieve their goals.

We continue to be funded by the Scottish Funding Council to work with three specific groups of young people aged 17+ who:

This exciting development allows us to work intensively with a dedicated cohort to support their progression to Undergraduate programmes at RCS.

Over just the last few years 388 people from all over Scotland have engaged with our multi-artform Transitions programme, many of whom have moved onto degree level arts training and other positive destinations.

Alongside this, our Outreach programme, formally known as WACI (Widening Access to the Creative Industries), continues to provide pipelines into performing and production arts education by working with over 2000 young people from 26 local authorities every year as well as teachers, educators, arts practitioners and external agencies.

For more information about our Access Courses please visit: rcs.ac.uk/fair-access

Outreach Update | May 2025

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Fair Access Outreach Update 

May 2025

This month our Outreach team have been out and about meeting young people across the country and those who work with them.

The Gathering

We loved The Gathering run by the Scottish Youth Music Exchange. This exciting event brought together a mix of young bands and ensembles, youth music groups, teachers and musicians from around Scotland. Fair Access joined with Tinderbox Music Collective, Soundbase, Granton Youth Mixtape and Dumfries Music Collective (amongst others) to talk about creative opportunities for young people and enjoy the music!

Firefly Youth Arts

We met Firefly Youth Arts, based at Howden Park in West Lothian, and heard about their incredible work. Fair Access is excited to collaborate more with Firefly Arts this year, as part of a new programme they’re offering to support young people to make positive steps towards education and training.

North Ayrshire Employability and Skills

Fair Access took part in an Employability and Skills event organised by North Ayrshire Corporate Parenting. Aimed at care experienced young people and their extended families, this was an opportunity to meet young people and find out about the network of agencies supporting them across North Ayrshire, and how Fair Access can be part of that.

Interchange Festival

Finally, we had a great time at Youth Theatre Scotland‘s biennial Interchange Festival at Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld. With a programme of dynamic, interactive workshops, we especially enjoyed meeting YTAS Next Generation, a group of trainee theatre makers, facilitators and arts practitioners who are on their way to taking over the world.

Contact Fair Access

To find out more about Fair Access, you can email the team at: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk or sign up for our newsletter on our form: bit.ly/fair-access-news

Scriptwriting for Film

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Scriptwriting for Film 

with Raisah Ahmed

Whether you’re just beginning your journey into scriptwriting or looking to sharpen your storytelling skills, this 2-hour workshop is the perfect way to develop your ideas with hands-on guidance.

Join us for an inspiring and interactive session designed to develop your screenwriting skills.

You’ll dive into the essential building blocks of compelling storytelling—how to create rich, believable characters, shape a strong story structure, and navigate the process of transforming a spark of an idea into a script.

When: 18 June, 5 – 7pm
Age: 16+
Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)

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Booking Deadline: 17 June

About Raisah

Raisah Ahmed is a screenwriter and director for film and TV and was named Screen International Rising Star Scotland 2024. Raisah is currently developing the feature Half-Moon Camp with Film4 and producer Zorana Piggott, and co-adapting Mahsuda Snaith’s The Things We Thought We Knew.

Her credits include directing for CBBC (Sparks, Princess Mirror-Belle, Molly & Mack), BBC3’s The Break, and writing for Control (BBC The Social) and WB Discovery’s Toad and Friends. Raisah also serves on the BAFTA Scotland Committee, the Scottish Youth Film Foundation Board, and chairs the Glasgow Film Festival Industry Advisory Group.

To be eligible:

You must be one or more of the following:

We also encourage applications from people living in SIMD20 postcode or SIMD40 postcode who meet one of the following criteria: 

  • Living rurally with poor transport links 
  • Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour 
  • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing 

Please note:

Fair Access prioritise places for young people aged 16 – 19, who live in an SIMD20 postcode or are care experienced. Depending on available places, we also consider college students and people who are not in education up to the age of 25 years. Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

How to Contact Us

If you have an queries or questions about this activity,
you can contact the team at: 📧 waci@rcs.ac.uk

Rhythm Theory Workshop

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

*CANCELLED* Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances this workshop will no longer be taking place. Apologies to those who had already singed up. Hopefully we can re-arrange something later in the year. Team WACI

 Rhythm Theory Workshop 

with Stephen Henderson

Calling all young musicians (aged 16+) and aspiring music teachers/facilitators!

Join us at RCS for our workshop that will look to deepen your understanding of rhythm theory and develop tools that you can apply in any musical context. Perfect for musicians looking to sharpen their rhythm and groove and aspiring teachers/facilitators looking for resources.

With percussionist Stephen Henderson you will strengthen your inner pulse by exploring the relationship between the ‘on’ and ‘off’ beat. Through Clave, body percussion, ensemble playing and singing we’ll delve in to the foundation of rhythm, harking back to its ancient routes. This will create a strong basis for young musicians to flourish in all aspects.

When: 18 June, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Age: 16+
Location: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

*CANCELLED*

Booking Deadline: 17 June

Percussion player sitting on stage at a kit

About Stephen

Stephen Henderson, born and raised in Ayrshire in a musical family, was immersed in music from an early age. He graduated with first-class honours in Jazz from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2015 and is currently the drummer for Mercury Prize-nominated pianist Fergus McCreadie.

Stephen is a sought-after performer and session musician across the UK, having worked with artists including Laura Jurd, Tim Garland, James Tormé, and Elchin Shirinov. He also launched his own project, Modern Vikings, in 2018, and was named “one to watch” by Jazzwise magazine the same year.

To be eligible:

You must be one or more of the following:

We also encourage applications from people living in SIMD20 postcode or SIMD40 postcode who meet one of the following criteria: 

  • Living rurally with poor transport links 
  • Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour 
  • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing 

Please note:

Fair Access prioritise places for young people aged 16 – 19, who live in an SIMD20 postcode or are care experienced. Depending on available places, we also consider college students and people who are not in education up to the age of 25 years. Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

How to Contact Us

If you have an queries or questions about this activity, you can contact the team at: 📧 waci@rcs.ac.uk

Get Into: National Programme

Posted on by Yvonne McLellan

 Get Into: 

 National Programme 

Do you have your sights set on the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland?

Two young people in a drama room with exercise balls in the background.

Whether you are applying this academic year or planning a stepping-stone through college, this programme will support you with the next steps on your creative and educational journey. We want to hear from you if you are interested in any of the following artforms:

For performers, writers, musicians, dancers, storytellers, production artists or filmmakers exploring the arts in community contexts 🔗
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Directing, Editing, Cinematography, Screenwriting, Documentary Filmmaking and Creative Filmmaking Practice 🔗
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Music performance, Composition, Music Teaching and Facilitation 🔗
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Acting, Drama Facilitation and Devising 🔗
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Stage Management, Sound, Lighting, Rigging and Automation Programming 🔗
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Scenic Art, Scenic Construction, Prop Making, Costume Construction, Set, Lighting and Costume Design 🔗

Get Into: National is perfect if –

  • You are serious about applying to RCS in the near future
  • Can demonstrate experience and commitment in your chosen artform
  • You’re looking for support, guidance, and a creative community

What will you gain? 

  • Confidence and connection: meet like-minded people who share your passion and connect with artists working in/with communities near you
  • Creativity and skill: learn through hands-on, practical sessions tailored to your artform
  • Growth and reflection: develop as an artist and individual, ready to take on your next steps
  • Insider knowledge: learn more about applying to RCS and building a sustainable future in the arts

This is a supportive, structured, and exciting opportunity that requires commitment. Although Get Into: National is designed to be flexible, we expect successful applicants to engage fully in the programme. 

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To be eligible:

You must be one or more of the following:

and 

  • Living 2 hours or more from the RCS 
  • A determined and motivated student who is committed to applying to and auditioning/interviewing for a performing or production arts course at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland 

We also encourage applications from people living in SIMD20 postcode or SIMD40 postcode who meet one of the following criteria: 

  • Living rurally with poor transport links 
  • Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour 
  • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing 

Please note:

Fair Access prioritise places for young people aged 16 – 19, who live in an SIMD20 postcode or are care experienced. Depending on available places, we also consider college students and people who are not in education up to the age of 25 years. Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

How to Contact Us

If you have an queries or questions about this activity,
you can contact the team at: 📧 fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

 

FREE CLPL from Fair Access at RCS in March & April 2025

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 Recharge Your Creative   Practice: CLPL Workshops for   Expressive Arts Secondary   Teachers 

 Energise your teaching with our spring series of free workshops led by professional practitioners

Two adults sitting at a desk designing

A man and woman working together designing a prop

Tuesday 29 April 4.30 – 6.30pm
Practical Prop Making led by Merlin Currie, RCS Props Tutor 

Join us to create a handheld prop for performance, using a practical step-by-step approach. Find out how to create simple but effective props and the best materials to have in your store cupboard. 

 

 

Two people working together at a piano

 

Tuesday 6 May 4 – 6.30pm
Ways into Composition led by Tom W. Green, RCS Lecturer in Composition  

Explore a range of compositional techniques including creative strategies for composing with pupils who have limited musical literacy, using digital and non-digital aids. 

 

 

 

A young person holding drum sticks

 

Wednesday 14 May 4.30 – 6.30pm
Accessible Music Making for BGE Learners led by Stephen Henderson, Drummer, Composer, Band leader and Educator 

Develop tools to build pupils’ confidence and musicality, without them needing to read music. Explore rhythm activities, games, simple melodies and improvisation to make BGE music lessons more engaging.

 

 

Two people standing at lighting desk in a theatre

 

Monday 19 May 4.30 – 5.45pm
Get to Know Your Lighting Desk led by Paige MacGillivray, RCS Lighting Production Student 

For teachers who have the FLX S24 desk and want a better understanding of it. Led by an RCS Lighting student, who can give an insight into BA Production Technology. 

 

 

A woman pointing with her fingers

 

Tuesday 27 May 4.30 – 6.30pm
Devising Towards Performance led by Robbie Gordon, Theatre Maker and Creative Engagement Specialist

Explore the devising and writing techniques Wonder Fools use to tell authentic stories with communities. Delve into practical ways of shaping narrative and performance and leave with tools to support your pupils’ creativity. 

 

 

Book Now button

Please Note: Fair Access prioritises those facing barriers in accessing the arts. Such as those who:

  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode 
  • are care experienced 
  • are estranged and receive no support from family or carers
  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode or SIMD2 Postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
    • living rurally with poor transport links
    • Black, Indigenous or People of Colour 
    • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing

Get in touch if you have any questions or need us to check a postcode for you.

For this reason, our CLPL sessions prioritise places for teachers whose schools have a high percentage of SIMD1 postcodes within their catchment area.

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions about these activities please get in touch with us at: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

Reflections in Film: Filmmaking Project for Young People

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 Reflections in Film: Telling Your Story 

A chance to explore your identity through the media of film

 What is the project? 

Reflections in Film is a project run by Mal Fraser that invites young people to creatively express themselves by experimenting with different filmmaking techniques to capture their unique perspective on who they are and how they see the world.

Over 12 weeks, you’ll dive into various aspects of filmmaking, from storytelling and camera work to editing and sound design. Each week offers a new opportunity to develop your skills and explore a different creative process in a way that feels authentic to you. By the end of the project, you’ll have the chance to create your own short film.

This project is about discovering new ways to tell your story and gaining filmmaking skills along the way. If you’re ready to get started, sign up and join a group of like-minded young creators ready to explore their voices through film.

Check out Mal’s work here:

 Where will this take place? 

This is an online project therefore all you’ll need is a device that can access Microsoft Teams and an internet connection – therefore you can attend from anywhere in Scotland.

If you require any support in accessing a device with internet connection, then let us know when you sign up and we’ll do are best to support you and navigate this barrier.

Where: Online
Times: Tuesdays at 7pm – 9pm
When: 
  • 25 March
  • 1 April
  • 22 April
  • 29 April
  • 6 May
  • 13 May
  • 20 May
  • 27 May
  • 3 June
  • 10 June
  • 24 June
Whilst we do expect participants to try and commit to all these dates, we also appearciate that things like school commitments, exams and life in general make not make that possible. We just ask that you let us know when you can’t attend!

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 *Booking Deadline Extended*

New Deadline: Wednesday 19 March 4pm
Spaces are limited. Completing the booking form doesn’t automatically guarantee your place.
We will notify successful candidates.

 Who is it for? 

Young people aged 16+ with an interest in visual expression, film, sound, storytelling, writing and getting to meet likeminded people.

Participants must meet one or more of the following criteria:

Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions or queries or would like to know how to get involved with WACI, please email: waci@rcs.ac.uk

Discover Fair Access Creative Pathways at RCS: Upcoming Events & Information Sessions

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 Discover Creative Pathways at   RCS 

A young person sitting smiling at table with friends

Are you aged 16+ and interested in performing or production arts?

Come along to one of our upcoming events or information sessions to find out more about our programmes: Get Into: Performing and Production Arts (16+) and brand new credit-rated Access Courses (17+). Explore your next steps towards a creative career, meet staff and students from RCS and get advice about applying. 

Online Information Sessions

Join us from the comfort of your own home to find out more about the courses, what they involve and how to apply. These sessions run from 5.30 – 6.15pm on:

  • Thursday 6 March
  • Monday 10 March
  • Thursday 13 March

Book Now buttonIn-Person Events

Join us at RCS or The Beacon Arts Centre for a fun, practical session where you get to work with our tutors to explore performing and production arts in action. These in-person events run from 4.30 – 6.30pm on:

Book Now button

Online Artform Information Sessions

Join us to delve deeper into what each of our creative pathways is all about. Meet staff and students from RCS who will let you know what to expect on the Get Into and Access Courses. These online sessions run from 5.30 – 6.30pm on: 

  • Monday 31 March (Find Out More: Production)
  • Wednesday 2 April (Find Out More: Music Education)
  • Thursday 3 April (Find Out More: Arts with Community)

Book Now button

 Who Can Apply 

Our Access Courses are fully funded and specifically aimed at people who:

  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode 
  • are care experienced 
  • are estranged and receive no support from family or carers
  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode or SIMD2 Postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
    • living rurally with poor transport links
    • Black, Indigenous or People of Colour 
    • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing

Get in touch if you have any questions or need us to check a postcode for you.

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions about these activities please get in touch with us at: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

Brand New Access Courses

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 New Access Courses 

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland launches brand new Access Courses for people ages 17+ starting July 2025

A man sitting while a young girl laughs holding a microphone

This eight-month accredited programme will help you discover your creative potential and take your artistic skills to the next level. It is fully funded for those who meet our Fair Access eligibility and is designed for people who are serious about studying BA Arts with Community, Music Education, or Production at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

The programme is split into three areas of study and offers 40 credits at SCQF Level 6 on completion:

  • Access to Arts with Community
  • Access to Production
  • Access to Music Education

Throughout the course you will deepen your understanding and increase experience in your chosen artform. You will work collaboratively with other students to create performances and receive expert guidance on how to apply for degree programmes and prepare for auditions/interviews.

Find out more about these exciting new courses running from July 2025 – March 2026 here: Access Courses at RCS

 

Text: Apply Now

Deadline to apply: 14 March 2025

 Who Can Apply 

Our Access Courses are fully funded and specifically aimed at people who:

  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode 
  • are care experienced or estranged from, and receive no support from, family or carers
  • live in an SIMD1 Postcode or SIMD2 Postcode and belong to one of the following groups:
    • living rurally with poor transport links
    • Black, Indigenous or People of Colour 
    • D/deaf or Hard of Hearing

Get in touch if you have any questions or need us to check a postcode for you.

 Contact Us 

If you have any questions about these activities please get in touch with us at: fairaccess@rcs.ac.uk

Performance Trip: War Horse

Posted on by Ellen McNeill

 Performance Trip 

Join us for the second in our series WACI performance trips to see the award winning, National Theatre tour of Michael Morpurgo’s ‘War Horse’.

A life size puppet horse and a man holding it's face

War Horse is an unforgettable theatrical experience which takes audiences on an extraordinary journey from the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France. Based on the beloved novel by Michael Morpurgo, this powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness. At its heart are astonishing life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life on stage.

This performance trip is the perfect opportunity to see award winning theatre that combines puppetry, movement, emotive story telling and innovative sound and lighting design. It is open to those aged 16+ with an interest in drama, performance, sound and lighting technology. 

Please note that signing up does not automatically mean you will receive a place on the trip. After the signup date we will prioritise applications who meet our eligibility and contact you to let you know if you have been successful.

DISCLAIMER: This show uses strobe lighting. It also deals with themes that some people may find upsetting including war, and depictions of violence and death. This trip will be supervised by Livi from the WACI Team, who will be in attendance. Please make any reasonable adjustments/accessibility requirements known

When: 31 March
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Theatre Royal, Glasgow

Book Now button

Spaces are limited. Completing the booking form doesn’t automatically guarantee your place.
We will notify successful candidates.

Booking Deadline: Monday 24 March

Please note: WACI prioritise those facing barriers in accessing the arts such as those who are:

Get in touch and we can check your postcode for you. 

 How to Contact Us 

If you have an queries or questions about this activity, you can contact the team at: 📧waci@rcs.ac.uk