I have worked in the field of education for thirty years and am well aware of it's importance for the future of a child. Even more so, in my opinion is the importance of drama in education. One cannot help wonder why most of these fields are poorly financed and controlled by government and 'the powers that be'  who choose to stay 'the powers that be'!!!!!

There are only a few things anyone needs to teach a child. The encouragement and motivation to discover for themselves and the skills to research.

I have had the honor to teach, for the last fifteen years, home school. My two students (twins boy and a girl)…same family and background….developed their education for themselves. Even when they were four they held a jury session, wig and hammers included, to tell me what I was to teach them!!!!

These two children, while money was not an object, have developed into extremely talented adults. She loves heavy metal, designing trucks and taxidermy….he loves medieval music, Shakespeare, architecture and film producing. At seven they had filmed, acted in (all roles) and edited their own version of Midsummer Night's Dream and by 12 he was filming animation commercials for the UK!!!!! 

I am sharing this not because I am anything special as a teacher….I am sharing because these kids were allowed to be kids and develop the way they wanted to. Yes privileged, but it showed me how, when I got out of the way of the rules and regulations of what we as adults think children should learn, their natural innate abilities came through!!!! And what amazing talent.

When education is dull and the student is left unmotivated there is no where to go. How convenient for those who need an obedient uninspired work force!!!

Thanks Naomi

Hi all, please could I point you in the direction of these great resources - many thanks to Rhiannon for sharing this:

NEW THEATRE ON IPLAYER FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Two outstanding new plays made by and for young people are available to view on BBC iPlayer as part of Live from Television Centre.

 

Both plays are theatrical, bold explorations of what it means to be a teenager in 2015 - and can be seen for FREE for a limited time only.  They're a great way to watch live theatre without leaving your classroom!

 

NO GUTS, NO HEART, NO GLORY is based on interviews with Muslim female boxers and is about being brave, determined and yourself. It challenges stereotypes and is a positive, unexpected representation of young Muslim women in a world and media which often has very limited representations of the Muslim community. 

 

Curriculum links: Drama, Citizenship, RE, English

WATCH NOW (skip to to 01:00)

Read more 

 

BRAINSTORM is a thrilling exploration of the science behind adolescent brain development, drawing upon life experiences of the cast aged 14-19 and made in collaboration with leading cognitive neuroscientist Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore.

 

Curriculum links: Drama, Science, Citizenship, English

WATCH NOW

Read more and free resources 

One of San Francisco's toughest schools transformed by the power of...

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to our Mid Wales meeting and offered such helpful suggestions, advice and support.  It was lovely to see so many people there and to meet you all.  

In other news, this week I listened to a fascinating documentary on Radio 4 hosted by Robert Peston entitled, "What Should we Teach our Kids?"  If you have the opportunity, please listen to it!

Happy New Year everyone!  Blwyddyn Newydd Dda pawb!  Here's to an exciting 2016 - I just wondered what everyone makes of Nicky Morgan's proposals about times tables? 

Thank you Michael Rosen:

If you don't know how to use times tables, they're not useful

Dissertation Theatre In Education Project

Just to let everyone know that the Arts Council is looking for the next group of Creative Agents.  Please get involved if you feel you are able, and please spread the word if you know of the perfect person for the role!  All details outlined below:

‘Arts Council of Wales are recruiting Creative Agents for the next round of the Lead Creative Schools Scheme. The deadline is15^th February. Further details about the scheme, the role and the application form can be found here. Should you feel that the Creative Agent role is not for you why not consider becoming a Creative Practitioner – further information about this role can be found here.

Mae Cyngor Celfyddydau Cymru yn recriwtio Asiantau Creadigol ar gyfer rownd nesaf y Cynllun Ysgolion CreadigolArweiniol. Y dyddiad cau yw 15 Chwefror. Ceir manylion pellach am y cynllun, y rôl a'r ffurflen yma. Os byddwch yn teimlo nad yw'r rôl Asiant Creadigol ar eich cyfer chi, beth am ystyried dod yn Ymarferydd Creadigol - ceir gwybodaeth bellach am y rôl yma.’

This is certainly worth watching!

Changing Education Paradigms. A TED talk by Sir Ken Robinson about why creativity in schools is important. www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_changing_education_paradigms

If you are free, please come along to Cardiff Bay this Saturday where we will, as part of the amazing BDP Senedd event, be showing a short film about young people's educational experiences and furthering our Rethinking Education discussion.  We have interviewed pupils from Ocean Park Academy in Splott, Bryn Hafren School in Barry, Mount Stuart Square Primary in Cardiff Bay, Bridgend Home Education Network in Tondu, Castle School in Pembrokeshire, Penrhos Centre in Colwyn Bay and Mess up the Mess Theatre Company in Ammanford. They have each answered questions about what matters most to them when it comes to their education and about what they believe NTW could do for them.  It makes interesting viewing and will help to add to our discussion.  It's quite startling to see how many of them feel that levels and grades are the most important thing about education...

We are so grateful to each of the enthusiastic and engaging participants and to all of their schools, learning centres and parents for their support.  The film will be shown in the Pier Head building at 4pm on Saturday and will later be made available online.   

There are so many ways that young people can get involved with City of the Unexpected over the coming months.  Please take a look at the attached links and forward to anyone who think may like to join in - it's going to be amazing!

School_RD_English.pdf

Ysgol_RD_Cymraeg.pdf

Our next show, Before I Leave, will be a great experience for anyone age 14+ and we will be hosting post-show talks at the performances on 2nd and 8th of June.  If anyone is interested in bringing school or home educated groups along and would like a backstage tour, please do let me know.  Also, don't forget that you can now apply for the 'Go and See' fund to help with costs - as part of the Lead Creative Schools Scheme, the Arts Council of Wales' new funding stream will allow schools to apply for small one-off grants of up to £1,000 to fund visits to arts events in galleries, theatres, arts centres and other venues.

Meet the 25 -Year-Old Behind The First Online School For Refugees

Thanks for sharing Devinda, an inspirational project.

Ann from Small World Theatr and Tim Brew who is schools advisor on sustainability for pembs are developing a teaching resource today in the Model school Carmarthen after pupils have seen our latest show The Lightning Path. Tim is also a scientist and ex teacher so this resource may be of interest to anyone dealing with sustainability in schools and teaching . Our previous resource concerning fishing is still available  on our site www.smallworld.ork.uk where you can alsoget details of our work with story telling in an intercultural project recently in Cardiff and west Wales schools devised with people from the West African diaspora.  ps my last two comments did not appear on this page ?? I'll check if this fails to pop up

Hey everyone - just to introduce myself, I'm Mark, founder of Ingite Theatre and graduate from USW Newport Apploed Drama degree. I am currently working on a partnership with my company and London Bubble Theatre, to launch a drama intervention for children in KS1 with speech, language and communication difficulties in the Newport / South Wales area. We are holding an info evening sometime in May for any interested schools. I'd also like to to connect with anyone who may know where I can go for possible funding for projects like this. Thanks!

Hi Bill, thank you so much for sharing, these sound like fantastic projects.  Do you have any more information on The Lighting Path resource?

Hi Mark, it would be good to meet with you at your event in May to hear more about your project.  With regard to funding, there are numerous funding opportunities available through Arts Council Wales.  Let me know when your information evening will be, many thanks. 

We are still developing this withTim of sustainable schools  and just this minute seen a near to final edit of the video trailer  so this side of the Lightning Path resource almost is there but still making the rest fit the new - new - new curriculum.

Check our website soon....... I hope 

If anyone working with 14-25s could spread the word about Arts Active's summer project - it's free to participate and working with great organisations - Literature Wales, NoFit State, Earthfall Dance, Community Music Wales and more.  This year we're running a steering group to give young people even more input into the run up to the show and our first meeting is this Saturday:  http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/events/performance-first-...

Those interested can sign up on Eventbrite here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/performance-steering-group-tickets-2...

Thank you Rosey, this sounds fantastic.

If you are a teacher or are working with young people, we just wanted to let you know about a great opportunity surrounding our show, "Before I Leave" - on 2nd and 8th of June there will be post-show discussions with writer, Patrick Jones and emerging director Gavin Porter, which will offer a fascinating insight to the writing and rehearsal process.  Also, if anyone would be interested in bringing a group along for a backstage tour, we would be very happy to welcome you.  For more information please do get in touch, naomichiffi@nationaltheatrewales.org  

We were delighted to work with Bryn Hafren school in Barry on an intergenerational photography project for 'Before I Leave' - it contains some fantastic, emotive images and will be displayed in the foyer of the Sherman for the run of the show, please do pop along to see it if you have the opportunity.

Patrick Jones also delivered a creative-writing workshop at at the school, the results of which are two beautiful poems, written by the pupils.  Here they are for your enjoyment

"Words are prisoners;
banging on their cell doors,
fighting to get out.

Words are fire;
spreading with ferocity until someone finds the water.

Words are flowers;
they take their time to bloom,
but when they do they're beautiful."

Katelan Rowlands

Words:

They are hurricanes,
threatening danger with every sound,
they can tear you apart.

They are stars,
thousands of miles away
never quite seeming reachable.

They are fires,
scorching and burning
ready to spit should you get too close.

They are graveyards,
holding forgotten memories
and buried dreams.

They are maps,
trace the lines with your hands
and find a new world.

They are mirrors
holding every inch of you,
both the parts you like and those you can hardly seem to face.

They are shadows,
the darkened silhouettes of you

on a cold December night.

But above all,

they are an escape;
a place to go when your mind is too full

and too empty all at once.

Charlotte Rose

The following may be of interest to some of you - it looks great!

Community Music Wales will be running a community arts tutor training course in Cardiff this July. 

The course will aim both to develop essential, core competencies and to celebrate and encourage individuality and diversity.
 

Who is it for?

For people who:

• Want to increase their skills, knowledge and understanding in using creative activities in their work with people.
• Already work in a creative field, or want to start using art in a work or voluntary context, including youth workers, teaching assistants, carers, early years workers, play workers, day centre staff, after school club leaders, youth justice sector workers etc
• Have a strong interest in creative activities and have some artistic skills
• Have the potential to inspire and motivate people to create

The training is accredited through Agored Cymru and thanks to the Arts Council of Wales lottery funding we are able to offer it at the amazing price of £120 (£80 Concession)

Course Dates:

1^st, 2^nd, 9^th, 15^th and 16^th July 2016

If you are interested in the course please don't hesitate to call us on:
029 20838060 
or email:
admin@communitymusicwales.org.uk

Ac yn Gymraeg:

Bydd Cerdd Gymunedol Cymru yn cynnal cwrs hyfforddi tiwtoriaid, yn Caerdydd ym mis Gorffenaf.

Bydd y cwrs yn amcanu i ddatblygu cymwyseddau craidd a dathlu ac annog unigoliaeth ac amrywiaeth.
 

Ar gyfer pwy?

I’r canlynol:

• Pobl sy’n awyddus i gynyddu eu sgiliau, eu gwybodaeth a’u dealltwriaeth o ddefnyddio gweithgareddau creadigol yn eu gwaith â phobl
• Pobl sydd eisoes yn gweithio mewn maes creadigol neu sy’n awyddus i ddechrau defnyddio celfyddyd mewn cyd-destun gwaith neu wirfoddol, gan gynnwys gweithwyr ieuenctid, cynorthwywyr dysgu, gofalwyr, gweithwyr blynyddoedd cynnar, gweithwyr chwarae, staff canolfannau dydd, arweinwyr clybiau ar ôl ysgol, gweithwyr sector  cyfiawnder ieuenctid, ayyb
• Pob sydd â diddordeb mawr mewn gweithgareddau creadigol a chanddynt rywfaint o sgiliau artistig
• Pobl sydd â’r potensial i ysbrydoli ac ysgogi eraill i gre

Mae’r hyfforddi wedi achredu gan Agored Cymru a diolch i ariannu gan Gyngor Celfyddydau Cymru a’r Loteri rydym yn medru cynnig hyn am y pris arbennig o £120 (£80 concesiwn)
 

Dyddiadau'r Cwrs

1af, 2il, 9fed, 15fed a 16 Gorffennaf, 2016

Os oes gennych gwestiynau pellach yna cysylltwch â ni ar:
029 2083 8060
neu e-bost:
admin@communitymusicwales.org.uk

As many of you know, over the past year, we have undergone a period of consultation with educators, artists, academics and young people to help establish an NTW approach to education.   This has been done as the next logical step for TEAM, but has also been in reaction to the changing world of education in Wales. 

Through our education programme, we want to connect with people throughout Wales, from all backgrounds, in ways that enable them to be creative. We are looking at education for schools; for young people outside mainstream schooling; for families; for teachers, and education for life – providing opportunities for lifelong learning, much of which we offer under the current TEAM structure.  We also wish to show support for the Arts Council and Welsh Assembly Government's Creative Schools Scheme. 

Through our consultation period we have been asking for contributions, either online via this, our Rethinking Education group or in person at regional meetings throughout Wales. This process has been extremely beneficial and has helped inform and shape our future proposed education plan, so I would like to extend a message of thanks to all of you for contributing so enthusiastically to our discussions to date.  

A brief summation of the results of the meetings is that we are now developing a more focused education programme in which we will look at engaging with all digitally, with some through show-related projects and with a few through specific located activity.  More specific details of each of these strands will be made public in the near future, so watch this space...  

In the mean time, our door is always open for new ideas related to education so if you have anything you would like to discuss or to share or if you are a teacher/youth group leader with a specific project in mind and you would like our guidance or support then please do get in touch. 

Many thanks - diolch yn fawr. 

An interesting report on the future of higher education, asking "what will college look like five, ten, and twenty years from now?"

As student loan debt has risen significantly over the past several years, future higher education continues to be seen in the spotlight. GoodCall’s report touches on online driven education, a student’s return on investment, greater accountability placed on colleges and more.  It's an interesting read. 

The report can be found here: https://www.goodcall.com/education/future-of-higher-education/

In other news, if you are a teacher or work with young people and would be interested in some scripts to help creatively engage with your groups, then please do get in touch as we have scripts available which we would be happy to donate to you.   We currently have copies of The Dark Philosophers based on the stories of Gwyn Thomas and adapted by Carl Grose as well as A Provinicial Life, by Peter Gill and based on the work of Anton Chekhov.  If you would be interested, just let us know. 

I'm on the lookout for a creative practitioner to work with a Primary School in Newport on a project about China. More details in this blog:

http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profiles/blogs/job-creati...

The Best New Schools Don't Look Like Schools At All

It's all about using open architecture to nurture young minds.

We are thrilled that The Radicalisation of Bradley Manning and Mametz are now on the WJEC A Level Drama syllabus.  Please go to our TEAM pages online to see a selection of interviews with a number of creatives behind two of National Theatre Wales' most iconic shows. 

This event in Llandudno over the coming weekend looks to be something special!  Please go along and show your support if you can. 

Cer i ddangos eich cefnogaeth os gallwch:

WHY? FESTIVAL 2016

Following on from Thirty Pound Gentleman’s event at Contact in summer about hate crime and its impact since Brexit, TPG present “Democracy Has Occurred!” an interactive panel discussion, presented in radio show format with music, performances, and special guests. 

The audience will be invited to interact and get the chance to hot seat – becoming a part of the action. 

We'll explore the fallout of Brexit. We will ask political activists, apathists and those inbetween to discuss if ‘democracy has occurred’ or not. We will discover where on the scale of opinions, activism and extremism our panelists are placed. As well as debating whether some opinions, and how they are expressed, are safe for everybody.

BIOS

Thirty Pound Gentleman (TPG): is a company that works with young people exploring the three work strands of culture, leadership and education. 

Delivering an accredited employability award alongside creative projects, events and consulting with brands and companies, all of Thirty Pound Gentleman's work is designed to help people lead and create, and to support people in accessing employment and further education opportunities.

Thirty Pound Gentleman also has a monthly online radio show where influential and inspiring people are interviewed to help in building text and audio based resources for young people to experience and learn from.

PANELISTS

Jessica Davis (Bite The Ballot): 
Jessica is a Community Engagement Officer for Bite The Ballot. In her role she engages young people in politics, through a variety of workshops and outreach. Bite The Ballot are a UK-based democracy movement, on a mission to empower citizens aged 16-24, and is committed to rebranding politics. BTB were prominent in getting young people to register and vote in the EU referendum, through their national campaign #TURNUP.

Kamila Rymajdo (Vice/ Noisey): 
Kamila Rymajdo is a writer and journalist from Manchester via Poland. As a nightclub promoter, flash fiction writer and someone immersed in Grime culture – writing about "Waltzers and Wardubs" for Noisey and Vice magazine – Kamila has a unique spin on most things.

Berry Black (Cul De Sac): 
One quarter of Mancunian Hip Hop group Cul De Sac, Berry Black is also a community project manager with a special focus on economics and the Black community. A great rap artist who is hardly ever lost for words or awkward questions!

Klepto (Tonga Balloon Gang): 
Klepto is a DJ and member of the raucous "Tonga Balloon Gang" now notorious for hosting parties all over the world alongside fellow Tongans Mike Skinner and Murkage Dave. Klepto will never bite his lip or hold his tongue.

Reime Gedal (Occupy Arab Art) 

Sam Kalubowila (Widening participation Coordinator, Manchester University)

Looking forward to attending the event outlined below.  Will give a full breakdown of the event tomorrow. 

WHY? Festival was an interesting and inspirational event.  It was good to see groups of teenagers there, actively engaging in all discussions and proving a vital part of the conversations.

A particular highlight for me was the lyric workshop (FAM) delivered by Nathan Crossan-Smith.  He offered a brief history of Grime culture and then curated a discussion around notions of family and who we consider our families to be.  This resonated well with a number of members of our group, especially the younger ones, and it was an interesting exercise in creativity as, following the discussions, we were encouraged to develop lyrics based around our ideas of family.  This was delivered in a really accessible way, meaning that even those of us who would otherwise have been terrified by the prospect of creating Grime lyrics, all felt that we were able to contribute something to the finished piece. 

Nathan is a director and artist who obviously knows how to connect with marginalised groups.  He has previously worked with 20 Stories High, amongst others, and it was amazing to see how well he engaged with all members of the audience but more importantly, gave us all pause for thought.  

The Sherman Theatre is hosting a brilliant half-term activity this week.  Please go along if you can.

TAITH is our initiative for new writing that develops and showcases innovative and exciting 10 minute plays in Welsh or English. From an open submission process, three writers have been selected with their scripts developed and worked on with professional actors and directors.

This year we have teamed up with Theatr Iolo and Platfform to present three scripts aimed at audiences aged 10 – 12 and their families. The readings will be followed by a post-show discussion with the writers.

These pieces have been developed over three weeks with three directors as well as an intensive development period with Ned Glasier, Artistic Director of Company Three.

THE PLAYS

• ·         No one wants to be in Hufflepuff by Jeremy Linell
• ·         Here be Dragons (working title) by Derek Palmer
• ·         One More Sleep by Keiron Self

FOR CHILDREN

For this special TAITH we are offering children an afternoon of fun and interactive theatre around creating stories. 

• ·         2.00pm – 3.30pm: Creating Stories workshop led by Sherman Youth Theatre tutor Nicola Reynolds.
• ·         3.30pm – 4.00pm: Drinks and refreshments
• ·         4.00pm – 4.45pm: 3 x 10 minutes plays for 10–12 year olds
• ·         4.45pm – 5.15pm: An interactive workshop about the pieces.

All activity takes place at the Sherman Theatre, with the performances in our Studio space.

To sign up for the workshop please inform Box Office on 029 2064 6900

Cast list for the performances: 

• ·         ALEXANDRIA RILEY

• ·         FRANCOIS PANDOLFO

• ·         GWAWR LOADER

• ·         GARETH PIERCE

• ·         NEAL MCWILLIAMS

• ·         PHYLIP HARRIES

• ·         KAYED MOHAMED-MASON

• ·         RUTH LLOYD

Hi all,

I'm looking for an artist who specialises in working with re-used/re-cycled materials to run 1 or 2 workshop sessions at a primary school in Neath as part of the Lead Creative Schools Scheme with Arts Council Wales.

The project will explore how an outside woodland in the school grounds can be transformed into a learning zone with different areas used for different activities.  I'd really like to focus some of the project on environmental awareness, e.g. how we can make use of recycled or repurposed materials.  If this sounds like your thing, please get in touch!  ruth_stringer@yahoo.co.uk - I'll pass details to the rest of the team.

Many thanks!

Thanks for posting Zoe. We'll push it through our networks.

The Arts and Education Network: South East Wales presents a FREE masterclass, for teachers of GCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre. The day will provide delegates with fresh strategies for teaching Drama and Theatre, focusing on improvisation, devising and re-imagining text.

This masterclass is only open to teachers who live and/or work in Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport or Torfaen. More info here.

Casgliad 2017 - Building the Future for Youth Arts In Wales

Saturday 13th May, Llandrindod Wells, Powys

Are you passionate about the youth arts sector in Wales?

You are invited to explore and help build the future for youth arts in Wales with the Youth Arts Network Cymru (YANC) at Casgliad 2017, an inspirational day of networking, guest speakers, workshops, and discussion.

Flyer below. NTW event link - http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/events/casgliad-2017-buil...

Great advocate for Peer assisted learning, young people supporting each other with their given strengths

We have a very exciting opportunity for a Creative Assistant to work with NTW TEAM on our latest TEAM Education project - this time we will be working with a school in Pembrokeshire. Please check out my blog post if you would like to find out more!

Mae gyda ni cyfle gwych am Cynorthwyyd Creadigol i weithio gyda NTW TEAM ar ein prosiect TEAM Addysg diweddaraf - y tro yma fe fyddwn ni yn gweithio gyda ysgol yn Sir Benfro. Edrychwch ar fy nhudalen blog os hoffech ragor o wybodaeth!

Find out all about the brilliant TEAM/PLC album launch in Pembroke Dock last week by reading my recent blog!

http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profiles/blogs/team-creat...