Work with schools and colleges forms a core element of Exchange Education. For much of our work with the formal education sector we focus on the 10 districts of Greater Manchester. However, we also work with schools from across the UK, and with visiting students from overseas.
ACTIVITIES FOR SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
Schools Partnership Scheme: The SPS is a genuine opportunity for schools and colleges to forge close, developmental links with the Royal Exchange Theatre, in particular its Education department. The scheme works with up to 5 schools and colleges each year, providing free workshops, tickets and teacher CPD. The partnership also offers participating schools and colleges additional support from the Theatre’s Education Department and free membership of Exchange Education.
Exchange Teacher Scheme: This pilot scheme (new for September 2009) is designed to offer the selected teacher a unique professional development opportunity: an insight into the production processes in a theatre, an awareness of the creative approaches theatres use when working with schools, and the opportunity to co-deliver workshops and develop new strategies for use in school.
Continuing Professional Development for teachers and practitioners: These practical sessions offer the opportunity to learn new skills, review old ones and experience a variety of the creative approaches used by other professionals. Offered throughout the year, sessions are open to teachers, practitioners and interested adults. For details of the upcoming programme of events please see Events.
Show-related workshops: Exchange Education run a programme of practical Introducing... workshops to accompany selected Royal Exchange productions in both the Theatre and The Studio. These sessions are aimed at school groups and their teachers and offer a talk and demonstration-based introduction to the play and the production, with plenty of opportunity for participant involvement. Each season we also try to make a link with selected companies who are visiting The Studio with new work. Please see Events for upcoming sessions.
Exchange Education teacher membership scheme: A membership scheme designed to offer teachers extra opportunities to become involved with the Royal Exchange Theatre and benefit from a range of Education Extras. The cost of membership for an academic year is just £10, and each member receives a termly (or twice termly) invitation to visit the theatre for a free glass of wine, the chance to meet up with other teachers and Royal Exchange staff, and a free ticket for the current production.
Creative Industries Days: Aimed at Creative and Media Diploma and BTEC students, our Creative Industries Days include workshops, talks, demonstrations and theatre tours. They encourage students to think realistically about what it is like to be employed in the performing arts sector, explore their areas of skill and tackle any misconceptions about employment in the arts. Please see Events for upcoming sessions.
Tours and Pick'N'Mix workshops: Throughout the year Exchange Education offer a range of stand-alone taster workshops and tours for schools and community groups of up to 30. Sessions can be doubled in length to create a more in-depth workshop, or grouped in twos, threes or fours to make longer, varied introductions to the world of theatre. Available all year round, dependant on availability.
Production-linked Resource Archive: Exchange Education produce a number of production-linked resources each year, including resource packs, rehearsal diaries and interviews. There are also a series of more general resources about the Royal Exchange building, life backstage at the Theatre and how to prepare for your visit to us.
Work Experience: To find out about our work experience and training policy, please click here. If you are enquiring on behalf of students in Year 10 or 11 you might also be interested in our Behind The Scenes Work Week.
