The HSDC College Group is looking forward to another exciting year working with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), continuing its role as a Lead Associate School for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight cluster, in collaboration with the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
Representatives from HSDC College Group recently attended the RSC’s ‘Building Partnerships: A 20-Year Story Arts Symposium’ in Stratford-upon-Avon. This event celebrated two decades of enduring partnerships between schools, theatres, and communities across England, and looked ahead to future developments in this field.
The symposium gathered school leaders, teachers, artists, theatre practitioners, arts leaders, and policymakers to exchange ideas and reflect on the impact of long-term collaborations between education and the arts. Discussions focused on maintaining the responsiveness, equity, and creativity of these partnerships, and their potential to broaden opportunities for young people.
Attendees also experienced Factory, a new verbatim play by the arts charity LUNG, performed by the RSC’s Next Generation Act company. The play delves into the experiences of young people in school and their journey to self-discovery and finding their voice.
“"It was wonderful to attend the RSC’s Arts Symposium as a Lead Teacher for HSDC College Group. The event’s focus – building partnerships – is at the heart of our work with the RSC and our ‘theatre partner’, The Mayflower. We enjoyed sessions relating to educational policy and the Arts, creative and active workshops, and the opportunity to learn how the RSC’s Associate Schools Programme creates incredible opportunities for young people across the country. It was an excellent symposium, and left me feeling inspired to continue our fantastic work with the RSC."
Since joining the programme, HSDC College Group has strengthened its partnership through professional development workshops for local English and Drama teachers, and Playmaking Festivals. These initiatives bring students and teachers together to explore Shakespeare through creative and engaging methods.
Following an inspiring day at the symposium, HSDC College Group is eager to build upon this work throughout the coming year. The group will continue its partnership with the RSC and the Mayflower Theatre to generate enriching opportunities for students, teachers, and schools across the region.
