Create, Speak, Thrive | Bringing Words To Life
Trestle Theatre Company are delighted to announce that we have been awarded Paul Hamlyn Foundation funding from the 5th round of The Teacher Development Fund, which aims to enable teachers and school leaders to develop their skills, knowledge and experience in order to embed learning through the arts in the primary curriculum.
Over the course of this two-year project we will work in partnership with eight schools across Luton and Stevenage, the Royal Opera House Bridge and the University of Hertfordshire to explore creative approaches to speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) using drama and storytelling techniques.
Following a hugely successful pilot study which took place in 2021, the partners have co-created an inquiry led research project that will enable mutual learning and development. Create, Speak, Thrive: Bringing Words to Life will focus on using drama and storytelling to test and develop a universal approach to language learning in primaries and provide teachers with new creative strategies.
Helen Barnett, Creative Director of Trestle Theatre Company said:
“I am delighted to be able to expand on the success of the Pilot project last year which highlighted a very real need for support in relation to speech, language and communication within Primary Schools. Through our arts on prescription programmes, we have really seen the impact drama practice can have on young people’s wellbeing and mental health and we are excited to see how this partnership with our artists and teachers can develop this work further into classrooms. We are thrilled to be continuing this exciting project in collaboration with our partners and thank Paul Hamlyn Foundation for their support and giving us the opportunity to explore.”
Catherine Sutton, Head of Programme – Education, Paul Hamlyn Foundation said:
“Learning through the arts can engage and inspire young people, support key educational outcomes and develop skills that prepare them for the next phase of their lives. For many young people, particularly those experiencing inequity and disadvantage, the only opportunity to gain access to arts education is at school. That’s why we are delighted to announce the seven partnerships that have received a grant from our Teacher Development Fund Round 5. We were impressed by the quality of applications and look forward to seeing how the projects equip teachers with the skills and confidence needed to provide quality and impactful education and learning through the arts.”
If you would like more information about joining future iterations of the project, please fill out the form below:
