Associate schools programme
Our programme working with the Royal Shakespeare Company and schools in our region to develop and improve access to Shakespeare.
The Associate Schools programme is the RSC’s national partnership project run by schools and regional theatres, The Marlowe has been running the programme as a partner of the RSC since the programme began.
The fundamental ambition of the Associate Schools programme is to transform experiences of Shakespeare and live theatre for young people. Alongside transformational continuing professional development for teachers, the programme includes unique opportunities for students in performance, leadership and career development.
Here are some teachers talking about the impact it has had on their schools earlier this year.
In Kent and Medway, the programme is run by The Marlowe, consisting of 22 schools arranged in two Clusters. There is a real mix of schools, with a range of experience and some of the more experienced have been specifically selected to mentor other schools in areas of expertise.
King Ethelbert School who have led the programme for 10 years bring with them a wealth of experience. Our mentor schools include; Queenborough Primary and Nursery, Towers School and Sixth Form and Whitfield Aspen Primary. It is a rich a dynamic community where students can work with and learn from students from other schools, and teachers can meet and share ideas to further improve their practice.
Every year the programme culminates in a regional playmaking festival where all the schools come together to perform. Our productions take place in both The Marlowe and in site-specific locations selected for their cultural significance.
Have a quick look at our videos to see the impact of these incredible performances.
Much Ado About Nothing – The Merry War.
The Marlowe Theatre, March 2022.
As You Like It: All The Woods A Stage
Oare Gunpowder Works, June 2023
Every year we recruit new schools from across the whole of Kent and Medway to join one of our Clusters for two years.
We will be opening recruitment in April/May 2024. If you would like to be added to our mailing list so that we can keep in touch about this opportunity, please contact us via email.
