On Thursday, 20th February, St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School proudly welcomed The First Encounters: Shakespeare for Younger Audiences (RSC) to perform an 80-minute version of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, marking a significant milestone in its journey as a lead associate school within the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) Associate Schools Programme. This prestigious event, not granted to every school, highlighted St. Cuthbert’s dedication to making Shakespeare accessible to young learners and the wider community.
Since joining the Associate Schools Programme in 2017 as part of the Archibold cluster in Middlesbrough, the school has cultivated a deep appreciation for Shakespeare. His works are now an integral part of the Key Stage 2 curriculum, allowing children to explore language, drama, and performance over four years.
In 2023, St. Cuthbert’s proudly became a lead school, extending its Shakespearean curriculum to Key Stage 1. The school’s mission is to provide inclusive, high-quality arts education for all children.
“Our dedicated team is passionate about sharing the magic of Shakespeare with both our pupils and the wider community,” said Jo Wilson from St. Cuthbert’s. “The performance of The Tempest is a testament to the hard work and enthusiasm of our students and staff, and we invite everyone to celebrate this moment with us.”
Year 7 students from The English Martyrs Catholic School & Sixth Form College were also thrilled to attend. As both schools are proud members of the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust, this collaboration created an incredible opportunity for the children to come together and immerse themselves in the arts, fostering creativity and shared experiences.
This event is more than just a production; it is an opportunity for the community to engage with the arts, experience the power of storytelling, and witness the impact of Shakespeare on young minds.
For more information, please contact:
St. Cuthbert’s Catholic Primary School
Stratford Road
Hartlepool
TS25 5AJ