Arc news: February 2010

LTGDC funds landmark two-year communications programme to raise English attainment in Barking & Dagenham schools

In an exciting new initiative aimed at raising attainment in GCSE English, the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation has awarded Arc a grant of £16,725 to contribute to the creation and delivery of an innovative drama-based communications programme.

Devised by Arc's Associate Director Jim Dunk, Speak Up began in January with a pilot programme for Year 10 students at Eastbury Comprehensive School in Barking. Using drama techniques to improve speaking and listening skills with a view to raising attainment from Grade B to A/A* in GCSE English, Arc is now delighted to be offering every secondary school in the Borough the opportunity to participate in this exclusive new enrichment project from September 2010.

The objective of the programme is to support students' movement up the scale through developing confidence and thinking skills with an emphasis on Speaking and Listening. The programme will develop communication skills, including body language, vocal projection, rapport, vocabulary, fluency, public speaking and adapting talk to context and audience. These skills will be applied to a range of key enquiry topics and questions to support individual presentations, interviews, group debates and discussions, which actively develop thinking skills. Students will be encouraged to take risks and extend expectations of their personal and group performance.

Download Speak Up flyer with full details and learning outcomes (PDF, 517k)

Teachers can find out how to get involved now by contacting Artistic Director, Carole Pluckrose at carole@arctheatre.com or call 020 8594 1095.

 

Press articles

Read more about the project in the recent edition of the Borough's newspaper The News (see page 9): http://www.mpldigital.com/barking-dagenham/thenews/17 and the article in The Stage: http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/26983/arc-theatre-company-receives-nearly.

 

Eastbury students taking part in Speak Up

Students' Presentation Evenings

Speak Up will not only work in schools with students, but also collaborate with the wider community by bringing young people, teachers and families to Arc's home at The Malthouse for public presentations and celebrations of the achievements of the participants.

The first two events will take place at The Malthouse from 6 to 8pm on:

Thursday 11 February 2010
and Tuesday 30 March 2010 (date tbc)

Each evening will provide an opportunity for students to share their work and include the presentation of certifcates by John Middleton, Head of Economic Development at LTGDC.

To join us for one of our Eastbury students' Presentation Evenings, please email Theresa Snooks at theresa@arctheatre.com or call 020 8594 1095 with your request for place(s) and date preference.


"Eastbury is very lucky to be involved in this exciting and innovative project.  We are delighted to be working in partnership with Arc as we know that our young people will truly benefit from working with community partners.  The students taking part are very keen for the Speak Up project to start and have high academic ambitions - this is another way that we can support these ambitions and develop skills that will benefit them both now and in the future.  We believe that this is only the start of a sustainable and invaluable project that will help the young people of Barking & Dagenham to fulfil their true potential."
Sharon Collins, Head of English at Eastbury Comprehensive School

"We look forward to working with Arc in the months ahead; this project will be an excellent addition to the portfolio of education initiatives we are currently supporting in Barking and the rest of the London Thames Gateway."
John Middleton, Head of Economic Development at LTGDC

About LTGDC
London Thames Gateway Development Corporation is the key government agency responsible for delivering social and economic growth to transform the London Thames Gateway, part of Europe's largest regeneration project.

LTGDC has contributed £6 million of capital to boost the Government's Building Schools for the Future programme and an additional £2 million of revenue funding to enhance the academic standards and increase employment potential at many local schools.