Education
The Edinburgh International Festival runs a programme of education and outreach to offer the Festival audience a deeper insight into the annual Festival programme, and to help reach those who would otherwise face barriers in accessing its work.
Bank of Scotland Connecting to Music Website
The Edinburgh International Festival is delighted to launch the Bank of Scotland Connecting to Music website. An extensive and creative online resource for schoolteachers and those interested in exploring ideas about music and art. There are exercises for you to try and downloadable lesson plans for use in your classroom.
This website can make a significant contribution to teacher's role as they build the Curriculum for Excellence in schools.
Bank of Scotland Connecting to Music is an interdisciplinary education project devised and delivered by the Edinburgh International Festival. It introduces children and adults to creative ways of listening to music, particularly classical music.
‘From the earliest years, children and young people’s experiences in the expressive arts can help them to express themselves, think innovatively, meet challenges positively and fine imaginative solutions to problems.’
(From Page 5, Expressive Arts, A Curriculum for Excellence – Building the Curriculum 1)
Scottish Ballet Dance Project
The Edinburgh International Festival is investing in the education work of Scottish Ballet to extend their outreach and develop new relationships with Edinburgh schools. Spending entire days with pupils in secondary schools in Edinburgh allows the Scottish Ballet education specialists to create intensely rewarding relationships with the 12 and 13 years olds and 16 and 17 year olds they work with in this special Festival project. The focus is on the work of Stephen Petronio and Ashley Page, both bad boys and dance rebels of the UK and the United States. The younger pupils take part in workshops while the older pupils undertake an analysis of dance as observers. All students taking part are invited to Scottish Ballet’s performances at the Festival.
Supported by The Ernest Cook Trust and The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust.
Workshops ‘Looking at Myth’
Working with 17 year olds in schools to delve deep into the meaning of myth in theatre and writing, and the roles of archetypes in the telling of stories. Pupils explore the Festival programme through the layers of myth and around iconic figures and then come along to a Festival event of their choosing to see experience these stories in live performance.
Herald Young Critics
The Edinburgh International Festival and The Herald newspaper continue to work together on Young Critics, introducing school students to the process of arts criticism. The project culminates in the opportunity to review performances at the Festival, with selected reviews printed in The Herald.
Bank of Scotland Connecting To Music
The Festivals’ flagship, year round, education programme reflects the music appearing in Festival 2007. Each year the project reaches 1000 pupils in 36 schools exploring classical music and listening skills. The children are then encouraged to create visual pictures of their connection to the music.
Feedback from Teachers and Pupils
'Brilliant experience' P7 teacher
'It broadened their horizons. They had access to an experience out-with their normal lives. Also, it was fully accessible to all – regardless of academic achievement – a real plus point' P7 teacher
'I learnt how to use my imagination' P7 pupil
'The drawing activity was popular. Suggesting other activities to do while listening? Suggestion of other music to listen to related to music we heard at workshop. Thank you all for all your work. A lovely day for me! V. skilled facilitation' P7 teacher
Feedback Quotes from Bank of Scotland Staff
'Definitely the best workshop I have attended through work'
'Felt much more creative and confident'
'Improved concentration on return to work'
'Fantastic' revealing, fun, relaxing'
