The last blog update for 2013...

CPD training During the Autumn term we ran two CPD days for our Level 4 Performing Diplomas. These events were really successful, one teacher said "The quality of this training for the cost was exceptional. I other training recently for £120 where they literally just read the books to us. I feel more valued as a teacher, and more supported in the field through the VLE." It is so positive to have feedback like this and we hope that any training that we run during 2014 will be just as appreciated. 

Helen O'Grady The last Drama teacher training session of 2013 happened on Sunday 8th December in Bolton for Helen O'Grady Principals and teachers. In total 9 teachers/principals (pictured right) were trained, they travelled from across, Cumbria and South Scotland and Lancashire. We are looking forward to all of these new academies delivering our qualifications from January 2014. Good luck Helen O'Grady North West!

Cut & Thrust - Stage Combat Ever wanted to teach stage combat as part of our 'Performance Arts' syllabus? Needing to put in a stage fight into your Macbeth scene?

Well fear not... Cut and Thrust is a Stage Combat company with over 10 years experience in delivering workshops for all ages. Recently Cut and Thrust have been helping Trinity teachers and students to create stage combat elements of exam performances. The Team at Cut and Thrust are all professionals with experience from all areas of theatre, television and film.
So if you are staging a performance, working towards an assessment or simply want to improve your skills then get in touch with Cut and Thrust.

'Keeping Drama Strong' Dialogue Conference Day This one day conference has been specifically created for Drama specialist teachers.
The event is happening on Friday 7th March 2014 at The University of Reading. National Drama are doing this in collaboration with The University of Reading (a leading university for PGCE Drama) and Trinity College London are supporting this event along with Artsmark, Arts Award, C&T and Salisbury Playhouse theatre. If you would like to go to this event please go to: www.nationaldrama.eventbrite.co.uk to read more and book your place. Prices vary from £25 - £90.

So as 2013 draws to a close (and also the end of my first year here at Trinity College London) all that is left to say is "Happy Christmas and Happy New Year"

Holly

Ample 'ATCL' goes forth...

Josie Campbell, Head of Drama & Theatre Studies at Ampleforth College in Yorkshire teaches the ATCL Performing diploma (Level 4) to provide additional performance opportunities for her A level students.In 2012 Lucy Bird (Speech & Drama), Giorgio Palazzo (Speech & Drama) and Oliver Moore (Performance Arts) entered for the ATCL prior to taking their A levels studies with Edexcel. Both Giorgio and Oliver achieved B grades at Drama A level which unfortunately was not high enough to secure their places at Manchester (Oliver) and Exeter (Giorgio) universities.

As their teacher, Josie approached the admissions tutors at both universities and explained that, in addition to their A-levels, they had successfully taken a Level 4 qualification. The students did not realise when applying through UCAS that they could enter their ATCL qualification as it wasn’t listed on the application form. Josie spoke with UCAS regarding the Level 4 ATCL diplomas and as a result both Exeter and Manchester University then accepted the students on to the BA course. Since speaking to Josie I contacted UCAS and discussed the content, credit level and guided learning hours of the ATCL and now students can add the ATCL under the ‘other qualifications’ section of their application form. 

This is a great example of how Trinity’s practical examinations have the potential to support students to progress into Higher Education.

Good luck with your ATCL students! 

Photo below (From left: Lucy Bird, Giorgio Palazzo & Oliver Moore)

Good 'Goffs' almighty!

The Shakespeare Schools Festival for 2013 is almost over but for Trinity College London our assessments are just beginning. 10 Schools are being assessed across the range of grades giving over 200 pupils the chance to have their work assessed. Our marketing team recently sent out a press release about Goffs School in Hertfordshire and here are some of the highlights...

"18 students from Goffs Secondary School in Cheshunt were each awarded Grade 5 Plays in Production certificates from Trinity College London for their recent Shakespeare Schools Festival (SSF) performance. The students, aged between 12 and 16 years, performed an abridged version of Macbeth on the stage of Broxbourne Civic Hall.

Sarah Cowen, Head of Performing Arts at Goffs School said: ‘Having the performance accredited meant that our students have gained so much more than just the joy of performing in front of a large audience. It was wonderful to have their talent, hard work and dedication officially recognised and rewarded. This is something that we will definitely take part in again as a school’."

Photo below from Goffs School 'Macbeth' rehearsal

That's all for this month... Don't forget to get in touch if you want to share anything with us!

Holly