Hello all,

Well we’re nearly at the end of November and I’m sure the preparation for plays and performances are in full swing as we edge toward December and the end of school term? I’ve been out and about seeing performances at the Shakespeare Schools Festival and examining for Trinity, a job I've thoroughly enjoyed for 14 years...

More from the Shakespeare Schools Festival

I attended a super evening at the Shaw Theatre in London to watch four performances of Shakespeare plays. It was a wonderful night and the plays performed ranged from Hamlet to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It was fantastic to see so many young learners engaging and participating with the stories and language of Shakespeare. The most striking thing for me was the sense of immersion in the performances and a strong sense of community for all the participants. The camaraderie and support for each of the four schools on stage and in the auditorium was palpable. Clearly for the performers and the schools involved in the festival the relevancy of Shakespeare as a playwright of our times for young people is evident. If you get a chance please go to one of the local performances still available. Check out the Shakespeare Schools Festival website for times and venues.

Trinity exams

Many schools are taking Trinity College exams nationwide and overseas at this time. For those of you planning your exam sessions in 2015 this is a reminder that the teacher support pages on the VLE include resources and syllabus support to help with planning and exam sessions. Additionally please do not hesitate to email dramateachers@trinitycollege.com if you need any additional syllabus help.

Auditions

Some of your pupils' may be considering applying for higher education courses in September 2015 which means the audition process for places is on the horizon.Trinity graded exams can certainly support this process and align on a number of levels with the need to prepare audition material. Additionally individual and pairs Trinity graded exams attract UCAS points at grades 6-8. As importantly, Trinity examinations provide a clear indication for higher education providers of not only attainment levels of learners regarding performance skills, but also their soft and transferable skills in areas such as communication in the interview process. I am often asked by learners where they can find more information about higher education courses? My starting point is always www.dramauk.co.uk, the website is full of useful information and well worth a visit.

UCAS tariff points, future changes

Whilst I am on the subject of UCAS points the UCAS tariff points structure changes in September 2017.The changes should not impact upon learners and their future choices,but for those learner’s planning to enter higher education in September 2017 and applying in 2015/2016 the changes will apply. Please visit the UCAS website and links to find out more.

That's it from me for now, until next time...

With best wishes,

Carol