Sunnyside Academy pupils take centre stage with the Royal Shakespeare Company
A primary school in Middlesbrough has been making waves by partnering with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to produce their own version of Macbeth.
Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham joined forces with six other Middlesbrough schools as part of the town’s Associate Schools Programme, culminating in a performance that brought Shakespeare to life for young learners.
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The RSC Associate Schools Programme in Middlesbrough is led by Archibald Primary School, and since 2012, a dedicated group of schools has come together annually to produce a Shakespeare play.
Wide range of benefits for young learners
This year, approximately 120 children from the participating schools attended workshops with RSC cast members and mentors, preparing them for their performance of Macbeth to an invited audience at Middlesbrough’s Acklam Green Centre.
The schools participating in this year’s programme were Priory Woods School and Art College, Berwick Hills Primary School, Sunnyside Academy, Newport Primary, Macmillan Academy, and Kader Academy.
Kirsty Smith-Hodgson, English Lead at Sunnyside Academy, expressed her delight: “The positive impact we have experienced implementing teaching methods through working with the Royal Shakespeare Company continues to astound me. As English lead, I have the pleasure of witnessing such a wide range of benefits for young learners from Nursery to Year 6 – all the while enriching their academic and personal development.
“The RSC methods of teaching have made complex language accessible, extended vocabulary and increased the confidence in performance and communication. The stories still resonate today, and children are able to identify with the characters, explore themes and make connections.”
Vast improvements in English, drama, and self-belief
Sunnyside Academy, home to just under 300 pupils aged three to 11, is a mainstream school with provisions for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with visual and hearing impairments.
Julie Sutton, Head Teacher of Sunnyside Academy, highlighted the long-standing benefits of the programme: “The RSC Associate Schools Programme was one of the first initiatives I signed up to when I became headteacher eight years ago.
“At my previous school I had worked with the Programme so was well aware of the huge benefits it brings in helping young children develop their education, particularly around English, drama and self-belief. Participating in the programme gives our young children a voice and enables them to learn new skills which they can apply right across the school curriculum.”
Sunnyside Academy is one of ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust, which spans Teesside, County Durham, and Hartlepool.
Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, praised the initiative: “It is fantastic that Sunnyside pupils have the opportunity to work alongside a world-renowned theatre company.
“The benefits that the RSC and the Associate Schools Programme are bringing to the classroom are very visible, including developing oracy skills which is a national focus for all schools.”
The collaboration between Middlesbrough schools and the Royal Shakespeare Company continues to prove invaluable, nurturing not only a love for Shakespeare but also crucial skills in communication, confidence, and academic development for young learners.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, added: “Programmes like the RSC Associate Schools initiative are vital for enriching the educational experience of our young people across the North East.
“Providing opportunities for children to engage with world-class theatre not only fosters creativity and a love of learning but also significantly boosts their confidence and communication skills, which are crucial for their overall development and future success.”
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