Hercules – Impacts and Outcomes

• 29 young people aged 8-9 years all passed Arts Award Explore and will receive an accredited qualification and certificate of achievement.
• Young people engaged with arts provision in their local area. Many of these children had never entered a theatre before. Attending the theatre with school helps break down the barriers towards access, meaning young people of different social and economic background see the theatre as a cultural resource for them and a place where they feel welcome. This in turn will support audience development, both in the short term and also building the audiences of tomorrow,
• When questioned, all young participants confirmed that taking part in the project had been a positive experience.
• Four young people taking part in the project sought further opportunities to pursue dance training as a result of taking part in the project.
• The project was successful in maintaining and enhancing strong working relationships between the Grand Theatre, St John’s School and artist Sarah Jane Lockwood.
• End of term celebratory performance in front of parents and the rest of the school, promoting a sense of pride and achievement for the young people involved in the project and promoting the benefits of cultural activity to a wider audience.
• The project provided an opportunity for St John’s C of E Primary School to enhance their cultural offer by engaging with their local arts organization to provide high quality artists workshops and theatre experiences with experienced industry professionals.
• Young people learned about progression routes into dance and theatre and how they might access opportunities in their local area.
• Arts Award log books provided variety of methods for recording and reflecting on the arts activities meaning the Arts Award Explore was made accessible to a variety of learners and learning styles.
• Working with a professional artist and highly respected programming venue provided young people with a memorable experience and an opportunity to connect with the cultural activity beyond the confines of the classroom.