The National Theatre of Scotland recently led week-long creative residencies in two Scottish primary schools as part of the Arts Alive programme.

Artists Sarah Rose Graber and Ruxy Cantir spent a creative week with P7 learners at Rhu Primary School in Dunbartonshire using drama to build confidence following lockdown. The pupils enjoyed making shadow puppets, performing short scenes, and writing their own imaginative stories.

Lead artist and theatre-maker Robbie Gordon together with musician Stuart Ramage and visual artist Alex Maddy Taylor worked with P7 pupils at Raploch Primary School in Stirling. The class wrote songs and created stories and characters through drama and art inspired by World War 2, bringing confidence back into the classroom.

Arts Alive is a new pilot programme for schools delivered by Scottish Book Trust, in collaboration with Scotland's National Performing Companies. The programme offers high-quality professional arts experiences for young people, shown to contribute to improved confidence, wellbeing and narrowing the attainment gap. The programme supports teachers and pupils to put the expressive arts at the heart of their schools.

Paul Fitzpatrick, Director of Creative Engagement said

“We are delighted to be collaborating on Arts Alive, bringing live drama, music and movement back into classrooms, helping to build confidence and inspire creativity.

We’ve enjoyed working with leading Scottish theatre-makers and creatives on the residencies, deepening our engagement with schools across Scotland and providing more opportunities for young people to participate in cultural activities.”

National Theatre of Scotland artists will be returning to work with more schools in Arts Alive residencies later in the year.

The 2021–22 Arts Alive pilot programme is funded by the Scottish Government and Education Scotland and delivered in partnership with the National Performing Companies: National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Scottish Ballet, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Scottish Opera. More information here