TT1617 Evaluation Report

5. Programming ambitious celebration events
Aligns with Thurrock Education Commission - Recommendation 6 -
‘Recognise and celebrate achievement in Thurrock’
A consistent feature of Trailblazer has been community events that give
schools a platform to showcase and celebrate cultural learning. From the
‘Fused’ Festival in Year One, ‘Village Beach: Next Generation’ in Year Two,
to ‘ROHThurrock10’ in Year Three, the Thurrock team have brought the
resources of the Royal Opera House to these large-scale events, hosted at
Grays Beach and High House Production Park. Children and young people
have been able to see their work and cultural experiences in the wider
context of Trailblazer, celebrating each other’s achievements, together.
Families have seen the benefits of cultural learning, with festival events
allowing them to enjoy cultural activity with their children. At these events,
Teachers have been inspired by seeing how other schools have responded
to different Cultural Partners and projects.
‘ROHThurrock10’ was curated by members of the Royal Opera House
Thurrock and Covent Garden Learning and Participation teams. Schools
commented that pupils now have an expectation that “delightful,
spectacular things happen here”. The event was full of immersive
experiences that took pupils and teachers out of their ‘comfort zones’,
leading them to unexpected places. ‘ROHThurrock10’ was firmly rooted in
the art forms that the Royal Opera House champions - opera, ballet and
stage crafts.
“They said that this was the best trip they had ever been on, they
absolutely loved Alice in Wonderland.”
Thameside Primary School
“Swan Lake was incredible. All of our children sat on the ‘cold floor’ -
a really sensory experience and a new experience for them. And
overwhelming at points, but they all loved it.”
Beacon Hill Academy
“We loved La Boheme. The idea of promenade performance is new
and exciting for our students.”
Grays Convent High School
These large scale, summer sharings are highly valued. Equally powerful
have been the moments when Cultural Champions have had opportunity to
disseminate their learning with other educational professionals. Mick
Waters and Thurrock Head Teachers, Darren Henley and Nicky Morgan
from the Arts Council and representatives of many highly respected
cultural organisations have listened, at numerous symposium events, with
interest as the Cultural Champions relate their experience of developing
cultural entitlement in their schools.
22