Arts Award Discover Project: Brunel and Shakespeare

03 February 2025

Blog

03 February 2025

Blog

A collaboration between the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, as part of its Shakespeare Week celebrations, Circomedia, and the SS Great Britain Trust, enabled pupils from Hotwells Primary School to have an unforgettable experience and to achieve their Arts Award Discover.

‘And promise you calm seas, auspicious gales’

– Prospero, The Tempest

 

Auspicious circumstances enabled lasting memories for Year 3 and 5 pupils last year when Shakespeare, circus art and the legacy of Isambard Kingdom Brunel were fused together for a unique performance of The Tempest in the Dry Dock of Brunel’s SS Great Britain, in Bristol. The project, a collaboration between the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, as part of its Shakespeare Week celebrations, Circomedia, and the SS Great Britain Trust, enabled pupils from Hotwells Primary School to have an unforgettable experience and to achieve their Arts Award Discover.

Shakespeare Week is a national annual celebration, delivered by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, giving primary school children opportunities for enriching and enjoyable early experiences of Shakespeare.

Bringing The Tempest to Life

The relationship between the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and SS Great Britain Trust developed via the Arts Council England (ACE) funded Museums and Schools Programme. Additional funding for this project came from ACE via the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust hubs programme for primary schools.

The children’s journey began in the classroom, where Year 3 and Year 5 pupils from Hotwells Primary School delved into the world of Shakespeare, via The Tempest. The children learnt about Shakespeare and explored the play’s themes, characters, and language, laying the groundwork for the next stage of the project which was led by Circomedia – a Bristol based contemporary circus and physical theatre school. The Circomedia team led a series of dynamic workshops, helping the children interpret The Tempest through movement, acrobatics, and storytelling. These sessions were designed not only to enhance the pupils’ understanding of the play and physical theatre, but also to build their confidence, teamwork skills, coordination and communication. The result of the children’s hard work was a truly unique interpretation of The Tempest that blended Shakespearean drama with the magic of circus performance.

A Grand Finale to Remember

Running with the nautical theme of the play, on Monday 18th March the grand performance took place in the Dry Dock next to Brunel’s SS Great Britain, in front of an audience of parents and staff. Performing in such an iconic location added a layer of meaning and excitement for the pupils. The performance was part of the national celebration of Shakespeare Week’s 10th anniversary, and was one of 12 Shakespeare inspired events around the UK, adding further significance to the experience.

 

A Day of Discovery

The day wasn’t just about the performance. After their moment in the spotlight, the children explored the SS Great Britain and the surrounding site. Highlights included a visit to the Being Brunel Museum, where the pupils were reminded of Brunel’s love of Shakespeare in a bespoke tour of the museum’s Shakespeare Room. The activities added depth to the day, connecting the children’s creative efforts with history and heritage in an engaging way.

 

Lasting Impact

The success of the project was clear from the enthusiastic response of the children, their teachers and the audience. After the performance, one of the parents commented how special the project had been, what a lasting impact it would have and how their child’s eyes had been opened to the possibilities of work in the creative industries. This feedback highlights the transformative power of projects like this. For the teachers and staff from the collaborating organisations, it was a reminder of the immense value of arts education and the potential of partnerships to unlock meaningful learning experiences. And for the children, it was an opportunity to engage with Shakespeare in a hands-on, imaginative way while discovering new skills, building lifelong memories and receiving recognition for all their hard work by achieving Arts Award Discover.

Achieve your Arts Award

For more information about Arts Award at the SS Great Britain follow the link below.
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