Rhubarb 2017

12 ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

HelpingYoung Minds Flourish: Update from the Development Office

Teddies this term has been alive with a sense of possibility thanks to the celebration of two important commemorations. The first is the ten year anniversary of the opening of The North Wall Arts Centre, and the second the opening of the brand new Ogston Music School. Facing one another on opposite sides of South Parade, these two magnificent venues testify to the rich cultural opportunities Teddies provides to its community of pupils, parents and OSE, as well as to the local arts scene. The NorthWall The North Wall is described by outgoing Artistic Director Lucy Maycock as ‘an extraordinary exercise in idealism’. The past ten years have seen The North Wall become a respected theatre on a national and international scale, with a thought-provoking and innovative programme embracing not only theatre but also dance, music and the visual arts. Yet it is also an integral part of the School; the Dance and Drama departments are based there so pupils use it every day to learn and be supported in their arts interests. Where the collaboration works particularly well is that pupils benefit hugely from sharing this fantastic learning space with visiting professional artistic groups and with the public, for whom the building is a valuable educational and community resource. And beyond all this, The North Wall places creativity in education at the heart of its mission and runs unique residential programmes for young artists from around the UK, free of charge. ‘Schools can easily be inward-looking but the more connection they make with the world on the other side of ‘the wall’ the better it is for both their pupils and that world,’ says Lucy Maycock. ‘St Edward’s has led the way in understanding that and combatting insularity. Schools should have artists and designers and writers and musicians coming on to the campus. They need that fresh air. And artists need that conversation with the next generation.’ Ten years on, we continue to be grateful for those OSE, parents and friends of the School who helped develop and launch The North Wall Arts Centre’

F E A T U R E S

Enjoy the special 10th Anniversary programme at The North Wall by going to www.thenorthwall.com