Primary FOCUS: Stars of Stage and Screen

Primary FOCUS weeks, where students in Year 6 spend an intense week exploring one topic in depth, make up a key strand of our work and give children the opportunity to learn in new ways and gain experiences that they may never had had the chance to before.

Earlier this year, the Worshipful Company of International Bankers donated money to IntoUniversity Bow which funded two such weeks, focusing respectively on Shakespeare and on journalism.

In the first of these weeks, 30 children from Malmesbury Primary School spent five days exploring the world and works of Shakespeare. The children made masquerade masks, translated scenes from Early Modern to contemporary English – and even took part in a Shakespearean rap workshop. They had the unique opportunity to visit the iconic Globe Theatre, where they participated in a drama workshop before putting their new found skills and knowledge to the test by filming scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the main stage.

‘The best thing about this week was visiting the Globe Theatre because it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience’ – Year 6 student

In the second week, Mowlem Primary School students had the chance to look into the workings of print, broadcast and online journalism. Students got stuck into compiling interviews and articles in order to create their own front page exclusives, and conducted a question-and-answer session with supporter Mary Ann Sieghart, formerly of The Times and currently of Radio 4. The students also had the chance to visit BBC Television Centre before it closed its doors for the last time, where they excitedly put together their own television news programme.

Not only did these weeks give young people an insight into exciting professions but also into university life, as they culminated in ‘graduation’ ceremonies at Imperial College London, giving children a chance to reflect on – and be proud of – their educational and aspirational gains before an audience of staff and parents.

Find out about how you can help IntoUniversity here.

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