Teachers' Pages

The Parliament Education Service works with schools to support young people's understanding of Parliament and democracy.

There's a guide for first time voters, information about visiting Parliament, online resources and opportunities to get your School Council involved.

We'd like to organise an Ambassadors' Networking event in June, but first we want to know what you'd like... The event will take place at Gateshead Old Town Hall (near the Sage Gateshead and Gateshead Metro) and is likely to be between 4 and 6pm one weekday in June. Please take a moment to let us know which of the following you'd be interested in. Please leave a comment or email Hannahmackay@gateshead.gov.uk by Wednesday 29 March:

1. Carnival themed event - a chance to hear from an Ambassador about their experience of working with artists to create a carnival event in school. This would be followed by a session with an artist, in which you'd learn how to make a simple carnival mask. There would be an emphasis on simple technique and affordable materials, to maximise your chances of being able to recreate the activity in your setting.

2. Scrapbooking - Suitable for anyone working with 3 to 11 year olds, this would involve hearing from an Ambassador about how they've used scrapbooks to strengthen the home-school link. This would be followed by a session with an artist in which you'd learn simple and effective scrapbooking techniques that you could use with children in your setting, whether it's a school, nursery, youth group or children's centre.

3. China themed event - a chance to hear from an Ambassador about how they've used Chinese arts and crafts in their school. This would be followed by a session with an artist in which you'd learn a Chinese craft technique, using paper, which you could deliver in your own setting.

4. If you are not interested in any of the above events please let me know - all feedback is useful and I'd be interested to hear if you have a suggestion of another event that you'd prefer.

In 2005 this guide was compiled by Gateshead Council Arts Team, following consultation with Council departments, external bodies, Cultural Partners and teachers. It is designed for use by any staff bringing an artist into their learning setting. If you have any feedback or would like further information please contact Hannahmackay@gateshead.gov.uk / 0191 433 6920.

Lucy Carlton-Walker's recycled sculpture workshops, Landscapes of the Future, are booking up fast!

Key Stage Two classes at Glynwood Primary, Waverley Primary, Walkergate Primary and Oakfield Juniors will each spend a day working with Lucy, building sculptures of their community as they think it may look fifty years from now. Watch this space for photographs of their creations...

One workshop is still available for a Key Stage Two class in Newcastle or Gateshead on Wednesday 28 April. Click here to find out more about the workshops and to book.

On Tuesday 6 October, between 3.30 and 5pm, teachers are invited to come along and find out everything Seven Stories can offer their school. The event is completely free of charge and will be a chance to enjoy some refreshments whilst being amongst the first to view two fantastic new exhibitions!

The Judith Kerr exhibition opens in mid September, featuring much-loved classics The Tiger Who Came to Tea and Mog the Forgetful Cat, alongside the moving story of Judith's childhood as a refugee. Meanwhile, a celebration of T.S.Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, including a new edition illustrated by Axel Scheffler opens in the Bookden on 1st October.

BALTIC is offering a free CPD session for primary school teachers, 12.30 - 4.30pm on Thursday 14 May.

Using BALTIC's A Duck for Mr. Darwin exhibition as a focus, you will be able to work with artists, to explore creative methods for evaluating learning, to work  with 'Dr. Maths' and with a consultant in emotional intelligence, exploring the potential of themed learning.

The event is completely free and includes a light lunch. For further information, or to book a place, please contact Helen Burns at: helenb@balticmill.com or phone 0191 4404929.

Now in its seventh year, The Children's Bookshow gives children the chance to experience the enthusiasm, energy and passion of some of today's top children's writers and illustrators, from familiar, well loved names, to exciting new ones.

As part of the Bookshow this year, Guo Yue and Clare Farrow will visit Newcastle to share their book Little Leap Foward. Children and teachers alike will delight in this event which focuses on the husband and wife team's moving acount of growing up in the Cultural Revolution of China. Based upon Yue's chjldhood in Beijing, A LIttle Leap Forward is a tale of family life and the ups and downs of friendship, which gives a fascinating insight into Mao Zedong's China.

Read on for details of free workshops for KS2 with Clare and Yue.

NewcastleGateshead's festival for children and young people is back! Following the success of last year's exciting events, Juice 2009 promises even more enticing opportunities!

Between Thursday 22 October and Sunday 8 November, NewcastleGateshead will be bursting with events, performances and activities, celebrating the creativity of children and young people.

There will be a wealth of opportunities specifically for schools to join in with. You can subscribe to the mailing list, to ensure you're the first to hear the news. Photos from Juice 2008 can be viewed here.

Fans of Judith Kerr's classic picture book The Tiger Who Came to Tea will be delighted to learn that the tiger is coming to Newcastle! Following the success of the 2008 tour, the stage adaptation is coming to Theatre Royal, 15 - 18 April. Join Sophie, her mummy and their unexpected visitor for magic, sing along songs, and clumsy chaos!

Matinees: Wed 1.30pm, Thu & Sat 9.30am & 11.30am, Fri 10.30am & 1.30pm .

Buy tickets here 

For reviews and a sneak preview, visit the Tiger's website.

Free tickets are available for a post show talk by director and playwright David Wood. Join David on Saturday 18 April, 12.30 - 1.20pm, to learn about the challenges of adapting a picture book classic for stage. To book tickets for the talk please call 08448 11 21 21.

September sees the launch of Seven Stories' exhibition From The Tiger Who Came To Tea, to Mog and Pink Rabbit; a Judith Kerr Retrospective. Keep an eye on the Seven Stories website for all the latest news about this and other Seven Stories events.

Shine Week takes place between 6 and 10 July 2009. You can celebrate Shine '09 by planning and hosting events showcasing everyone's talents. The week will see classrooms, halls, playgrounds, community spaces and cultural venues shine brightly with young people's talents!

Click here to register your school and receive your free resource pack. This includes a creative pack, and a media pack to make sure the local limelight is focused on your Shine event!

Last year over 2,500 schools took part - the website has info on some of their ideas for a spectacular Shine Week.

Don't forget to email your network coordinators if you'd like help finding an artist for Shine Week - Hannahmackay@gateshead.gov.uk and Caroline.pearce@newcastle.gov.uk We'd love to feature your events on this website!

Creative Partnerships are inviting applications for maintained schools in England wishing to become Schools of Creativity. Schools will join a two-year project to raise educational standards and develop in students the skills that employers say they need, such as the ability to question, make connections, innovate, problem solve and reflect critically.

Schools of Creativity will receive £40,000 over two years, and a funded education consultant to develop and promote creative learning. Schools will be expected to contribute £5,000 a year to the scheme.

Schools can apply here by Friday 6 March. Gateshead schools wishing to apply should also notify Karolynnehart@gateshead.gov.uk. Newcastle schools should notify Jeanne.hale@newcastle.gov.uk Many thanks to everyone who has already registered their interest in becoming a Change School or School of Enquiry. We will let you know as soon as application forms become available...

Would you like to work with Northern Stage to influence programming decisions and create exciting new projects involving your students? Northern Stage Teachers' Forum is looking for teachers who can spare one hour, once or twice a term. In return, you'll get a glass of wine and a whole host of teacher treats.

Benefits include:

Tailor made training sessions

Advance booking info

Tours & talks for your students

Opportunities & projects for your school

Access to dress rehearsals

The next Teachers' Forum will be on Wednesday 25 February at 6pm in the Sponsors' Room at Northern Stage. For more info or to book, contact Susan Mulholland, Participation and Learning Coordinator, on 0191 242 7222 or smulholland@northernstage.co.uk

Newcastle will be celebrating Chinese New Year with a bang on Sunday 8 February. Firecrackers, unicorn dancing, food and family entertainment will bring in the Year of the Ox.

Highlights include:

Bath Lane for circus, dance and martial arts, as well as craft and food stalls.

Charlotte Square Children's Marquee, for lantern making, face painting and mask making.

North East Chinese Association, Stowell Street, for Chinese brush painting and calligraphy.

Click here for full listings.

Try these creative Chinese New Year activities in the classroom!

Baltic are offering Cultural Ambassadors a free twilight session of daring drawing! Join artist Louise Bradley to experiment with exciting drawing methods that you can take back to the classroom. Don't worry if you think you can't draw, all you need is enthusiasm, and Louise will show you the rest!

The session will run from 4 - 6pm on Thursday 19 March at Baltic. For more info or to book contact Helen Burns: Helenb@balticmill.com or phone 0191 440 4929. Don't forget, as with all Cultural Ambassadors events, you can send a colleague if you can't make it!

Cultural Partner Northern Architecture are offering a hands-on CPD session for KS2, 3 & 4 teachers.

Working with a professional model-maker, delegates will explore techniques used to make architectural models, whilst developing new skills in translating 2D plans to three dimensions.

With links to a range of curriculum subjects, such as maths, design technology and art, there is plenty of potential for transferring these creative skills and ideas to your own teaching practise.

In March 2005 and March 2006, as part of a joint project between Gateshead Council’s Raising Achievement Service and Cultural Services, a Culture and Creativity questionnaire was sent out to as many schools as possible. The aim was to measure the current creative ‘scene’ in these schools in order to help with the planning and provision of culture and creativity in schools in the future.
This year we want to find out to what extent the provision for arts and culture has changed, improved, suffered etc, within these schools. It’s the third and final year this questionnaire is being sent out, so we need as many replies as possible and would really appreciate your involvement. The results will be analysed and collated and we look forward to sharing them with you.
We would therefore hope you can take the time to complete this questionnaire (attached) and return to Amelia Davies, Arts Team, West Street, Gateshead, NE8 1HE or email to ameliadavies@gateshead.gov.uk

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Bent Architect present:
FROG MAN by Mick Martin
‘Surreal, twisted and absolutely funny’ – Edinburgh Guide
Friday 22nd June @ 6.30 pm, Caedmon Hall.
Following on from a highly successful run at this years’ Edinburgh Fringe Festival and a one off (entirely sold out!) performance at Wakefield Arts Centre in October, Frog Man is on the loose once again in 2007!
From a suburban nightmare to sub aquatic bliss – this is a story of love, bullying and the turgid waters of domestic life. It begins one fateful afternoon down by the canal when Kenny and Kelly, two ordinary kids, steal Adrian Dunfor’s kite and their game goes horribly wrong…

Now Kenny is a police frogman and Kelly has dreadful asthma. They live at 46 Sunnybrook Meadow and drive a 4x4 in case anyone tries to murder them on the way to the supermarket. But that afternoon is with them still...

“Wonderfully sardonic pitch-black comedy. Witty one-liners abound throughout… Glorious and innovative - left me breathless�
Three Weeks Magazine
“George Orwell meets Nick Hornby, but with a plus…�
The Observer
Written by award winning MICK MARTIN, (Once Upon A Time In Wigan, The Life & Times of Young Bob Scallion) and directed by JUDE WRIGHT.
Frog Man is very funny - but with dark and at times disturbing overtones. The production appeals to established drama attendees and new audiences alike. It carries the personal recommendation of Alison Andrews, Arts Council Yorkshire Performance Arts Officer amongst others.
This show is suitable for audiences aged 14 upwards.
Running time approx 70 minutes
To book telephone the Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library on 0191 433 8420

Fruity Friday will take place on the 25th May and is part of a national healthy eating campaign to raise awareness of links between diet, nutrition and cancer prevention.

If you and your school wish to participate there are loads of promotional material available (posters, book marks, stickers, recipe books) and also teachers' resource packs. Please contact the following address for requests for resource packs and for more information: Eileen Westhorpe, Health Promotion Resource Service for Gateshead, Dunston Activity Centre, Ellison Road, Dunston, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9SS, 0191 433 5684 or email: eileenwesthorpe@gateshead.gov.uk

Do something different with your Sarurday night...This is a one off event in Newcastle and Gateshead on Saturday 19th May and is an amazing celebration of the international 'Museums at Night' Festival.
Fifteen venues across Gateshead and Newcastle will be opening their doors from 7-11pm and will be, 'bursting with culture'!
Free buses will transport you to venues throughout the evening.
I think this sounds fantastic! All of the participating venues and events are on the website:

http://www.thelateshows.org.uk/home/

Discover more about your ancestors and the area in which they lived. Buy bargain local history books and ask the experts.

Saturday 19th May 2007 at Caedmon Hall, Central Library. The event is FREE.
For more information contact the Local History Librarian for Gateshead, Anthea Lang on 0191 433 8403 or anthealang@gateshead.gov.uk

Just a quick reminder that the 2007 Culture in Education Showcase will be on Monday 2nd July from 3.00pm-6.00pm at the Indoor Athletics Hall at Gateshead International Stadium. This will be an opportunity for teachers to discover how artists, cultural and creative organisations can enhance creative work in schools and educational settings.
Invitations will be posted out within the next few weeks, but make a note of this date for the diaries.

For more information contact Fiona Kelly on 0191 433 6927

For the fifth year running, Local History Month is underway. The month began on Monday 30th April and will end on Sunday 27 May. There are over 70 events which take place at various venues throughout Gateshead. They include walks, talks, film shows and family history events. For more information call Central Library on 0191 433 8420 or Gateshead Visitors Centre 0191 477 5380, details on the different events are in the link below.
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Artist Karen Johnson will be bringing her first exhibition back to her native North East from Saturday 24 March - Saturday 12 May 2007.

Gateshead’s Gallery, based at Central Library on Prince Consort Road, will be hosting the free exhibition, which explores how a family cope with disability.

The show explores the life of Karen's son Jamie, a child with downs syndrome, from birth to age seven. The ups and downs of family life are chronicled using modern photography.

The Gallery is open from 9am - 7pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, 9am - 5pm Wed and 9am - 1pm Sat. The Gallery is closed on Bank Holidays. For more details call the Arts Development Team on 0191 433 6927.

The BBC's excellent schools radio programmes can be bought on CD or downloaded from their website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schoolradio/

If you would like some well-behaved software to play the audio files, you can install Real Alternative free of charge from:
http://www.free-codecs.com/Real_Alternative_download.htm">

The intrepid Pat Riddell, our Roving Ambassador, will be holding a stall at Tynemouth Book Fair on Sunday 15th of April (10am - 4pm) in aid of Education Action International.

Pat spoke at EAI's London conference last month, where she was introduced as "a Cultural Ambassador for Gateshead schools."

Using her first hand knowledge gained from the Insight visit to the Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon, she has worked in schools across Tyneside to give children of all ages a realistic experience of what it is like for children who live in poverty and are denied a quality education.

For further information on child victims of conflict in other parts of the world or to donate or fundraise please contact Pat at:

riddellpat@hotmail.com

Go to: www.education-action.org and click on News at the top and scroll down to Teachers meet for Post-Conflict Education conference

www.education-action.org
www.education-action.org/insight

This submission came from Di Hewitson, Headteacher at Kells Lane Primary School, Low Fell, Gateshead.

Success for pupil at Kells Lane Primary School

Katharyn Church’s poem, below, won the Northumbrian Association’s Young Writers Award 2006.

Her work was submitted by Headteacher Di Hewitson after winning the school’s own Year 6 Writer of the Year Award in the individual category, with its clever use of repetition and evocative vocabulary.

Every year the school encourages the children in Year 6 to think about our area, why it is special to them and consider a place which evokes fond memories, feelings of pride or happiness. They then write about it using the full range of the higher order writing skills taught e.g. metaphor, simile, patterning of language or personification. The teacher models the writing on a piece about the Angel of the North and every year we get a high standard of work from our children. We had three very special poems in 2006, which we entered for competitions.

The Northumbrian Association's writing competition fits in beautifully with our programme of work and also the National Curriculum requirement to write for a purpose and audience, so we sent in all three pieces with the attached poem by Katharyn, which won The Northumbrian Association Young Writers Award with a prize for Katharyn and £1,000 towards an author residency for the school.

Katharyn was then asked by the Leader of Gateshead Council, Councillor Mick Henry, to read out the poem at the Council meeting of Thursday 25th of January in the Council Chamber, and a letter of endorsement of Kells Lane’s work with writing was sent to the school by local MP, Sharon Hodgson.

The Voice of the North, by Katharyn Church

I stand proud, my roof a glistening river of flowing, welcoming beauty.
Great voices entertain me, voices of the future depend on me to stay as a guiding light of power.
I stand as hope for future talents in Gateshead.

I stand proud, glittering on top of my sunlit hill.
Never forgotten, as I look down to the Tyne and up to the town Where my power spreads, hunting for blossoming achievers.

I stand proud, the modern art masterpiece, known for the overpowering hope I bring.
I was created by the best and am worshipped by the rest,
Bringing hope and joy to those who inhabit my great halls.

I stand proud, and I welcome you my people to wander my halls, spread my greatness and distribute my light.
My wish to you is to bring hope for the future yet carry light from the past.
I am The Sage, the voice of the North.

This was sent in by Margaret Smith, Cultural Ambassador at Cedars School.

Cedars School has been successful in its bid to become a specialist sports college from September 2007.

We are one of only 16 special schools in the country to achieve this, and the only one in the north of England. Pupils are being given the opportunity to design a new logo for the school by way of a competition. Our aim is to raise whole school achievement and develop a healthy lifestyle through sport.

On Thursday 8th February pupils from key stages 3 and 4 gave a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The People’s Theatre in Newcastle as part of the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Some pupils formed a wind ensemble and wrote their own music for the play, with the assistance of Steve Barker from Gateshead Schools Music Service. Twenty six pupils were involved in the performance, which was a great success.

We have been successful in receiving Artists in Schools funding from the Council’s Arts Development Team, which we used to support a project on Africa in the Primary Department. A portion of the money was spent on the services of Arts Isiziba, who provided resources for a variety of activities, such as mask making and wall hangings. A musician called Fanwell came each Wednesday for four weeks to teach African drumming, singing and dancing to the whole school. The project culminated in an exciting and colourful performance for parents and friends.

See the accompanying flier for this event.
NB: one of the morning speakers has been confirmed as Dr Anand from Gurukul who will be talking about the research he is collating and conducting, looking at the chemical reactions singing and music has on brain and heart activity.

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On 29 April 2007 World Dance Day will be celebrated all over the world by the international community of dancers and dance enthusiasts. The day was established in 1982 by The International Dance Council to attract attention to the art of dance. On 29 April, dance companies, dance schools, organisations and individuals are asked to organise an activity addressing an audience larger than their usual one.

The main purpose of World Dance Day events is to attract the attention of the wider public to the art of dance. Special emphasis should be given to addressing a new public, people who do not follow dance events during the course of the year. World Dance Day events may be special performances, open-door courses, public rehearsals, lectures, exhibitions, articles in newspapers and magazines, dance evenings, radio and TV programs, visits, street shows, etc.

The International Dance Council (Conseil International de la Danse - CID) is the official umbrella organisation for all forms of dance in all countries of the world.

For more information, visit www.cid-unesco.org

For primary and secondary schools

Life is pleased to announce the opening of the only major planetarium in the North East of England. Our Astronomy Show cover all of the key points of ‘The Earth and Beyond’ as well as introducing students to the constellations, planets, comets, meteors and other wonders of the night sky. Of course, we never have problems with clouds, light pollution or bad weather!

We have also introduced a number of new lab workshops linked to the Planetarium show that are suitable for all key stages and information on these will be available.

You and your colleagues are warmly invited to the launch of Life’s new planetarium shows on

Thursday 8 February 2007 from 4pm onwards.

The shows take place in Life’s state-of-the-art Dome Theatre and are designed to offer a curriculum linked introduction to the night sky to pupils of all ages.

We will be running timed shows at 4.30pm, 5.15pm and 6pm

To book your place please call Niamh Lightfoot on 0191 243 8223 or email: bookings@life.org.uk

National Key Stage 2 Music CPD Programme
For classroom teachers and musicians working in your schools.

This programme is being designed jointly by Trinity Guildhall and the Open University and is being managed regionally by The Sage Gateshead.

The programme offers free access to music CPD for teachers and musicians and is particularly appropriate for practitioners working, or with plans to work, in schools which are benefiting from DfES funding for the expansion of Wider Opportunities programmes.

The practitioners involved have access to up to six modules through a combination of online learning, face to face workshop experiences, as well as being supported throughout the project by their own personal mentor assigned to them. Through an online Needs Analysis Profile and discussions with their mentor the training modules will be specifically selected to meet the needs of the individual, working towards further confidence, knowledge and experience in delivering whole class instrumental and vocal tuition..

The classroom teacher and musician will work as a team to implement what they are learning within the classroom and to support each others learning.

This is a forward-thinking partnership approach to the delivery of Continuing Professional Development and we want as many people from across the region to benefit from this as possible.

We are now recruiting for classroom teachers and musicians to be involved in the programme, which begins on April the 1st 2007.

Please see attached the flier which gives some information on the programme, and links to the website where people can sign up to be involved. There are a limited number of places available on the courses, so we would encourage anyone interested to sign up by the 9th of February.

Please forward this information on to any classroom teachers or musicians you feel would be keen to become involved.

Further information can be accessed from http://www.ks2music.org.uk/site/ or you can contact nicola.killean@thesagegateshead.org to discuss the possibilities in further detail.

Nicola Killean
Key Stage 2 Music CPD Regional Programme Manager
Learning and Participation
The Sage Gateshead
Switchboard: 0191 443 4666
Box Office: 0191 443 4661
Email: nicola.killean@thesagegateshead.org
Fax: 0191 443 4550
www.thesagegateshead.org

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An introduction to the Orchestra

Friday 2nd March
Hall One 11am – 12.00

Northern Sinfonia
Robin Ticciati - Conductor
Peter Francomb - French Horn
Clarence Adoo – Presenter

Tickets £6. One free ticket staff ticket per 10 pupils.
Suitable for Key Stage 2 & 3

The French horn is a dying breed - one of the endangered species of the orchestra. Come and find out about its history, sound, versatility and how we are trying to stop it from becoming extinct!

During this exciting hour-long concert, Clarence Adoo will introduce the instruments of the orchestra, while Peter Francomb, principal French Horn player for the Northern Sinfonia, plays music written by composers such as Mozart, Faure and Strauss. The music is guaranteed to be engaging and the presentation will give plenty of scope for you to continue learning about the instrument back at school.

We are also offering an opportunity for two schools to win a one to one teaching session with Peter immediately following the concert or a visit to your school for a ‘Discover the French Horn’ Workshop to be arranged at a later date.

In addition, there will be a display of instruments brought to us by John Packers Ltd who are pioneering a newly designed French Horn, Suitable for young people from 7 years old. These instruments are proving to be popular among the Music services in the South of England.

Further resources will be available on the day.

Prizes available to the first 2 schools that book 60 places.
First Prize: Practical session on the French Horn led by Peter Francombe, following the concert.
Second Prize: Discover the Horn session in your school

To book contact Britta Koerber on 0191 443 4679

and...

Spring Concerts at The Sage Gateshead

We have a wide variety of concerts for schools on offer during Spring Term 2007. Choose from Classical, Jazz, Sounds of the Future or Scientific Explorations!

Thursday 25th January - Sounds of the Future
Hall Two 1 – 3pm
Tickets £7 Concessions £3.50
In a cross between a concert and a lecture/demonstration, Martyn Ware, founder member of both The Human League and Heaven 17, presents an exploration of the outer reaches of sound using specially installed surround sound technology plus visuals. The event presents Luciana Haill's Interactive Brainwave Visual Analyser which registers brain activity to produce a 'concert of the mind' and Paul Devereux's discovery that Neolithic burial grounds resonate at a trance inducing frequency. Experience an event that will blow your mind... Fascinating for anyone with adventurous ears - of any age.

Suitable for GCSE and older

Friday 2nd March – Northern Sinfonia
Hall One 11am – 12.00
Tickets £6

Robin Ticciati - Conductor
Peter Francomb - French Horn
Clarence Adoo – Presenter

An introduction to the orchestra with a special focus on the French Horn
Come and discover how the French Horn has evolved to the instrument we see today, affecting its repertoire and different performance techniques as demonstrated by Northern Sinfonia’s virtuoso principle French Horn player Peter Francombe.

Monday 12th March – Science Notes 3, Symphony of Glass
Hall Two 1 – 2pm
Tickets £3.50

Exploring Science through the Arts

Pupils from Pennywell School in Sunderland have worked with artists, composers and scientists in this unique collaborative project which forms part of the Newcastle Science festival.
The participants have investigated, explored and experimented with sound and glass at the Centre for Life, made instruments with glass artists at The National Glass Centre in Sunderland and composed music for a performance at The Sage Gateshead with Percussionist and Composer Brendan Murphy.
Visually exciting and musically dynamic - don't miss it!

This concert is produced in partnership with Newcastle Science Festival; Life Science Centre, Newcastle; National Glass Centre, Sunderland and The Sage Gateshead with financial support from the Arts Council and One North East.

Friday 16th March – Kidsamonium
Hall Two 10am – 1pm

Kidsamonium, with Tom Bancroft , Billy Jenkins, Laura Macdonald, Claude Deppa, Oren Marshall and members of Jambone.

Kidsamonium is a magical musical event enabling 6 -14 year olds to experience the power and freedom of jazz. A crack(pot) troupe of characters including the madcap 'Aviator' Billy Jenkins, the 'Big Tuba Kid' Oren Marshall, the mysterious trombone playing 'Chickens in the Sky', the 'Princess' Laura MacDonald and 'Judge' Claude Deppa, all led by Tom Bancroft 'the King' , create a series of hilarious performances and musical games. This was the sell-out hit of last year's festival; the show has been moved to Hall 2 to allow more people to see it and to enable all sorts of new theatrical possibilities! Adults also welcome!

All ages welcome!

Book your tickets through the box office on 091 443 4661

Please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Britta Koerber if you have any queries.
Sarah Kekus , Head of Schools Programme
Tel: 0191 443 4583

We need teachers who can give us advice, influence programming decisions and work with us to create exciting new projects involving your students. If you can spare us just one hour, once or twice a term we will give you a glass of wine and a whole host of other teacher treats!

Benefits for forum members include:
* Tailor-made training sessions
* Advance booking information
* Tours & Talks for your students
* Opportunities for projects in your school
* Access to dress rehearsals

The next Teachers' Forum meeting will be on 24 January 2007 from 6-7.30pm at Northern Stage, where we will introduce the new season and give you details about two teacher training events this term.

Ideal for teachers of Drama or English, the school's Arts Co-ordinator or anyone with an interest in the performing arts.

Please contact Susan Mulholland, Acting Director of Participation on
0191 242 7222, or smulholland@northernstage.co.uk
to book your place at the next meeting.

Slavery
Ideas for Unshackling Learning
Free Teacher’s INSET Event

Thursday 25 January 2007, 9.30am to 4.00pm
Great Hall, Discovery Museum
Blandford Square, Newcastle, NE1 4JA

An opportunity for teachers, students and community organisations to find out more about events and issues for the
200th anniversary of the Parliamentary bid to abolish the slave trade in the British colonies. Participants will:

• learn about the historical context of slavery
• learn about modern day slavery
• gain ideas for cross-curricular based activities
• find out about events and activities in the region
• find out what on-going support is available

Booking form and further details (keynote speakers and workshops) in the document below:
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Tuesday January 23rd 2007

From January to March 2007 Creative & Cultural Skills will be hosting a series of events around the UK. This is your opportunity to influence and shape the supply of skills and education for our industries. It is also an opportunity to find out more about the Sector Skills Agreement, Creative

Apprenticeships, Creative Knowledge Lab, the new Creative & Media Diploma and the Cultural Leadership Programme. You can sign up to get involved, get your views heard, or simply come and hear about our projects and research.

Who should attend?

Access All Areas is for people working in the creative and cultural industries with an interest in education and skills. It is also for education and training providers offering or planning to offer training in the sector.

See attachment for how to book

Wendy Smith
Head of Practitioner Development
Learning and Participation
The Sage Gateshead

Mobile: 07771 894 428
The Sage Gateshead
switchboard 0191 443 4666
direct line 0191 443 4680
box office 0870 703 4555
www.thesagegateshead.org

The Sage Gateshead
St Mary's Square
Gateshead Quays
Gateshead
NE8 2JR

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Saturday 10th Feburary 2007
at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle

Newcastle University, New Writing North and Northern Stage have come together to produce Making Theatre, a day which will focus on the creation and development of theatrical productions. The event is for anyone who is curious about how productions are constructed.

The day will be of interest to writers, directors, literary managers, theatre professionals, students of English and drama and teachers of drama at any level.
The programme for the day will include talks and workshop presentations from members of the National Theatre Studio and from legendary theatre director and performer Robert Lepage and his company Ex Machina. They will demonstrate work in progress from Lepage’s latest production, Lipsynch, which is scheduled to premiere at Northern Stage on 19 February 2007. Lipsynch is a work emerging from meetings between scientists and playwrights, set painters and architects, and between artists from Québec and the rest of the world.

There are only 100 tickets available for Making Theatre.unique

The day will run from 10am-5pm on Saturday 10 February 2007 at Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RH. Lunch will be included in the ticket price.

TICKETS
Individuals: £20
Students/Concessions: £10

Tickets can be booked directly from the sales team at Northern Stage box office from January 2007.

Tel: 0191 230 5151
ACCESS
Northern Stage is a fully accessible building. Please contact the venue directly for access information. A free ticket is available to anyone accompanying a participant with a disability.

Tel: 0191 230 5151
email: info@northernstage.co.uk

The venue is located very near to Haymarket Metro station, from which visitors can catch trains to Newcastle Central Station and Newcastle International Airport.

FURTHER INFORMATION
Detailed information on the content of the Making Theatre day will be available from New Writing North in January 2007.

For more information, please email: makingtheatre@newwritingnorth.com

Making Theatre is produced by the School of English Literature, Language & Linguistics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in conjunction with New Writing North and Northern Stage. The day was commissioned by Arts Council England as part of a programme of work to explore dramaturgical practice in UK theatre.

For more information on the partners:
www.ncl.ac.uk/elll
www.newwritingnorth.com
www.northernstage.co.uk

The Staff and volunteers at our cultural partner Seven Stories would like to wish all their supporters a very Merry Christmas and have sent this bulletin:

If you’re looking for ideas during the Christmas holidays look no further than Seven Stories…

Christmas Holidays at Seven Stories!

Saturday Dec 16

Dramatic Escapades at Seven Stories with the Big Fun Club

This Christmas the Ahlberg’s Jolly Postman has a huge job on his hands delivering presents and cards to everyone at Seven Stories. There are so many floors and so many people it’s a massive task! Plus with Burglar Bill lurking around every corner it could make things worse as he fills his bag of swag. Will you help the Jolly Postman and help spread Christmas cheer, will Burglar Bill spoil Christmas or can he turn over a new leaf? Come along and find out for yourself. Suitable for all ages. Appearances throughout the day between 11am – 4pm.

Dec 28, Jan 2 & 4

Christmas Storyparty

Join in the fun and excitement of Christmas with themed songs, rhymes and stories especially for the under fives. We also have a whole host of fun activities tied in with the stories, to keep young hands entertained. 11 am for an hour. No need to pre book.

Thursday Dec 21

Christmas Storyparty with Danny Adams and Clive Webb

This Christmas panto fever has swept the land and cast of the Theatre Royal’s Jack and the Beanstalk will perform a special storyparty at Seven Stories. The hilarious Clive Webb and Danny Adams play Farmer Trot and his son Jack. Clive and Danny won the hearts of thousands of panto goers last Christmas with their hilarious antics. This year they have more amazing tricks up their sleeves! Come and join them for a pantomime adventure at 10.30am, for all the family.

Dec 27 & 29, Jan 3 & 5

Christmas Puppetry Workshops

During the Christmas holidays we have a series of bookable workshops for children age 6+. Let your imagination run wild in our puppetry workshops and create a selection of festive characters. For ages 6-11 years. 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Over 8s may be left in the workshop but parents/carers will be asked to stay in the building. Please note places are limited. Pre booking is advisable please call 0845 271 0777 to avoid disappointment.

Themed Weekends

Every Saturday and Sunday through January we have a series of themed weekends to keep children of all ages entertained.

January 6 & 7 – Come and join us for the very last chance to catch the work of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. There’ll be activities on all floors celebrating the work of the talented duo.

January 13 & 14 – The fairies have been let loose at Seven Stories and there’s all kinds of magic in the air. Join us for activities themed on the popular Rainbow Fairies series.

January 20 & 21 - Journey back in time to World War II, ration book in hand with activities influenced by the work of Tyneside-born author Robert Westall.

January 27 & 28 – Ahoy there maties and all aboard! Join the crew at Seven Stories for a weekend of pirate activities.

Exhibition News

Don’t forget this Christmas is your last chance to see the exhibition What’s in the Book? The Seventeen Million Books of Janet and Allan Ahlberg. The unique partnership created much loved favourites including Burglar Bill, The Jolly Postman and Each Peach Pear Plum. Exhibition ends on January 7th so make sure you don’t miss out!

Coming soon: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt - Picturebook Adventures at Seven Stories

Working in collaboration with Walker Books, this brand new exhibition will launch in February 2007, showcasing ten fantastic picture books. Visitors will take a delightful journey full of sights, sounds and surprises, meeting new characters along the way. Come and join our new picturebook adventure but remember to watch out for that bear!

Competition News

Halloween Story Writing Competition

Well done to our winning writers who bravely put pen to paper and kept the judges gripped with their ghostly and scary tales. We had over 70 entries from children aged 9-13 and the judges had a difficult task selecting winners.

First prize in the 11-13 age group (years 7 & 8) went to Katie Lee who re-told a ghostly tale of Durham Cathedral from the Second World War. Second Prize winner was Lizzy Metcalf who wrote a ghostly tale, The Tunnel, and third prize winner was Jamie Richardson with his fantasy story, The Devil’s Case.

Surprisingly, the younger category for the 9-11 age group (years 5 & 6) was not as popular. Prizes went to Hal Robinson and Zoe Wright for their nightmarish tales. Well done to everyone who entered.

Bookshop

For Christmas gifts and stocking fillers don’t forget to pay a visit to the Seven Stories bookshop. Admission to the bookshop is free and you can browse through one of the largest independent specialist bookshops in the UK. Our expert staff are on hand to offer advice and help you find that special gift you’re looking for.

For updated information on events please log onto our website www.sevenstories.org.uk Thank you.

Aspire has been developed as a resource for secondary schools aspiring to Specialist Arts or Music College status and is published by the Arts Council.

The publication gives guidance on the application process, planning, consultation and further resources. It also provides details on how the Arts Council can support applications for specialist status.

This page includes versions of the guide on both PDF and MS Word format.

http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/
publications/publication_detail.php?sid=9&id=566

Continuing Professional Development opportunity
Friday December 1st 2006
10am - 3pm

The day is aimed at KS3/4 teachers of Art and focuses on using the gallery and its collections to support creative work.

During the day we will be drawing on the experiences of teachers and gallery staff involved in the ‘Image and Identity’ project (a partnership project with the V&A, London). Participants will explore how gallery collections can inspire exciting and creative work with young people.

Itinerary

10-12

· Welcome and introduction to the Shipley
Clare Smith – Learning Officer

· An introduction to Image and Identity.
Sharon Wilson – Assistant Learning Officer, Shipley and Jane McGonagle – Heworth Grange
Comprehensive School
· Explore collections and current temporary exhibitions
· Break
· Contemporary Craft handling collection.
· Discussion -Exploring the theme ‘Image & Identity’ and its uses in the classroom.

12-1 Lunch

1-3 Calligraphy Workshop with Michael Mavromichaelis.

Michael Mavromichaelis from Northumberland has taught the art of calligraphy to a variety of age groups. This practical session involves looking at examples of calligraphy and trying out some basic techniques.

If interested please contact:
Clare Smith or Sharon Wilson
Tel: 0191 4771495
sharon.m.wilson@twmuseums.org.uk
Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead, NE8 4JB.

Welcome to December’s E-Newstories, we have a great Christmas line up plus the chance to win tickets to see the Scissor Sisters when they play Newcastle this Saturday. Enjoy the read…

Events for the family:

YogaBugs – running until 14 December

YogaBugs is an inspiring way of bringing the benefits of yoga to young children. The classes are fun and creative, taught through exciting story adventures to capture your child’s imagination. For children age 3+ from 1.30 – 2.15 pm. Pre booking is essential.

Friday 1 December – Princess Poppy is having a Christmas Party!

Join Princess Poppy creator, Janey Louise Jones, to celebrate the launch of her irresistible new story, Poppy's Secret Christmas. Enjoy special Christmas activities and light refreshments together. Hurry as party places are limited. Suitable for nursery and reception groups, ages 3-5 years. To book contact Bookings Assistant, Alison Neill on 0845 271 0777, alison.neill@sevenstories.org.uk. Supported by Random House Children's Books. 10am-12 noon.

Christmas Holidays at Seven Stories!

Saturday Nov 25, Dec 2, 9 & 16

Dramatic Escapades at Seven Stories with the Big Fun Club

This Christmas the Ahlberg’s Jolly Postman has a huge job on his hands delivering presents and cards to everyone at Seven Stories. There are so many floors and so many people it’s a massive task! Plus with Burglar Bill lurking around every corner it could make things worse as he fills his bag of swag. Will you help the Jolly Postman and help spread Christmas cheer, will Burglar Bill spoil Christmas or can he turn a new leaf? Come along and find out for yourself. Suitable for all ages. 11am – 4pm.

Dec 21 & 28, Jan 2 & 4

Christmas Storyparty

Join in the fun and excitement of Christmas with themed songs, rhymes and stories especially for the under fives. We also have a whole host of fun activities tied in with the stories, to keep young hands entertained. 11 am for an hour. No need to pre book.

Dec 27 & 29, Jan 3 & 5

Christmas Puppetry Workshops

During the Christmas holidays we have a series of bookable workshops for children age 6+. Let your imagination run wild in our puppetry workshops and create a selection of festive characters. For ages 6-11 years. 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Over 8s may be left in the workshop but parents/carers will be asked to stay in the building. Please note places are limited. Pre booking is advisable please call 0845 271 0777.

Family Storytelling at Seven Stories

Sunday 19 November – The Tricky Spider with Mats Rehnman

Once there were no tales in this world. Everything was silent. Far too silent for Spider! Listen to his story, and to other stories about animals who know how to get what they want using their wits and some tricks. 1.30 – 2.30pm. Suitable for a family audience 5+.

Sunday 3 December – Hearthside tales with Chris Bostock

Come closer, snuggle up and share some heart warming tales as we approach the peak of winter. High on the Seventh Story there will be tales of starlight and firelight, dark nights and brave knights to tickle your ears and warm the cockles of your heart. 1.30 – 2.30pm. Suitable for a family audience 5+.

Events for 16+ with an interest in children’s literature

Saturday 18 November - In Conversation with Kate Adie

As Chief News Correspondent for the BBC, Sunderland born Kate Adie reported from some of the most volatile conflict zones in the world. In recent years, Kate’s experiences have led to the publication of her best-selling title Nobody’s Child and her Autobiography: The Kindness of Strangers. Kate Adie was herself the inspiration for Tyneside author Robert Westall who wrote a short story, The White Cat, in her honour.

Join Kate Adie for an enlightening evening discussion including a question and answer session, followed by book-signing. 6 pm. Suitable for adults and young people 16+

Tickets £5 and £4 (concessions/Annual Pass holders). Price includes light refreshment. Pre-payment required. The Seven Stories Bookshop will be open until 6pm.

Thursday 23 November - Inaugurating the Miriam Hodgson Perspectives

Great editors are rarely praised enough. They labour with sharpened pencils in the back rooms of literature, while their authors accept the bouquets. Miriam Hodgson of Egmont Press was such an editor - one who saw her job as a touching of minds, a dialogue in which she helped her writers to find their voices and sing better than they ever dreamed they could. Her perceptive editorial hand lay behind many celebrated writers including Robert Westall, Jamila Gavin, Michelle Magorian, Anne Fine and Michael Morpurgo.

To commemorate her life and work, Seven Stories and the Children’s Literature Unit in the School of English at Newcastle University are inaugurating an annual series of platforms - The Miriam Hodgson Perspectives - which will investigate the creative process involved in making books for children in its broadest sense. Distinguished editor and celebrated literary agent, Gina Pollinger, will explore the role of editor - in particular, that of Hodgson - in the opening platform A Touching of Minds. She will be joined by Anne Fine to examine the editorial role from an author’s perspective.

Sponsored by Egmont Press. Tickets £5 adults, £4 concessions/annual pass holders. 6.30pm. Suitable for adults and young people 16+ Pre-booking advised, for tickets please call 0845 271 0777.

Saturday 25 November - Ever thought about writing for the education market?

Want to network and get expert advice? The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) will come to Seven Stories on Saturday, November 25th 6.30 – 9.30pm for an evening with education writing experts. Tickets £6 for members of SCBWI, £8 for non-members. Please purchase tickets from Addy Farmer, northern@britishscbwi.org by November 18th 2006.

Tuesday 28 November - Axel Scheffler

Illustrator of many much-loved books such as The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, Axel Scheffler will talk about his latest book, Mother Goose's Rhymes and How she Came to Tell Them, and run a workshop for adults keen to develop their illustration skills. He’ll also be happy to sign copies of his books. Particularly suitable for adults keen to illustrate for children and students of art, design or illustration. 1.30 - 3.00pm. Pre-booking required. In association with Macmillan Children’s Books.

Exhibition News

Last chance to catch What’s in the Book? The Seventeen Million Books of Janet and Allan Ahlberg

The Ahlberg’s were a unique partnership he wrote the words and she drew the pictures, together they created much loved classics such as Burglar Bill, The Jolly Postman and Each Peach Pear Plum. The Ahlberg exhibition has been a favourite amongst visitors old and young, and this Christmas will be the last opportunity for you to experience the creative process behind the Ahlberg’s books. Exhibition ends on January 7th - make sure you don’t miss out!

Coming soon: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt - Picture Book Adventures at Seven Stories

Seven Stories are proud to present a new and interactive exhibition opening in February 2007. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt – Picture Book Adventures at Seven Stories will showcase ten unique picture books including the classics We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen with illustrations by Helen Oxenbury and Five Minutes Peace by Jill Murphy.

Take a delightful journey full of sights, sounds and surprises with all kinds of interactive activities exploring what makes a brilliant picture book. Delve deep in the Ocean with Lucy Cousins Hooray for Fish, Snuggle up with Martin Waddell’s Can’t you Sleep Little Bear? Climb inside a shoe like Joyce Dunbar’s Shoe Baby or wrap your arms round a life-size monkey from Jez Alborough’s Hug! But most importantly don’t forget to watch out for that bear!

Current exhibition: Westall’s Kingdom, A Writer’s Life

Travel through Westall’s Kingdom exploring an exhilarating mix of subjects that reflect the writer’s zest for life. Influenced by his Northern roots and experiences of wartime Tyneside, Westall wove stories from his experiences of life and the places he knew and loved. You’ll find something in this exhibition to intrigue and delight, and be inspired to write your own stories!

Competition News

Win tickets to see the Scissor Sisters in concert!

As part of the Scissor Sisters UK tour they are supporting local charities, helping to raise their profile and awareness. In association with the Cato Trust the band have hand-picked 15 charities across the UK, selecting Seven Stories when they play their Newcastle gig at the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 18 November.

One lucky winner is in with the chance of winning two tickets to see the Scissor Sisters when they play the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 18 November in Newcastle. To enter log onto www.catotrust.com and answer one simple question; Name the Tyneside-born author who appears in Seven Stories latest exhibition. Good luck!

What’s your favourite Children’s Picture Book?

To celebrate the opening of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Picture Book Adventures at Seven Stories we’d like to hear what your favourite picture book is. Entries will be featured on our website and the most popular choices will be featured at Seven Stories during the exhibition. Email Alison.neill@sevenstories.org.uk or call 0845 271 0777.

Where pre booking is advisable please call 0845 271 0777. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

For updated information on events please log onto our website www.sevenstories.org.uk Thank you.

As part of its first national conference, Creative Partnerships is hosting the world's first creativity expo for teachers in the GMEX in Manchester on 27th November.
The expo, called the exciting minds arena, is dedicated to creativity in education and is designed for all teachers interested in making their schools more creative.

The exciting minds arena will feature 50 companies, organisations and initiatives that will offer teachers advice, ideas, toolkits, and spaces for conversations. Organisations exhibiting will include: The Reading Agency, The British Council, Architecture Centre Network, ENO, BOOM!, National Drama, The Guardian, Properjob Theatre, First Light, Culture Online, Ignite!, the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and many more. The exciting minds arena will include a cinema, a library and bookstore and a lecture series.

Come and learn about how to collaborate with an opera company, a gallery or an orchestra.
Talk to researchers and collect research reports that reveal the impact that creative collaborations can have on learners.
Pick up quick and easy tips to help you teach more creatively and teach for creativity.
Chat with an organisation that could help you set up your own school radio - and hear about the learning outcomes of such a venture.
Discover websites for your own use and use in your classroom.
Relax in the cinema and be inspired by projects from around the world.
Find a partner organisation for your next creative partnership?
The exciting minds arena is a free event - register for your place online now.

exciting minds conference
Tickets for the exciting minds conference are selling fast. Don't miss your chance to be part of the first ever Creative Partnerships conference with a programme packed full of stimulating presentations and discussions, an amazing array of speakers, a creative journey and chance to experience our extraordinary exciting minds arena.

Day one of the conference will debate the importance of creativity in society, particularly creativity in education and day two will offer you the chance to get under the skin of Creative Partnerships - learning about the projects in schools and the impact they have had.

The programme for the two days is below. For more information about speakers and breakout sessions and to book your place please visit the conference website

Programme
Day one hosted by Michael Rosen, writer and broadcaster

'System Upgrade' film by young people from Creative Partnerships Leicester
Speeches from Tessa Jowell, Secretary of State for Culture, Fergus Balfour, Managing Director of Birdseye, Stephen Heppell, Heppell.net.
Lunch
Themed sessions with over 70 panel members including Kevin Steele, Chief Executive of Enterprise Insight, Sue Horner, QCA, Iram Qureishi, ICA, Composer Jonathan Girling, Norma Redfearn, Former Headteacher, West Walker Primary Sally Goldsworthy, Director, Discover, Ann Longfield, Chief Executive of 4Children, Pat Cochrane, Director of Cape UK and many more
Exciting minds arena; your chance to visit the world's first creativity expo for teachers at the G-mex
Creative journey brought to you by Stan's café
Drinks reception with performance from Greater Manchester Youth Music Action Zone
Day two hosted by Yasmin Alibhai-Brown

'What is Creative Partnerships?' film
Speeches from Paul Collard, National Director, Creative Partnerships, Christine Gilbert, Chief Inspector for Schools, Ofsted, Tim Boyes, Headteacher, Queensbridge Specialist Performing Arts College, Eelyn Lee, Director and producer, Eelyn Lee productions ltd, Martin Herd, pupil, Ridgeway School
Creative Partnerships Sharing Practice sessions including sessions from Creative Partnerships collaborations with Theatre-Cap-a-Pie, muf art/architecture collective, Eastside education trust and many more
Lunch
Creative Partnerships Sharing Practice sessions
Conclusion speech and young people's evaluation film
Transport to train stations and airport will be provided if required.

2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the Arts Council's royal charter. Public arts funding over 60 years has made a huge difference to England's people and places - imagine the country without the arts. Go to our website to find out more www.artscouncil.org.uk/sixty

Arts Council England is the trading name of the Arts Council of England registered charity no. 1036733.

All teachers attending the 2006 Ambassadors AGM at Washingwell Primary on the 7th of November will receive a goody bag containing the latest news plus a complimentary ticket for the Tyneside Cinema (moving to Gateshead Old Town Hall).
The raffle prizes include: Northern Stage Christmas Show tickets, Life Science Rink Pass, Gateshead Flower Show '07 tickets, books and stationery, and a year's pass to the Tyneside Cinema.

As well as all these wonderful rewards for the work done by Cultural Ambassadors, attendees will hear the very latest on the scheme and get a chance to catch up with colleagues, Council staff and Cultural Partners.

If you haven't already sent your RSVP, please do so!
We look forward to seeing you there.

Invitation and form attached here or telephone Barbara-Ann Brown on 0191 433 6920.
Download file

This story courtesy of Steve Heal in our Communications Office at Gateshead Council
The first stage in the Tyneside Cinema’s stunning redevelopment begins next month – and marks the start of an exciting new era for the Old Town Hall in Gateshead.

When the curtain closes after the last reel at the Cinema on Thursday November 23rd, the Tyneside Cinema and much loved Coffee Rooms will not close. Instead they will make the short journey across the Tyne to Gateshead’s Old Town Hall. The Tyneside Cinema will live up to its name and take up residence in this fantastic ‘home from home’.

The Old Town Hall’s magnificent original Victorian stage and balcony are being carefully restored to create a magnificent venue for film and live performances in a hall that boasts stunning decorative plasterwork and original stained glass windows.

The trustees and staff of the Tyneside Cinema are thrilled to be the first resident user of this space and are confident that current film goers will be joined by new enthusiasts from south of the river. The Old Town Hall has excellent public transport links and parking is available in front of the building.

Built in 1870, the Old Town Hall originally provided offices for the Town Clerk, Surveyor, Rate Collector and Nuisance Inspector, along with a police station, Magistrates and County Courts, cells, fire engine house, drill yard and a large public hall and refreshment rooms.

The building has had a wide variety of uses since the new Civic Centre opened in 1987 but was recently reoccupied by Gateshead Council’s Cultural Services as part of a £1.2m plan to create a ‘cultural hub’ for arts and other cultural projects in Gateshead. Part of this process has been to re-establish the long-abandoned Public Hall to provide performance and exhibition space within Gateshead town centre.

After decades of neglect, the Performance Hall and stage area is now being converted back from office space and returned to its former state for public performances. Improvements are also being carried out to the public area, the seating gallery and to the adjacent Small Hall to provide coffee bar facilities. Its first role, however, is to provide temporary home for the Tyneside Cinema.

Councillor Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council, says: “We are delighted to welcome the Tyneside Cinema to Gateshead’s Old Town Hall – it’s exciting to have a cinema in the town centre once more, and especially one with such a fantastic reputation.

“The Old Town Hall will provide the perfect temporary home for the Tyneside Cinema – it’s got tons of character, and is one of the finest Victorian buildings in Gateshead. This lovely old building has had a number of uses in recent years including the temporary home of the Northern Sinfonia during the construction of The Sage Gateshead. This new venture will put the Old Town Hall right at the centre of a new cultural quarter we are creating in this area of Gateshead – I am delighted that the Tyneside Cinema has chosen to be part of this.

He added: �Millions of people already associate Gateshead with cultural excellence – what we are announcing today is yet another string to our bow and a considerable attraction for people from far and wide. I have every confidence that the Tyneside Cinema’s regular clientele will feel perfectly at home in the Old Town Hall.�

Mark Dobson, chief executive of the Tyneside Cinema, is enthusiastic about the move. “This move to the Old Town Hall means we will be able to carry on uninterrupted all the work of the Tyneside Cinema in a venue that is as full as character as our own. We can screen independent films, carry on our extensive outreach and education programmes and support the film makers of the future in this wonderful venue. Not only will you be able to see films, but we are delighted that the Coffee Rooms are moving across the Tyne with us. So the whole ‘Tyneside Cinema’ experience will be temporarily recreated on the south bank of the Tyne and life can continue uninterrupted.

“Meanwhile the building in Pilgrim Street will be transformed as we restore the art deco glory of the original 1937 cinema and, at the same time, extend its roof to create two new screens and more space for digital filmmakers of the future to learn their craft.�

Chairman of the Trustees of the Tyneside Cinema, Geoff Cook, said, “This really is a significant point in the life of the Cinema. As the only full time independent cinema in the north of England we are committed to screening as many cultural films as possible. We are very grateful to Gateshead Council for their support and look forward to working with them at the Old Town Hall.�

Coffee Rooms manager John Oswell is also excited about the move. “I’m thrilled that the Coffee Rooms are moving too so that customers can continue to enjoy the complete Tyneside Cinema experience. I’m looking forward to meeting new people as they join our existing loyal customers in this magnificent building.�

Mark Dobson is confident: “When we make the return journey to Pilgrim Street in 2008 we will have achieved our aim of making the Tyneside Cinema the most distinctive in the UK!�

For a look at how the Town Hall looks today, go to: www.gateshead.gov.uk

All Gateshead CCAs are invited to the AGM: it's the place to hear about all the latest news!

Tuesday 7th of November
3.30pm for 4.30pm
Washingwell Primary School
Broom Lane,
Whickham

Courtesy of Ian Morton and Tracy Dixon.

RSVP to Barbara-Ann Brown: 0191 433 6920 / barbaraannbrown@gateshead.gov.uk
Attached, the formal invitation and reply slip.
We hope you can join us on the day.

Download file

Saturday 21 – Friday 27 October

Half term fun for all the family!
Read on for the full diary...

Monday 6 November, 2006

Don’t miss a great opportunity to meet award winning writer and illustrator, Debi Gliori, author of the amazing Pure Dead series as she talks about her latest book, Deep Fear.
Followed by book-signing. Visiting school groups can enjoy a self-led tour of the Galleries before the event.
Times: 10 – 12 noon and 12.30 – 2.30pm
Suitable for ages 9 - 11, KS2
Pre-booking required; telephone 0845 2710 777
Supported by Random House Children’s Books
www.sevenstories.org.uk

Active Kidz October Half Term Holidays
Monday 23 - Friday 27 October

Get the kids active this half term at one of the many courses planned across all our leisure facilities.

There’s something for everyone, from football, basketball, hockey, skiing, rugby, swimming and lots, lots more!

If the kids are water babies, then there’s plenty of water activities too. Whether they’re learning to swim or want to take part in Aqua Games. They can even learn lifeguarding skills at one of our Rookie Lifeguard Courses taking place at Gateshead Leisure Centre and Dunston Pool. All this and more!

For full details on all courses and activities contact your local leisure facility or visit www.gateshead.gov.uk

Bring your pack to see the Wolves

Tue 17 – Sat 21 October at 7pm

Thu 19 and Sat 21 October at 2pm

Join Northern Stage next week as the Wolves come sneaking and creeping out of the walls in Improbable and National Theatre of Scotland’s acclaimed stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean’s popular children’s book.

To make things a little easier on your pocket in the run up to half term, they have a fabulous new family ticket. Two adults and two children can come for the special price of just £30. If you want to invite your friends, then it will only cost £10 per extra adult and £5 per child up to a maximum of eight people.

Just choose the ‘Family Special’ ticket price when you book online or call our sales team at Northern Stage on:
0191 230 5151.

Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books has a full, exciting school programme lined up between now and December 2006.

We hope you’ll be as keen as we are to meet some of the authors and illustrators visiting over the next few months! We’ve also got two fabulous exhibitions for you, special events for adults, free teacher previews and a fantastic opportunity to get your group involved with our Hallowe’en Creative Writing competition.

Click to see the whole programme...

On Saturday 28th October at 2pm The Art Works Galleries at the top of Stepney Bank will be inviting people to come and carve a pumpkin which will be lit and displayed in the ‘Sculptured Eye’ courtyard on November the 5th.

Tickets are £5 per person and £10 a family. For this you get your pumpkin, carving tools and delicious pumpkin soup. If you’d like to add something to your pumpkin in the form of accessories this would be very welcome. The Art Works Galleries will be presenting £25 cash prizes for the most scary, ugly, cute and happy pumpkin and there is no age restriction.

Places restricted to 100 participants, to book your place email: info@theartworksgalleries.com or call (0191) 2619922.

http://www.theartworksgalleries.com

The Art Works Galleries
Stepney Bank
Ouseburn
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 2NP

Opening hours 10am - 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

The theatre has reopened and would welcome you, your children and family at their two Christmas shows...

The Little Prince

For children and young people years 4-10 (Over 7 years old)
http://www.northernstage.co.uk/thelittleprince

30 November 2006 to 13 January 2007 – 10am/2pm/7pm (see website for details)
School tickets: £8 each, one free for every 10 paying. Call 0191 230 5151

“It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.�

The Little Prince marks the return of Northern Stage’s amazing Christmas productions, which have delighted school audiences throughout the North East for many years. Neil Murray, who directed and designed the splendid Grimm Tales, The Snow Queen, Beauty and the Beast and many other Northern Stage Christmas shows, has created a magical production ideal for children in years 4 to 10. The show will also appeal to older students of French, who have the unique opportunity to see this famous text by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry brought to life on stage.

Thumbelina

Ideal for children aged 6 and under.

http://www.northernstage.co.uk/thumbelina

24 November 2006 – 6 January 2007 - 10.30am/1.30pm
School tickets: £5 each, one free for every 10 paying. Call 0191 230 5151

“There once was a girl no bigger than a thumb. This tiny girl was born inside a beautiful flower and they called her Thumbelina…�

This is a brand-new adaptation by Susan Mulholland of the Hans Christian Andersen tale. Directed by Annie Rigby (The Golden Bird, How the Sea Came to Be), and designed by Andrew Stephenson, this team have developed outstanding expertise in producing work for young children, though their work in schools and nurseries throughout the region. Thumbelina is a beautiful story full of music and fun, which reminds us that we shouldn’t want to grow up too quickly.

World Teachers Day this year is Thursday October 5th.

http://www.ei-ie.org/worldteachersday/en/index.php

Thursday 5th of October 2006
4.30pm - 6.30pm
BALTIC
FREE

As part of a collaborative day with Scottish Arts Council, Gateshead Cultural Ambassadors and their colleagues are invited to take part in a practical workshop at BALTIC. Meeting visiting delegates you will represent the region and have the chance to get involved in both a workshop and informal discussion. The practical session will be led by BALTIC freelance artists Sally Madge and Cath Campbell and will be based on the Spank the Monkey exhibition. Refreshments will be provided too.

Cath Campbell is particularly interested in 3D work. Her practice includes sculpture, drawing and installation. Workshops allow participants to solve problems and make decisions. Cath has recently completed a residency at Cragside House, Northumberland.

Sally Madge’s art practice includes sculpture, installation and performance. She uses a variety of venues and a range of materials. Participants often find themselves becoming part of their own art!

Booking essential.
To reserve a place please call Baltic on 0191 4781810 or email events@balticmill.com

Mauretania Magic- visits to schools

Travel back to the glories of the Edwardian era with the help of Tyne & Wear Archive Services. Using a recently discovered set of magic lantern slides the ghostly figure of Mr. Harry Bocler will be happy to bring his presentation about RMS Mauretania to your school.
Harry was Technical Manager at Swan Hunter Wigham Richardson and managed the design of the most famous ship built on the River Tyne. Through a series of fabulous images your children will explore:
· Great feats of engineering
· Huge technological advances
· Edwardian social history
Harry will leave behind a resource pack covering aspects of arts, literacy, maths and science.

To book a visit by Harry Bocler contact:

Colin Boyd
Tyne & Wear Archive Services
Blandford House,
Blandford Square
Newcastle upon Tyne,
NE1 4JA.

Tel: 0191 2326789
e-mail: colinboyd@gateshead.gov.uk

Dazzling Mauretania - visit Discovery Museum

Mauretania, like many ships, had a facelift during World War I with dazzle paint. Ships were painted with striped primary colour designs influenced by cubism to camouflage them from enemy ships. Free dazzle paint art sessions will be run at Discovery Museum from 25 September - 10 November. Pupils will find out how this amazing optical illusion worked, learn about cubism and have a go at dazzle painting. Sessions last one hour so can be combined with a visit to the Mauretania exhibition.

To book a session contact:

Learning Team
Discovery Museum
Blandford Square
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4JA.

Tel: 0191 2772174 or 0191 2772181

The Mauretania Exhibition
These two offers accompany the joint TWM/TWAS exhbition: Mauretania, which runs from the 20th of September to the 19th of November.

The exhibition at the museum celebrates the 100th birthday of the great Tyneside ship and the people who made it happen. Many original items will be on display including rare documents, photographs and objects.
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Tyne & Wear Museums is delighted to announce the opening of
Tudor Lives at Shipley Art Gallery, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead.

From 16 September, your pupils will be able to meet Henrietta Maddison, the wife of a Newcastle merchant in Tudor times. They will visit him in the Parlour and explore some of the wonderful Tudor objects from the museums’ collections. The pupils will find out more about the work of the poor people by visiting her kitchen and trying out different household tasks. They will also discover whether they could survive Tudor disease and medicine. All this is offered entirely free of charge.

Tudor Lives at Segedunum and Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens booked up in a matter of days, so we would urge you to book straightaway to avoid disappointment.

The exhibtion runs from the 16th September to the 29th of October.

To find out more or to book your pupils’ Tudor experience please call the Learning Team on (0191) 477 1495.

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Three courses here; two in the UK and one in Italy.

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This year, Gateshead had the second-highest number of Artsmark awards out of the twelve local authority areas in the north east of England, with ten schools taking awards.
This success is another indicator of the borough's determination to enrich the learning experience for its young people.

The scheme is run by Arts Council England and is supported here by Gateshead Council's Arts Development Team and the Raising Achievement Service.

The three categories of this national award (Artsmark, Artsmark Silver or Artsmark Gold) are given to schools who show a commitment to the full range of arts - music, dance, drama and art & design.

The winning Gateshead schools were as follows:

Artsmark
Larkspur Primary
Lobley Hill Primary

Artsmark Silver
Bill Quay Primary
St Joseph's RC Primary, Gateshead
St Aidan's CofE Primary

Artsmark Gold
Fellside Primary
Crookhill Primary
St Peter's RC Primary
Carr Hill Primary
Emmaville Primary

If your Gateshead or Newcastle school is considering applying for an Artsmark award for 2007, we strongly advise you to book a place on our seminar:

Artsmark Seminar
10am - 12noon - Wednesday 13 September 2006
Caedmon Hall, Central Library, Prince Consort Road, Gateshead

A free seminar for Gateshead & Newcastle schools interested in applying for Artsmark.
Artsmark is a national award for schools in England. It is a symbol of recognition for schools making a strong commitment to the full range of the arts and is becoming a benchmark for excellence in schools and a nationally recognised symbol of quality creative curriculum provision.
Ten Gateshead schools were awarded artsmark this year - five Gold, three Silver and two Artsmark awards. We have also had interest from schools who are interested in applying this year, so the seminar is an opportunity to find out more about applying for the award. The deadline for applications for Round 7 is 17 November 2006.
Arts Council England North East and Gateshead Council's Arts Team are hosting this free seminar in order to support and develop Artsmark applications from schools interested in applying in the future. The seminar will provide a basic introduction the following:

· An outline of the Artsmark scheme.
· Programming and preparation for an application.
· Advice on auditing your arts provision.
· Case study from a successful school.
· Benefits of Artsmark to your school.

The session will be led by Caroline Redmond, Arts Education Consultant, member of the national Artsmark project team and Artsmark validator. Also present will be Cheryl Gallagher from Arts Council England North East and Karolynne Hart from Gateshead Council's Arts Team.
Application packs are available from 14 July 2006, visit www.artsmark.org.uk for full details.
Please RSVP for a place on the seminar to Karolynne Hart - karolynnehart@gateshead.gov.uk
Tel. 0191 433 6917 as soon as possible.

Gateshead Council's Reader Development Librarian, Dot Cameron writes:

A Holiday for Readers (Like a Readers Day only longer!)

Many of us have experienced the fun and friendship of a readers day or a reading group: meeting other readers and finding out that it really is OK to be passionate about reading!
Now there is the opportunity to extend this experience to a three-day weekend (over the August Bank Holiday weekend) with a holiday designed especially for readers.
Located in a 17th century manor house near Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire we will be reading, talking about books, eating lovely food, walking and meeting other readers. There will be workshops and visits from authors with the added bonus of not feeling guilty about reading, not having to rush off to do the washing up, not being disturbed and actively discussing how we can continue to avoid such hazards! All inclusive price for the weekend is £175 (including wine, beer or fruit juice with evening meals). Or come for just the day (Saturday 26 August) for just
£45. Be sure to book early by contacting A Good Read on 01282 414287 or by visiting the website for more information: www.findmeagoodread.com/holiday.htm
There were still places available on Thursday 9th August.

London Schools Arts Service

LONSAS is the leading online arts and education resource for London schools and artists. They matchmake schools with artists and arts organisations, promoting creative opportunities and academic achievement throughout the curriculum.

www.lonsas.org.uk

A message from Arts Council England

Almost 60% of people working in the arts are at risk of not saving adequately for their future... are you one of them?

A new website, www.pensionsforartists.org.uk aims to help artists unravel the mystery of pensions.

If you work in the arts, whether as an artist or arts manager, then this site is for you.

It provides essential information about recent changes to the legislation surrounding the provision of pensions and you are invited to complete a short survey that will help us to understand more about pensions awareness across the sector, and what we should be doing to meet your needs.

The following document gives more background about why this site has been created:

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Remember, to help improve the current landscape we need as many people as possible to visit www.pensionsforartists.org.uk and complete our survey!

Thanks for your time,

Simon

Simon Zimmerman
Coordinator, 'Artist Time Space Money'
Arts Council England
Direct Line: +44(0)1392 229247
Fax: +44(0)1392 229229
email: simon.zimmerman@artscouncil.org.uk

Gateshead's 'roving' Ambassador Pat Riddell took the plunge on the 2nd of July by abseiling down the Malmaison Hotel on Newcastle's quayside.

Pat undertook this feat in aid of Education Action International - a charity providing teaching in the most deprived parts of the world.

Drama ensued halfway down when there was a breakdown in communications between the roof and the ground!
Luckily, Pat is one to look before leaping, so whilst stranded on a narrow ledge, she contemplated the following advice given to her prior to the event:

From her Pilates teacher:
"Banish all negative thoughts, take in the elements, breathe in the air, trust in those supporting you"

From her Probation Officer daughter:
"Remember, you have the choice, before you step over, you don't have to do it"

From an ex-soldier and fellow abseiler:
"You'll feel a better person when you get to the bottom"

From the man sending her down from the top:
"You're the person in charge, you control the rope"
"Don't look down..."

From the official (who talked Pat through on the ledge when she lost the rope and the support rope was far too slack) to the cheering crowd:
"She got down because she was good at following instructions"

Put together, Pat wonders whether these are good rules for life...!

Pat raised a substantial sum for EAI and we are glad to have her back on the ground.

Very well done!

Whickham Wanderers (The University of the Third Age) have a wealth of historical information to assist with the history curriculum including CDs, photos and a website which specialises in Twentieth Century life in the old Whickham Urban District.

Log on and meet people in Dunston, Marley Hill, Streetgate, Sunniside, Swalwell and Whickham, see how they lived, worked, worshipped, spent their leisure time and were educated. Find dramatic changes in life style from rural views to urban sprawl, mud tracks to the Western Bypass, Shanks's pony to two-car families, shops in front rooms to the Metro Centre and major industries disappearing.
Through times good and bad; war, peace, strikes and depression they managed to party!

We hope we will leave you thinking...

"Was it really like that?"................."I must tell them about"...

"Yes, that is how it was"....................."I did not know that!"...

Go to:

http://www.gatesheadgrid.org/wwu3a/

and look out for more from the Wanderers in the Ambassadors e-bulletins in the autumn.

Meanwhile, their office telephone number is: 496 1238.

One of our projects this year is to update the popular Culture in Education Directory, which will appear in hard copy form and on this website, so watch this space...

SmartJustice for young people arts project

The Smart Justice Festival
Saturday 2nd September, Pelaw Youth Centre,
Shields Road, Gateshead 10 am – 4pm

Come along to try out different arts activities and watch film, drama and music produced by local young people on a SmartJustice theme. There will be an opportunity to find out more about why so many young people are getting sent to prison and a chance to have your say about crime and punishment.

Dance, DJs, Graffiti, Video, Drama
Free food and lots of fun!

Ring to find out more or book a place by calling Helen on 0191 382 8241 or
Pelaw Youth Centre on 0191 438 6636.

Booking essential—don’t miss out!
www.smartjustice.org/youngpeople

Funded by: Northern Rock Foundation, Arts Council North East, Gateshead Council, Tyne and Wear Community Foundation, Awards for All

This news come courtesy of one of our Ambassadors Cultural Partners - New Writing North

Orange young writers’ festival

31 July - 25 August 2006

Tired of monkeying about in the summer holidays? Then get writing!

Get writing poetry, stories and scripts this summer. Come for a week-long workshop and get your work published! FREE events for 11-18 year-olds in Alnwick, Darlington, Durham, Hexham, Stockton and Sunderland.

Get writing
If you’ve got a way with words and love writing poetry, stories and scripts, you could spend a week working with professional writers who really know what they’re talking about. You’ll get great tips and ideas, and receive advice that will help you to seriously improve your writing.

Each workshop lasts for five days, and they’re aimed at young writers who are interested in creative writing and want to learn more. You don’t have to be the world’s greatest speller, as long as you’ve got plenty of ideas and enthusiasm. It’s a chance to meet other young people and to write creatively in an informal way – don’t worry, we make sure it’s nothing like school!

All the classes are run by professional writers from the region who have published books, produced magazines or had their plays performed, so it’s also a perfect opportunity to find out what being a professional writer is really like.

Get published
Everyone who attends the Orange Young Writers’ Festival will have the opportunity to contribute their best piece of work to the festival anthology which will be published and launched in the October half-term holidays. You will also have the chance to attend the launch events, and bring your friends and family along.

Get involved
To get a taste of the festival and find out about other opportunities to develop your work, check out www.wordmavericks.com, our website for young writers. You can get tips from our writer-in-residence, ideas for writing your stories, read the latest news from the book world and, best of all, you can post your work and get feedback from other young writers!
How to book your place
First choose the workshop you would like to take part in. There are six venues to choose from, each featuring different writers.

All the workshops are free, but places must be booked in advance and you must have your parents’ or guardian’s permission to take part. If you just turn up on the day we will be unable to let you join in as places on the workshops are strictly limited.

Get on the phone
Contact Holly Hooper at New Writing North
Telephone: 0191 488 8580
Email: holly@newwritingnorth.com

When you have booked, we will write to you to confirm your place on the workshop and give you all the details that you will need to take part.

Book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment!

Read on for the courses...

Knickerbocker Glories at Seven Stories!

Seven Stories the unique Centre for children’s Books is celebrating its first birthday this summer. There’s holiday fun for all the family as you take a journey through our exhibitions and explore layer on layer of new creative activities.

Read on for more...

You can no log on, find out what the ideal virtual school looks and sounds like on the Virtual Vision website and post a comment (scrolling to the Explore menu (right hand side) and clicking onto 'Thoughts and Ideas'):

Click onto:
www.virtual-vision.org

Virtual Vision - Thursday 22nd and Friday 23rd of June 2006

We invite you to review our flagship project, where Gateshead teachers worked one-to-one with our Cultural Partners to create a virtual creative school, creative curriculum and creative management model.

Seven Stories, the Centre for Children's Books have sent their newsletter for Gateshead teachers.

Friday 16th June - Friday 23rd June - Architecture Week (J All ages)

We have a selection of activities available throughout the week, for visitors of all ages. These include our Magical Homes Gallery Trail in our Incredible Journeys Exhibition, ‘I Remember’ Response Boards and a selection of drawing and drop-in art activities.

Sunday 18th June - Junk Sculpture Workshop (J 7-12yrs)

A place called home workshop 11.30-12.30: A fun family workshop in which participants will be inspired by illustrations of homes in children’s stories. Children, supported by accompanying adults, will model their dream home! Booking is essential.

We also have a selection of tours available throughout Gallery 5, our Incredible Journey’s exhibition, highlighting representations of homes.

Sunday 2nd July – Wonderful Creatures Live Amongst Us! With Pat Renton. J 2+

Sunday Storytelling at 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm: Can a caterpillar frighten a rhinoceros or a turtle trick a coyote? Is a little grey rat the strongest thing in the world? Come and find out, and hear their stories, in association with A Bit Crack Storytellers. Suitable for a family audience.

Monday 3rd July – Rhymes and Songs for babies (J 0-2yrs)

Interactive session 1.30pm – 2pm: Seven Stories Chrissy, will be holding half hour sessions incorporating rhymes, songs and stories to entertain children aged 2 and under, in the Artist’s Attic. It is a great way for your child to develop language skills and to be able to bond and have fun together.

Friday 7th July – In Conversation with Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis (18+ & þ)

Author and illustrator event 6 – 8pm: A special opportunity to meet much loved children's author and illustrator team Jeanne Willis and Tony Ross who will be sharing their ideas and inspiration for their work. This will set the scene for a discussion about how they work together and the relationship between text and illustration. The event includes a Q & A session, a book signing and a private view of the galleries available from 5pm. Especially suited for adults, particularly suitable for teachers, librarians, parents and carers, and those wishing to write or illustrate for children.

Admission charge £5 (£4 for annual pass holders). Pre booking is advisable

Saturday 8th July – Talking words and pictures with Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis (J & þ)

Author and illustrator event 11am – 12 noon: Much loved children’s duo Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis are available for an interactive family event, talking you through their inspiration, ideas and favourite stories. Together they have created many much loved picture books including the Dr Xargle series and The Boy who Lost his Belly Button.

Tuesday 11th July – In Conversation with Allan Ahlberg (18+ & þ)

Author event 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm. An award winning duo, Janet and Allan Ahlberg created unique and highly successful books. Today Allan continues to write brilliant and successful stories for children and is seen as an indispensable element in their journeys into reading. This event offers a rare chance to meet Allan and have your questions answered! It also includes a Q & A session, a book signing and a private view of the Ahlberg exhibition showing the highlights, and a chance to share ideas regarding activities and the schools and groups programme, available from 3.30pm.

Especially suited for adults, particularly suitable for teachers, librarians, parents and carers, and those wishing to write or illustrate for children.

Admission charge £5 (£4 for annual pass holders). Pre booking is advisable

Monday 17th July – Rhymes and Songs for babies (J 0-3yrs)

Interactive session 1.30pm – 2pm: Seven Stories Chrissy, will be holding half hour sessions incorporating rhymes, songs and stories to entertain children aged 2 and under in the Artist’s Attic. It is a great way for your child to develop language skills and to be able to bond and have fun together.

Saturday 22nd July – Tricks, Tales and Monkey Business with Philippa Tipper of A Word in Edgeways (J 7+)

Saturday Storytelling 10.30am and 11.30am for forty minutes: Life is full of characters, rogues and general bad behaviour. Wheeling and dealing, twisting and tricking; hear about some of the world's worst scoundrels ... of course, that could be you! Join us for a one off Saturday event in association with A Bit Crack Storytellers. Suitable for a family audience.

Don’t forget you can catch Storytime everyday in the Bookshop at 11am.

Key:
J suitable for children, recommended ages
& includes book signing
þ pre-booking advisable

Access to events is through normal admission to the centre for which standard admission charges apply. Events outside of normal centre opening hours may be subject to an individual price.

For bookings please call 0845 271 0777.

Special Offer: Buy a combined adult ticket for Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis on Friday 7th July and

Allan Ahlberg on Tuesday 11th July for just £8.

Please note it is essential that school sessions are pre-booked, call Liz Paton on 0845 271 0777 for details.

For more information and updated event details please refer to www.sevenstories.org.uk

Seven Stories 30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ, Tel: 0845 271 0777 www.sevenstories.org.uk

Has your reading lost its text appeal?

Books Without Borders is a group for those interested in:

· Recapturing traditional storytelling skills.
· Telling stories without a book.
· Gaining experience in an informal environment.
· Seeking out the best story collections.
·
Come along and bring friends to our next session on:

Tuesday 6th June at 8pm in Starbucks
(1st floor, Borders Bookshop, Team Valley)

and thereafter on the 1st Tuesday of every month.

Put the book down – bring the story alive!

Contact Jim Craig on 0191 499 8057 or Rev.Jim@BTOpenworld.com
or Jill Morris (Borders) on 0191 487 7803

Vocal Training Opportunities Summer 2006

We're writing with details of some exciting vocal opportunities taking place over Summer 2006. Our Tyne & Wear/Northumberland Singing Squad continues to meet throughout the summer, and we also have a series of exciting training days presented in partnership with 20,000 Voices.

Singing Squad Tyne & Wear/Northumberland- Ongoing
Vocal Leadership Day 17 June
Love Your Voice 22 July

And some dates for your diaries:

Tees Valley Singing Squad, Saturday 30 September, Hartlepool Venue TBC
Mend Your Voices, 11 November, Venue TBC
Details will be posted on the North East pages of www.musicleader.net

We look forward to seeing you at some of our events.

Louise Taylor
MusicLeader North East Coordinator
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Tyne & Wear/Northumberland Singing Squad
Dates: Last Tuesday of the month - 30 May, 27 June & 25 July
Time: 10am - 12pm
Venue: Music Education Centre, The Sage Gateshead
Leader/s: Sharon Durant & Mandy Oliver
Cost: FREE

Singing Squad is a FREE peer development network for anyone involved in leading singing activities.

The network provides support for both aspiring and experienced music leaders interested in learning, developing or extending their vocal leadership skills. The meetings will provide time for networking, trouble-shooting, sight-singing and song arranging.

Please email us on musicleadernortheast@thesagegateshead.org if you'd like to attend any of these meetings.
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Vocal Leadership Day
Date: Saturday 17 June
Time: 11am - 5pm
Venue: Hepscott Educational Development Centre, Morpeth
Leader: David Lawrence
Cost: £30 waged / £18 unwaged

David Lawrence will work with vocal leaders on preparing material, good teaching technique, using gesture to get the best from your singing group. David is a superb technician, and a great teacher and encourager who brings out the best in everyone. This is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone who leads vocal groups, whether adult or young people, advanced or beginner. Suitable for music teachers and freelance musicians.

Full information about the day and a booking form is available on the training pages of our website.
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Love Your Voice
Date: Saturday 22 July
Time: 10.30am - 4.30pm
Venue: Morpeth Methodist Church
Leader: Sally Burchell
Cost: £22 full price / £20 concessions

The day will include voice production and technique, vocal health and wellbeing, and increasing individual vocal confidence. Sally Burchell had the idea for Love Your Voice some time ago, and will use this workshop to pass on the knowledge she has gained from her years of experience as a soloist and teacher.

The day will consist of a morning of work on vocal technique and health, followed an afternoon session with an interactive workshop - run on an informal masterclass model - with singers performing solos or group songs. The day is primarily for choral singers who would like to be able to sing more effectively in their choirs.

Suitable for all adult singers, leaders and teachers.

Full details and a booking form will be on the Norht East Training pageour website soon. Contact 20,000 Voices on 01665 606280 or email info@20000voices.org if you have any quetsions in the meantime.

2006 marks the 60th anniversary of the Arts Council's royal charter. Public arts funding over 60 years has made a huge difference to England's people and places - imagine the country without the arts. Go to our website to find out more www.artscouncil.org.uk/sixty

www.artscouncil.org.uk

Unleash pupils’ Passion for Paint

What is the exhibition about?

The National Gallery touring exhibition ‘Passion for Paint’ focuses on the ways that artists have used paint. The pictures in the exhibition span several centuries, draw on different cultures and show various artistic representations of the world around us. The exhibition explores artists’ use of paint to create space, movement, sensation, emotion and personality. It includes spectacular paintings by Degas, Rembrandt, Gainsborough, Rubens and Turner.

Why should I bring my class to ‘Passion for Paint’?

The ‘Passion for Paint’ exhibition can be used to inspire children’s imagination and creativity along with developing questioning and investigation skills. The nature of the work encourages individual responses, discussion and debate, and is an ideal starting point for developing further work.

Curriculum links:

Art & design, Literacy, History, Citizenship, Drama and Science links

Workshops and resources available to support the Passion for Paint exhibition:

· Free teachers’ pack and exhibition catalogue on booking a visit
· 15 minute introductions to the exhibition led by gallery staff
· Handling boxes linked to the exhibition
· Pre-visit school assembly sessions (subject to availability)

All sessions and handling boxes must be booked in advance. Please also let us know if you are bringing a group for a self-led visit.

To find out more about the ‘Passion for Paint’ learning opportunities or to book a visit please contact the Learning Team on (0191) 211 2104. Textphone users dial 18001 0191 211 2104. Fax: (0191) 222 0952
Unleash pupils’ Passion for Paint
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The Royal Photographic Society's 149th International Print Exhibition opens its national tour at the DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery on Saturday 10th June 2006. The exhibition runs until Sunday 16th July. This stunning collection of photographs is an ideal inspiration for art and other curriculum areas, including citizenship. It has an excellent accompanying Education Pack for Primary and Secondary ages. The attachment has more details about how to download the Education Pack (pdf file).
Contact the DLI to book time for you and your class in the gallery and be inspired!
£1.25 per student with accompanying adults free.
Tel: 0191 3842214 - Sheila Gray or Sarah Gouldsbrough
The DLI also has lovely grounds in which to enjoy a picnic lunch.
www.durham.gov.uk/dli

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News from one of our cultural partners dated May 23rd

In this issue:

ANNA CHANGES HER NAME
EXPLODING ALPHABETS POETRY NIGHT
GLASS ORANGE MAGAZINE SEEKS SUBMISSIONS
NORTHERN FRINGE EVENT
RENGA DAYS
CONTRIBUTE TO ALAN SHEARER BOOK!
EVENTS AT BORDERS, TEAM VALLEY
LAUNCH OF EPISTEME MAGAZINE
TEESSIDE POETRY NIGHT IN LONDON
POLKA THEATRE PLAYWRITING OPPORTUNITY
TRAVEL-WRITING COMPETITION
UPDATE FROM ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND, NORTH EAST
GENERAL EVENTS INFO FROM LITERATURE NORTHEAST
VACANCY AT THEATRE SANS FRONTIERES
ARTISTS’ OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH HELIX ARTS
NEW BOOK BY DARLINGTON WRITER

Read on for the content...

May Half Term

Mon 29th May - Sunday 4th June - What’s in the Book? The seventeen million books of Janet & Allan Ahlberg

What's in the Book? celebrates the Ahlberg's creative partnership and explores the wonderful books they made. Discover where they got their ideas and how they turned them into highly original books that are clever, funny and have massive appeal to both children and adults. Favourites include The Jolly Postman, Each Peach Pear Plum and Burglar Bill.

Children can take charge at The Jolly Postman’s Post Office, become stars of the Each Peach Theatre, as well as dive into a variety of hands-on activities for all ages. The under 5’s can catch Storytime in the bookshop everyday at 11am.

Wed 31st May – ‘Friendly Matches’ Football mania at Seven Stories

Inspired by Allan Ahlberg’s ‘Friendly Matches’ and a huge football fanatic himself, join the team for a great line up of football favourites. Create your own Dream Team, make your own football puppets and join our football hunt. Plus, watch out for our comic referee and coach on the line keeping you all in tow! And don’t panic for all those who can’t stand football, usual activities will be available, and our two interactive exhibitions will be open for your entertainment.

Sunday 4th June - Here, There and Everywhere with Chris Bostock

Sunday Storytelling with A Bit Crack. Join Chris Bostock as he travels around the world, in stories that will take us from the tops of mountains to the bottom of the sea, through dark jungles and over plains, but always back in time for tea. Suitable for all ages, in the Attic. Sessions at 1pm, 1.45pm & 2.30pm.

Thursday 8th June - David Almond Book Launch

Talented local author David Almond pops in to launch the paperback of his latest book Clay. Special school and group session’s 11-12noon, workshop for creative writing students, 16-21 years. 1-2pm session for KS3 11-13 years.

Available to the public 3.30 – 4.30pm for a bookshop signing. Free.

Fri 9th June – Talking Words and Pictures with Eric Maddern and Paul Hess

Author and illustrator event: School session 1pm - 2pm, from years 5 & 6. This is an opportunity for schools groups to meet an author and illustrator team and explore how they work together to create their picture books. Eric and Paul will discuss their books and their working partnership followed by a Q & A session.

Available to the public 2.30pm for a bookshop signing. Free.

Sat 10th June– Eric Maddern and Paul Hess

Author and illustrator event: Eric Maddern is an Australian-born singer, storyteller, writer and teacher. He’s long been curious about the old tales that connect us to spirit, ancestors and land. Paul Hess is a fellow Australian who went to Art College in Sydney before going on to work in various design studios both in Sydney and London. Paul began illustrating full-time in 1991 and has illustrated several children's books, attracting acclaim for his stylishly funny artwork. This is a chance to get to know Eric and Paul's books and hear about how they work together. Family audience. Sessions at 11am and 1.30 pm in Artist's Attic followed by a bookshop signing.

Mon 12th June - Brian Jacques

Author event: His books have thrilled readers all over the world. Inspired by the classic adventure stories of his childhood, not to mention his many real-life travels, Brian Jacques has conjured up the magical world of Redwall. Brian will be talking about High Rhulian, the latest in the series which blends fantasy, adventure and nail-biting suspense in the true tradition of the Redwall saga. 6pm in the Bookshop. Free.

Sat 7th & Sun 8th July – Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis

Author and illustrator event: Much loved children’s duo Tony Ross and Jeanne Willis are available for an interactive family event, talking you through their inspiration, ideas and favourite stories. Times are yet to be confirmed but log onto our website for further information.

Pre-booking is advisable for most events.

Access to events is through normal admission to the centre for which standard admission charges apply. Events outside of normal centre opening hours may be subject to an individual price.

For bookings please call 0845 271 0777.

Please note it is essential that school sessions are pre-booked, call Liz Paton on

0845 271 0777 for details.

For more information and updated event details please refer to www.sevenstories.org.uk

Seven Stories 30 Lime Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 2PQ, Tel: 0845 271 077 www.sevenstories.org.uk

Prepare your pupils for Heritage Open Days
Tuesday 13th June 2006
4.30pm - 5.30pm
Gateshead Old Town Hall
West Street
Gateshead

The Council's Conservation team will give a guided tour of the Old Town Hall (with special access to the much-talked about old police cells in the basement, used for film locations etc).

After the tour, teachers will hear all about the Heritage Open Days event (in September every year) which raises awareness of the history of our built environment and the history. You will have a chance to ask questions and will receive a teachers pack. The session lasts one hour and could open the door to a valuable resource to support your work and make Heritage Open Days more accessible for Gateshead schools.
Refreshments available.

To book a place for you and your colleagues, please call Marie-Claire Robson on 0191 433 3511 (marie-clairerobson@gateshead.gov.uk or Stuart Norman on 0191 433 3451 (stuartnorman@gateshead.gov.uk).

Please find below information about this year's Arts Council sponsored Chrisi Bailey Award: the national Children's Media Arts Award. Please feel free to pass this on to anyone you think might be interested in the initiative, and do please forward to any colleagues who might be able to do the same.

As you may know, for over 15 years the Award has highlighted and rewarded some of the most extraordinary educational work with children using photography, digital arts, video and animation with the aim of drawing attention to the use of media arts as a creative, visual medium across a range of subjects and settings.

The Award is open to anyone who has been working creatively with children aged 11 years and under with photography, animation, digital art or video over the last 18 months, and each of this year's 3 Award themes carry with them a prize of £1000 along with a package of creative IT tools. We also organise an Award event to celebrate the and this year the first 20 applications we receive will get a set of art education materials just for applying.

The closing date for this year's Award is Friday May 12th and all of the application information will be available from next week along with a background to the Award and a gallery of previous winners' work at www.thechrisibaileyaward.org.uk

Alternatively people can contact Trevor Horsewood for further information by emailing chrisibaileyaward@googlemail.com or by post at the following address: Trevor Horsewood (The Chrisi Bailey Award), Unit 2, Toynbee Studios, 28 Commercial Street, London E1 6AB

Abigail Addison
Arts Council England, National Office
Direct line +44 (0)20 7973 5191
Fax +44 (0)20 7973 6581
Mailto:Abigail.addison@artscouncil.org.uk

Axis is the leading online guide to artists practising in the UK today. It represents the work of over 3,000 artists with a powerful search engine that enables the user to find artists through many ways - an A-Z search, geographical area, type of material and type of practice.
www.axisweb.org

Within their portfolio, Axis runs the Learning programme - www.axisweb.org/learning - a resource for teachers and students to discover the work of contemporary artists, stimulate further research and discovery, foster collaborations between visual artists and schools, and provide links to further educational resources.

Friday 19 May at The Arc, Stockton

Presented by MusicLeader North East and The Sage Gateshead with support from Tees Valley Arts, The Arc, Stockton, Inspirational Arts and Community Groups in Tees Valley.

What does Cultural Diversity mean?

How can we be more culturally aware?

What are the barriers to accessing music and arts training for all cultures?

Come along to a Networking day on 19th May at The Arc, Stockton where some of these questions will be explored.

Take part in discussion groups, networking, and practical workshops around cultural awareness, which will look at barriers to whole community involvement in music, arts and training in the North East.

Book your place now.......

Full information and a booking form can be found on the North East regional pages of www.musicleader.net

Or contact MusicLeader North East by email musicleadernortheast@thesagegateshead.org or phone
0191 233 3859.

Cost: £20 for Organisations / £10 for individuals.

FREE places are available on application for low waged, unwaged, students and pensioners.

TAKE A DIFFERENT LOOK AT LIFE
A new exhibition exploring human life opens at the Centre for Life in Newcastle on 8th April.

Entitled ‘Our World’, the exhibition demonstrates how humans are one of the most versatile species on earth and examines what we need to survive as well as exploring the ways in which humans cope with extreme habitats and climates.

Read on for more...

Science fans from around the region are invited to an audience with author and presenter, Professor Richard Dawkins and actress Lalla Ward at Newcastle’s Centre for Life. The free event, part of the Lectures@Life series, will take place on Thursday (27 April 2006) at 6pm.

Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2001, Professor Dawkins has published eight books including The Selfish Gene, The Blind Watchmaker and most recently The Ancestor’s Tale. He has presented television documentaries on both BBC and Channel 4 and is a prominent figure in contemporary public debate.

Actress Lalla Ward, his wife, is best known as the ‘companion’ to Tom Baker’s Doctor Who and for her performance as Ophelia in the BBC television production of Hamlet. She is also an animal artist and has illustrated a number of books including two by Dawkins.

Linda Conlon, director of the Centre for Life, said: “Professor Dawkins is a well-respected and eminent scientist and we are looking forward to what promises to be an interesting and thought-provoking evening for anyone with an interest in science.�

Richard Dawkins became the first Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University in 1995. The event will include readings from Professor Dawkins’ books followed by questions from the audience.
The free lecture and takes place in the Centre’s Conference and Banqueting suite. Doors open at 5.15pm and seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For a leaflet on further events or for further information call: (0191) 243 8292 or email: laura.holland@life.org.uk

With thanks to Nicola Mcintosh in the press office at Life.

Music Leader North East
Early Years Network Day

Saturday 1st April, The Sage Gateshead
10am – 4.30pm
Fee: £10

Join Music Leader for a day of:
· Networking
· Skills sharing
· Trouble shooting
· Music workshops from ‘Music and the Deaf’
· Plus great food and great company!

Read on for more details and the booking form:
Download file
Download file

As part of the Newcastle Science Festival our Cultural Partner Michael Freeman is leading free workshops...

Junk Music and Eco Magic
Saturday 11th March
Time:10:30 am
Entry: FREE
Venue: The Discovery Museum

Please note booking is required for this event.

Musician Martin Freeman and magician Martin Duffy will be using junk and recyclable materials to create music and magic. Audience members will be able to join in and create music and tricks themselves.

For further details please call 0191 277 2174 or e-mail discovery@twmuseums.org.uk

One of our Culltural Partners is Anh Mao of Anh Mao Couture. Anh has been involved in Chinese arts and crafts workshops in schools and community projects in Gateshead for many years.
She's having a charity evening on Thursday 30th March in aid of Mencap. Gateshead teacher and their friends are welcome.

"Girl Night Out"
An Evening of Therapy and Indulgence
in aid of MENCAP
Fashion Show "Black Magic Collection"
Sponsor by Mao Couture
£5.00 per ticket
On Thursday 30th March 2006 7.00pm - 9.30pm

at the Derwent Manor Hotel
Castleside, Nr Consett.

Retail Therapy - Fashion, Shoes, Handbags, Accessories.
Beauty Therapy - Make up, Skin Care, Hair and Nails.
Lifestyle Therapy - Massages, Aromatherapy, Exercise and Diet.
Chocolate Therapy - those times when nothing else will help.

Contact: Anh Mao 0191 2869293 / 07946646733
Email: maocouture@yahoo.co.uk
Website: www.maocouture.webeden.co.uk

You can now book a range of sports activities in Gateshead online through the new Council website.

Simply join the Gateshead Active online booking scheme which gives you 13 day advance bookings at selected Gateshead Council leisure facilities for sports including badminton, five-a-side and squash.

The online booking form can be found on the Council website: www.gateshead.gov.uk in the Sports and Fitness section located under the Leisure and Culture home page. Alternatively click the link below:
www.gateshead.gov.uk/Leisure%20and%20Culture/sports/Prices%20and%20booking/Booking.aspx
To use the online booking scheme you must be a Gateshead Active Card holder. You can fill a form in online to apply for a Gateshead Active online booking membership number and PIN. Please note: Conditions of use apply.

Weekend School 2006 – 2007, for young people aged 7 - 19 years.

The Sage Gateshead Weekend School offers top quality provision for the most talented and committed young musicians of the Northeast and Cumbria, welcoming learners from all styles of music (classical, jazz, folk, world and popular music) across a wide range of instruments and voice.

The next Open Day is on Sunday 12th March where people can come and find out more and there's a Spring Festival on 25th March, displaying some of the talents of our young musicians.

The information and application form is attached here (deadline 3rd April).
If you know of anyone who may be interested, please ask them to contact Alexandra Marsden, Weekend School Co-ordinator 0191 4434675.
Download file

Dear Teacher

Some people say there are only seven stories in the world but a thousand different ways of telling them. Seven Stories is about the thousand ways…

Seven Stories, the Centre for Children’s Books is a great place to nurture a lifelong love of literature in the children and young people you care for. Filled with energy, unexpected encounters and the sheer enjoyment of busy creativity, you will find seven floors packed with different experiences to explore. Here you will find familiar characters and stories and new ones waiting to be discovered!

From exhibitions of original artwork and manuscripts to hands-on activities and the chance to meet and talk to authors and illustrators, we offer approaches to books and reading that will

· engage different learning styles
· motivate children and young people to read for pleasure, and
· encourage them to express their own creativity through speaking and writing, making and drawing.

Seven Stories offers activities and experiences for all ages, linked to fundamental curriculum and literacy targets and designed for enjoyment and creative buzz.

A schools or group visit to Seven Stories costs £3.50 per child with 2 free adult places for every 10 children. On the reverse of this letter you’ll find our Exhibition plans for 2006 for you to select from.

To book a visit to Seven Stories or to find out more, contact us on 0845 271 0777. Checkout out our website for our full events programme and current offers for schools and groups at
http://www.sevenstories.org.uk

To hear more about the workshops and preview the centre, sign up for one of our Teacher Previews. Previews are normally held once a month, on the second Thursday, from 5.00 p.m. until 6.30 p.m. Admission is free and includes light refreshment. Pre-booking is essential.

Read on for the exhibition programme for 2006

Our World - A new exhibition all about you!
Opens 8 April 2006
From the frozen Arctic to the scorching desert and life in a modern city, uncover the things we all need to survive and discover how people have developed amazing ways to cope with extreme climates and habitats.
You will be transported to some of the most diverse and challenging places in the world to see how different environments mean different lifestyles, for both humans and other animals.

The Dome
Opens 8 April 2006
This state-of-the-art dome theatre seats 65 visitors and is capable of screening the very latest Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) shows.
The first show to be screened in the Dome is called Lifeseeker and has been specially created for the Centre for Life. Enter, sit back and prepare for a journey to some of the most extreme environments on Earth and beyond in the search for life... but maybe not as we know it!

Opening Times:
Monday-Saturday: 10am - 6pm (last admission at 4pm)
Sunday: 11am - 6pm (last admission at 4pm)

Admission prices:
Adult: £6.95
Child: £4.50
Concessions: £5.50
Family Ticket: £19.95 (two adults and two children or one adult and three children)

Information Line: (0191) 243 8210
www.lifesciencecentre.org.uk

Adam Hart Davis will be giving a talk on '‘Why Does a Ball Bounce?’ to launch the Newcastle Science festival.

The lecture will take place at Centre for Life Conference and Banqueting, at 1:30pm on Tuesday 7th March.
Please ring 0191 234 8292 for more details and to book a place.

The website for the festival is: www.newcastlesciencefestival.co.uk

This photography competition is open to nursery and primary school pupils in the north east of England to encourage children to think about the outdoors. Prizes include cameras, prints, exhibition space and the overall winner will win funds to spend on their school playground.
Here are the documents you'll need for your school entry. Closing date, Friday 7th April 2006.
Download file
Download file
Download file

Heworth Grange School recently achieved specialist Arts College status. A mural was commissioned for the new Dance Studio, created by the pupils and Eye of the Fly artist Tor Bruce. The school's Cultural Ambassador, Sally Marshall, who co-ordinated the project, writes:

‘Society judges innocent eyes. True angels hide in disguise’

is the title of the urban style artwork that takes inspiration from music, dance and the buildings in the Heworth Area. ‘Eye of the Fly’ charity director Tor Bruce, believes that these projects are an important outlet for students to express their ideas. The artists employed by Eye of the Fly are starting work on Mon 13th, 15th and 16th of February after the school day. The project should be finished on Thurs 16th February.

The artwork successfully relates to the youth of today and gives them alternative ways to behave that embrace respect for diversity and humanity. Because the students have been involved and their ideas have been used as a focus, they feel that they have contributed to something very special.

The Head Teacher from Heworth Grange Arts College Mr Harrison Huddart, says
“The artwork clearly illustrates the dynamic nature of dance and relates to the youth culture of the students that we have at this school. The mural has changed the whole atmosphere of the dance studio and has created a space where the students feel comfortable. This in turn, will work to break down the barriers that boys sometimes have with dance. The ‘street dance’ that links in with the mural encourages students to express themselves more freely. It is great space now for kids to be who they want to be as they clearly identify with the studio.
A very worthwhile project�.

The older students have been excellent role models to the younger students by engaging with the creative tasks needed to make the project a success. Listening to the students’ ideas and using their thoughts to create images, poetry, street dance sequences, has been very productive. Further developments are planned which include an official opening ceremony and a mobile version of the artwork that can be used as a back drop for street dance performances and display work in different venues.

Sally Marshall (project coordinator)
Heworth Grange Arts College 0191 421224
sallymarshall@hotmail.com

Following on from the public programme posting, here is the school programme preceded by a welcome letter.

Download file
Download file

A message from Ruth Gardiner, Editor of BBC7

This is the chance for schoolchildren in your county to get their creative writing on air - on the BBC's daily children's radio programme, The Big Toe Radio Show. The programme is for 9 to 11 year olds and is broadcast every day between 4 and 6pm on BBC 7. The show offers children the chance to hear stories, take part in phone in competitions, listen to interviews and music and join in with quizzes. Between now and Friday 24th February, the
show is running a nation-wide 'Sound Story' competition. The competition is inspired by BBC Radio 4's Reith
Lectures. This year's lecturer is the eminent conductor Daniel Barenboim and the title for the series is 'In the beginning was sound.' This is why we are asking school children to write a story or poem inspired by sound. The competition is open to any child of 14 years and under and Big Toe is very keen that school children from your area get the chance to take part.

For more details, please go to The Big Toe Radio Show's website at www.bbc.co.uk/bigtoe, and click on 'The SOUND STORY competition' on the right hand side of the home page. There you will be able to download an A4 size poster about the competition and see a detailed list of the rules.
You can listen to Big Toe on the website, on DAB digital radio, Freeview
channel 78, Digital Satellite channel 881 or on Digital cable (Telewest
Broadband channel 910/ntl home channel 866).

We look forward to receiving entries from school children in your county!

Best wishes,
Ruth Gardiner
Editor, BBC7
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/bigtoe/uplay/reith_comp.shtml

The North East Gospel Choir doesn’t meet on a regular weekly basis, but gets together for a day or weekend of workshop and rehearsal, often followed by a performance. These performances are usually accompanied by a band of piano, bass and drums, and are always an uplifting, musical experience.

The next sessions are in mid-March with Leader Pete Churchill.
Pete Churchill

Rehearsals:
Friday 10 March 7 - 9.30pm
Saturday 11 March 10.30am - 5pm

Venue:
Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library

Fees:
£22 / £18 concessions

Concert:
Saturday 11 March 7.30pm
Tickets: £6 / £5 conc
Caedmon Hall
Box Office: 0191 4338420

For further details see this attachment:
Download file
or telephone: 01665 606280
email: info@20000voices.org

Cash prizes, trophies and publicity for all those budding writers in your school!
Deadline for entries is the 6th of March.
Download file

Darlington, Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 February 2006

Ways Into Workshops is a weekend course exploring the many aspects of leading music-making in the community.

Based on The Sage Gateshead and More Music in Morecambe training weekend of 2001, Ways Into Workshops 2006 aims to inspire and facilitate musicians, teachers, youth workers, composers, health workers, community arts practitioners, community workers and anyone with an enthusiasm for music

The course will be led by a team of renowned Community Musicians - Katherine Zeserson, Pete Moser, Steve Lewis and Ken Patterson - and will look at leading music-making in the community, working in the widest range of musical disciplines and styles and including practical music making, workshops structures, group dynamics, the role of the leader and repertoire.

You can expect to:

· Develop a palette of ideas and gather new tools

· Find new ways of bringing a group together

· Play games, make new music and have fun

· Explore ways of creating the best environment for imagination to flourish

Further information and booking details are attached. Financial bursaries are available to assist people in taking up this training opportunity.

Contact MusicLeader North East on 0191 233 3859 or musicleadernortheast@thesagegateshead.org if you require any further information, or would like to discuss this opportunity.

Louise Taylor
Music Leader North East
Holy Jesus Hospital
City Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE1 2AS
Tel: 0191 233 3859
www.musicleader.net
Register for free now!
Three booking documents...
Download file
Download file
Download file

A message from the Hub Education Team, with booking details:

You are warmly invited to the winter meeting of 'Innovart', the networking forum for teachers of Art and Design, artists and museum and gallery professionals. The network brings art teachers and gallery educators together to share good practice and research, develop skills, talk about current issues in art and build up continuing professional development opportunities.
The Innovart meeting will take place on
Thursday 2 February
at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle
from 4.30pm – 6.30pm

The North East Regional Museums Hub is very keen to encourage partnership and project development between museums and galleries and art teachers in the forthcoming academic year, so the meeting will be an excellent opportunity to discuss ideas.
You will have the opportunity to find out about activities available to schools at the Gallery, hear case studies from the region, discuss new project ideas and of course look around the wonderful Laing Art Gallery. As food will be provided at the meeting, we would greatly appreciate it if you could let us know whether you will be attending. If you would like to confirm your place, talk about any projects at the meeting or ask any questions about the network, please telephone any member of the Hub Education Team on (0191) 263 9860 or email deborah.herridge@twmuseums.org.uk
Please feel free to pass on this information to any colleagues you think would be interested in attending.

We look forward to seeing you on the day!
With best wishes

The Hub Education Team
North East Regional Museums Hub
Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum
Buddle Street, Wallsend
NE28-6HR
Tel: (0191) 263 9860
Fax: (0191) 263 9684
email: deborah.herridge@twmuseums.org.uk

The Council's Road Safety Team sent this canvass today:

OUR CHILDREN NEED YOU!

Every year the Road Safety Team run cycling proficiency training courses in primary schools during the spring / summer term.

The programme runs for between March and October, working between
9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday either in the East or the West sides of the borough.

In order for the programme to run this year we are seeking to employ instructors to carry out this worthwhile and rewarding job.

The aim of the course is to make children more aware of the responsibilities associated with owning a bike and to develop the basic skills required to encourage safer cycling. Experience isn’t necessary as full training will be given and the Council will administer an enhanced CRB check on behalf of the applicant.

If you know any family / friends who worry about the road safety of our children, feel confident talking to children and would like to work outdoors as a paid cycling instructor, please contact Angela Burnett or Gillian Green in the Road Safety Team (0191 4333106 / 4333160) for more information.

New Writing North is one of our Cultural Partners.
Here's the index to their January bulletin:

Awards deadline reminder
Poetic Postcards competition
Poetry readings/workshops at Tyneside Coffee Rooms
Free poetry workshop for young writers
Get Eating the Elephant and Magnetic North at bargain price!
Maureen Almond poetry pamphlet for sale
Job opportunities at Mslexia
Culture Café returns at World Headquarters
Phantoms at the Phil book/CD available
Do you have a flat or room to rent?
Northern Fringe call for submissions
Bruntwood Playwriting Competition
General Events Info

For the full story on each, read on...

A date for your diary: bookings are now being taken for the 2006 INSET:

Creativity & Achievement: Inspirational Resources for Schools
Discovery Museum
Tuesday 21st March

Combine excellence in teaching with enjoyment in learning and find out more about improving your school’s access to cultural resources. ‘Creativity and Achievement’ is an INSET opportunity for all teachers, student teachers and support staff to find out more about all 11 of Tyne & Wear Museums’ venues.

Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, A/AS Level, INSET

Art, Citizenship, Design Technology, Geography, History, ICT, Literacy, Numeracy, Science

You will have the chance to:

• Investigate curriculum links from Foundation Stage to KS4 and beyond.

• Try out activities, handle objects and explore the ‘Boxes of Delight’ loans service

• Get tips on how to use objects in your teaching

• Find out about booking visits

• Discover more about our ICT and web-based museum resources

• Participate in 4 themed workshops

Book now to avoid disappointment!
Please contact the Learning Team at Discovery Museum for further details.
0191 232 6789.
http://www.twmuseums.org.uk/schools/resources/details.php?id=465&events=true

There are still some places left on BALTIC's CPD session this Thursday:

Thursday 19th January
Twilight Session for Primary and Secondary Art Teachers, Cultural Ambassadors and colleagues.
4.30pm-6pm. Refreshments will be served.
This session will involve looking ahead at the forthcoming exhibitions at BALTIC; there will be a hands-on practical session working with artist Ian Gonczarow, exploring identity and self which are some of the themes in the exhibitions.

To book a place, call BALTIC reception on 0191 478 1810 and ask for the education staff.
www.balticmill.com

A big welcome to:

RSPB Northern Kites team, Adam Bushnell - Storytales, Textile artists Clare Satow and Annie Sheridan, and the Voluntary Arts Network, all of whom will be feeding information to Gateshead schools from now on.

Our contact at RSPB Newcastle, Carl Watts, is happy to lend a hand to Gateshead teachers who want to take part in this year's Big Schools Birdwatch (23rd January - 3rd of February).
The first stage is to call 08701 222793 to order your pack, which contains guidance, a bird identification picture card and your participation form.
For more guidance, Carl can be contacted on 0191 233 4300.
You can also access the following webpage: http://www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch/index.asp

ALSO, you can write for a free copy of RSPB's colour booklet, The birds in your garden with your name and address to:
The RSPB, Free Booklet Offer, Freepost ANG 10850, 17 Birkheads Road, Reigate, RH2 9ZW.
The RSPB do not pass on details to third parties.

Gateshead's award-winning Music Service is having a concert!

A Viennese evening with the Youth Orchestra and guests

Wednesday 21st March
Caedmon Hall, Gateshead Central Library, Prince Consort Road.
7.30pm
£5 (£3 concessions)
For tickets, telephone the Music Service on 0191 4338685 / 433 8690

The opening reception of the joinedupdesignforschools exhibition in Newcastle, will take place at the Discovery Museum on Friday 13 January 2006, 6 - 8pm. Joinedupdesignforschools is a unique programme, which brings together some of the UK's leading designers and architects to work for teams of pupils as clients. Please RSVP to events@thesorrellfoundation.com

Additionally, there will be a forum event on Tuesday 17th of January at the Discovery Museum at which speakers include John Devlin (Gateshead Council), Frances Sorrell (The Sorrell Foundation), Chris Bissell (DfES) and Matthew Lennon.(Newcastle Council). There will be pupil presentations from Newcastle, Sunderland and Blyth, workshops and the chance to feedback.
The event runs from 10.00am - 1pm and is free.
Please RSVP to events@thesorrellfoundation.com
For full details, see these attachments.
Download file
Download file
Download file

Magic Lantern is one of our Ambassador Cultural Partners. Their Spring schedule for schools is attached, to help enhance your own National Curriculum art studies and link to the QCA topics. They offer interactive art presentations based around a variety of Art and Historical Topics.
Download file
For more information or to book a session please contact: Pippa Bell 41, Old Elvet, Durham City, DH13HN
Tel 0191 383 0544 Email:pippa@commtogether.com
Website: www.areaatlas.com/magiclantern

BALTIC, the centre for contemporary art, is running one of its popular twilight CPDs for Gateshead teachers in the New Year. Judy Thomas, Assistant Head of Education and Public Programme sends this invitation:

Thursday 19 January Twilight Session for the Ambassadors and Primary / Secondary Art Teachers.
4.30pm-6pm.
This free session will involve looking ahead at the forthcoming exhibitions at BALTIC, there will be a hands-on practical session working with artist Ian Gonczarow, exploring identity and self which are some of the themes in the exhibitions.
Refreshments will be served.
To book a place call BALTIC reception on 0191 4781810.
www.balticmill.com

The DLI Museum and Art Gallery, Killhope Lead Mining Museum, Beamish, The Bowes Museum and Binchester Roman Fort have a Spring schedule, attached.

Features include funding towards transport for school visits, case studies for KS4 Leisure and Tourism, the Victorians at Killhope and early entry to Binchester (nr. Bishop Auckland) before it opens to the public. There are also WWI & WWII themes at the DLI, and science at both Killhope and DLI.

Teacher-led visits are also possible (up to 35 children), but please let the Museum know that you are coming. Children £1.25 each and adults go free.

There is a Teachers Open Day at DLI on Saturday 18th February from 10am - 3pm. Entry is free to teachers and up to three members of their family (print off and bring the attachment). Find out what all the museums in the group have to offer your school. No need to book.