Reaching for the Globe
Over 30 students from Croydon Higher Education College experienced the atmosphere of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre on the South Bank this term. The students are all undertaking an Access to Education Studies Diploma; which enables mature students to progress to university. The activity was funded through Croydon College’s Aimhigher programme.
The day started by walking along the historic South Bank with a talk about the theatre, its history and social context, followed by enjoying two plays: the comedy; Midsummer Night’s Dream in the afternoon and in the evening the tragedy; King Lear. Aimhigher Co-ordinator, Amanda O’Shea, explained: “For many of the group it was their first experience of theatre. Aimhigher at Croydon College looks to open the doors to experiences so that students feel comfortable in accessing new environments. By experiencing this setting we hope that the students will feel at ease and confident to enter this type of environment again. The Globe is so much more than just theatre - it is costume, music, history and more. This experience has added life, depth, context and greater understanding to the work of the great bard William Shakespeare.”
Over the years many students who have visited the Globe returned with their own children or on teaching practice when they themselves have taken the children they are teaching.
In addition to Education Studies, Croydon College runs Access courses in Art & Design, Business, Computing, Health, Law, Nursing, Social Science and Social Work. For more information contact the College on 020 8760 5914.or visit the website www.croydon.ac.uk
