Stagecoach Performing Arts sets the stage for 2024 with new Educational Framework

With a visionary commitment to leading the way in delivering exceptional performing arts services to children across the nation, Stagecoach Performing Arts has announced a significant stride in its mission to cultivate growth and excellence – paving the way for an exciting 2024.

Since its inception in 1988, Stagecoach has been on a mission to empower children through the power of performing arts. At the mission’s core, Stagecoach’s Educational Framework has been setting the standard for quality performing arts services across the UK.

“As someone who works in Stagecoach schools myself, I know first-hand how our Educational Framework has positively influenced the children we’ve been teaching for over 35 years,” said Rob Anderson, Global Teacher Training and Development Manager.

“The recent introduction of ‘The Stagecoach Way’ saw our focus shift to making sure that children and parents perceive Stagecoach as a place not only to develop acting, singing and dancing skills but also essential life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. We recognised the importance of updating our Educational Framework to align with these core values and ensure that Stagecoach continues to be an appealing choice for potential students and franchisees alike.”

Earlier this year, Stagecoach organised its first Education Advisory Panel – bringing together professionals from Head Office and the performing arts and education sectors. It aimed to promote dialogue and idea-sharing, intending to sustain Stagecoach’s innovative approach to providing creative opportunities for young people from all backgrounds.

“It was great to gather insights from experts both within and outside the Stagecoach network to maintain our Educational Framework as the core of our operations and our ability to attract new students, thereby ensuring our leading position in the industry,” explained Chase Demmers, Educational Partnerships and Programme Development Manager. “The panel allowed us to conduct a thorough assessment of our Educational Framework, evaluate its presentation on our website, its impact on parents and children, and how we can enhance its implementation and utilisation for our Principals and teachers.”

In collaboration with experienced professionals, the new framework has been designed to encompass various stages of learning. This grants experienced teachers the flexibility to tailor their class content to match their students’ interests, talents and ages – ensuring every student can develop and reach their full potential.

As well as enhancing the overall Stagecoach experience for students, teachers and Principals, the updated framework has been developed to act as a catalyst for drawing in more parents and children to schools across the country. “At Stagecoach, we understand that our Educational Framework is the driving force behind the thousands of students who attend our classes every week,” said Rob. “Our dedication to ensuring that it stays up-to-date and aligns with the needs of today’s young people is pivotal to franchisees’ success across the country. It also ensures Stagecoach remains an appealing opportunity for individuals seeking to invest in a franchise that delivers tangible results in their own lives and the lives of the children we serve.”

As part of this commitment, Stagecoach has partnered with the contemporary arts exam board RSL to develop a pioneering teaching assistant qualification – the first of its kind in performing arts education. Drawing on his own experience as a former teaching assistant, Chase identified a noteworthy gap in the market for a qualification that could provide support and recognition for individuals aspiring to assist Stagecoach students in recognising their potential.

“I always found that there was a lack of support for a young person entering that environment to gain insights into their expectations. Over the years, it was often the case that a teaching assistant would take a back seat in a lesson. At Stagecoach, we aim to promote the involvement of our teaching assistants when our teachers are planning their lessons – ensuring they take the lead on one activity per week or have their defined roles and responsibilities for each lesson.

“As part of the new qualification, individuals aged 16-18 are provided with a workbook to use during lessons with students – with the support of a Stagecoach teacher. Over a three-term period, this workbook contributes to an exam conducted by RSL, enabling them to earn a qualification as a teaching assistant in the performing arts and the possibility to acquire up to 30 UCAS points. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting those within our network who transition from Stagecoach as students and aspire to pursue teaching, offering them a valuable qualification for the future.”

To find out more about the updated Educational Framework, visit https://www.stagecoach.co.uk/about-us/our-educational-framework

To find out more about franchise opportunities with Stagecoach Performing Arts, visit www.stagecoachfranchise.com/