CEC Students Shine at Prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company Festival

Students from Cowes Enterprise College have taken to the stage as part of the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) Associate Schools Programme, culminating in a memorable performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at HSDC South Downs on Thursday 26 June.

Throughout the academic year, the academy’s Drama Department has been involved in the RSC, Mayflower Theatre and HSDC Playmaking Festival for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Cowes Enterprise College is proud to be the only secondary school on the Isle of Wight to be part of the RSC Associate Schools Cluster, which brings together 11 schools and colleges from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The partnership has provided both staff and students with a wealth of enriching opportunities, including professional workshops, collaborative rehearsals and performance experiences, all designed to bring Shakespeare’s work to life in exciting and accessible ways.

Despite soaring temperatures on one of the hottest days of the year, 23 Cowes Enterprise College students travelled to HSDC South Downs, accompanied by Ms Stannard and Mrs Downer, to perform alongside students from across the region in a specially adapted production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The students demonstrated exceptional commitment, creativity and professionalism throughout the day, delivering an energetic and engaging performance that reflected months of hard work and dedication.

A special congratulations goes to Cowes Sixth Form student Evie, whose contribution extended far beyond the stage. As part of her Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteering, Evie played a key role as Assistant Director and Costume Designer, helping to bring the production to life while developing valuable leadership and creative skills.

Cowes Enterprise College would also like to thank the Mayflower Theatre, whose transport grant provided complimentary coach travel to and from the Red Jet terminal, making it possible for students to participate in this unique opportunity.

Vice Principal, Vicky Wells, said:

“At Cowes Enterprise College, we are committed to providing enriching experiences that allow every student to discover and develop their talents. This collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company has been a fantastic opportunity, and our students embraced every moment with confidence, creativity and determination.”

Cowes Enterprise College would like to extend its sincere thanks to the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Mayflower Theatre and HSDC for their continued partnership and for providing students with such an inspiring opportunity to experience Shakespeare through performance. The experience has not only developed students’ theatrical skills but also built confidence, teamwork and lasting memories that will remain with them long after the final curtain call.