ReachOutRCA coordinates a varied programme of workshops, projects and exhibitions with London state secondary schools. We invite schools to take part in our core programme of free workshops however we cannot offer workshops on demand. Our priority is to build sustainable partnerships with schools so if you have funding for a longer-term engagement we could discuss how our practitioners may work with you.

We work with groups from Art & Design, and Design & Technology departments with additional potential for extending art and design based learning throughout the curriculum. Every workshop is different, but processes of exploring and creating, understanding and evaluating are always included. Participants work both independently and collaboratively, engage with contemporary practice and gain knowledge about career paths. Our workshops involve key school curriculum and cross-curriculum dimensions, please see our Workshop Examples section for more detail.

Unfortunately we cannot provide staff or students to give talks or judge competitions, nor can we offer tours of the RCA or shows unless part of a workshop. We also cannot recruit RCA students for external projects unless part of the ReachOutRCA programme. During graduate and work-in-progress shows we offer a limited number of free one-off workshops that take place at the RCA. Participants discuss the work on show followed by a practical making session.

We also coordinate longer-term projects in schools in partnership with other organisations, for example the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, the Big Draw and Crafts Council. These workshops take place over several sessions and enable workshop leaders to build sustained relationships with pupils and staff. A professional development day for teachers involved in these may be included. Some sessions occur off-site using venues such as the V&A or an East London gallery, or the city itself. We have a flexible approach to programming; limitations are set only by funding or time.