Learning Officer Naomi Awre fills us in on all that Sampad can offer schools for 2025-2026. Teachers can also join our online Q & A on Tuesday 16th September, for an overview of what we have in store. More info here.
As we launch the third year of Sampad Associate Schools we are delighted to tell you more about what the Sampad Learning team have on offer this year, and in particular in the coming term.
New opportunities
This year, we have our usual offer of artist workshops, creative assemblies and our ever popular My Journey My Birmingham Theatre in Education performance. Alongside this, schools can book two exciting new shows:
Ujala – A Celebration of Diwali will be touring in October 2025, replacing Spirit of Light which schools have enjoyed for the past few years. Ujala is an interactive performance which explores the stories and traditions of Diwali through storytelling, dance and music. The production shares some of the less well known stories of Diwali, and traditions that Hindu and Sikh families follow to mark this celebration. It is suitable for Year 2 and above and takes place in your hall. It involves a 50-60 minute performance with a workshop, for up to 3 classes (90 children).
With only 3 performance days available for Ujala, sign up to be an associate school and book now.
Our second new offer is Lori, a multilingual storytelling performance aimed at 3-6 year olds. This interactive performance will be touring from January–March 2026 to our youngest audiences. It includes a free CD and book for each school so that you can use the music and songs throughout the year.
Sampad Associate School (SAS) Benefits
Whilst you are welcome to book one off sessions and performances, Sampad Associate Schools receive a wealth of benefits. Firstly, you will you receive a free two-week residency of our schools’ exhibition City of Empire to City of Diversity, with accompanying Heritage CPD and online materials. You will also receive a 10-20% discount on all additional services, whether this is workshops, assemblies, Theatre In Education performances or more.
This year, our Heritage CPD Day takes place Monday 6th October, open only to Associate Schools and free with your membership. Sign up now to avoid missing out on this informative day – it’s one not to be missed for any schools hoping to host the exhibition this year!
Further opportunities for SAS
Last year, our most popular workshops with both primary and secondary schools were Bollywood/Bhangra Flashmob Dance Lessons. We were delighted to see such joy and enthusiasm, not only from the children but also from staff involved, as they have performed in playgrounds, halls and even lunch recess spaces. Speak to us if you are interested in having this special event in your school.
Following last year’s success of our ‘Meet the Creative’ Careers Assemblies, as well Drama and Oracy INSET (both offered free to Sapphire Tier Schools) we have decided to open these opportunities up to all schools for 2025-26.
Our art workshops also proved popular, particularly those linked to cultural celebrations such as Diwali, Eid or Holi. Mindful of budgetary constraints, we are offering additional discounts if schools book 2 artists on the same day. With this in mind, we have also kept the costs of becoming an Associate School the same as last year, as well as the daily rate for artist workshops, our Theatre in Education piece and other performances. Read our full schools brochure to see SAS rates and offers.
Looking for something bespoke?
At Sampad we value our school relationships highly, and are keen to develop creative work which meets school needs and aspirations. We are always open to bespoke projects, so interested teachers, please get in touch for an initial chat.
We hope to see new schools as well as old joining us as this year. I know I speak on behalf of all our learning team and artists when I say I cannot wait to work with you! We look forward to supporting and enriching your school visions for the coming year.
You can contact us and book anything mentioned in this blog via: learning@sampad.org.uk or call us on 0121 446 3260 / 07435 738804.
