We work with schools across Edinburgh year-round, delivering projects designed for primary six up to sixth year. Our programmes nurture creativity and confidence, as well as supporting pupils to build vital and transferrable skills.

We deliver a wide range of projects with schools. Here are a few of our recent highlights:

Art of Listening

Art of Listening is our annual flagship project for pupils aged 10–12, introducing them to classical music. Classes from across Edinburgh are invited to the Hub, the home of the International Festival, to take part in an exciting workshop with our team of artists. Through interactive activities and inspiring performances by our talented opera singer and pianist, pupils develop their listening skills and understanding of classical music.

In 2023, we are delivering more Art of Listening workshops than ever before. Find out how you can support us in reaching 2,500 students across Edinburgh.

Play On Stages

Play On Stages was a special project developed for the four feeder primaries of Leith Academy during the pandemic. The project began with the construction of a stage in each of the school’s playgrounds, providing the pupils with a space to play and perform as the city’s stages went dark. Each stage had a unique backdrop designed by the school pupils, and painted by Edinburgh scenic artists.

We worked with a wide range of artists to create digital and in-person projects to nurture the pupils' creativity and create joyful moments during the pandemic. This included a superhero project from comic artist, Etienne Kubwabo, an illustration project with Sam Caldwell, an interactive performance of Mixed Up with Imaginate, and music performances from Sprog Rock.

The project culminated with Snappy Operas, an award-winning schools programme from Mahogany Opera. A Snappy Opera is a 10-minute opera, created for and by children with some of the UK’s top composers and writers, which introduces all the essential elements of opera in fun, colourful and bite-size chunks. Pupils from the four primary school participated, making mini-operas and performing them to an audience of friends and families at The Queen’s Hall.

Opera Project

Opera Project is a touring workshop designed to introduce secondary school pupils to opera. Each year, our team of artists develop a new potted version of a staged opera, breaking down the themes and narrative in a fun and engaging performance. Classes then come to the International Festival in August to see the full performance in the programme, equipped with prior knowledge about the story and artform.

Advanced Higher Drama Mentoring

In this project, pupils across the city are paired with professional actors in a mentoring relationship which runs throughout their final year of school. The programme has been designed to support pupils who plan to pursue a career in the performing arts, nurturing their confidence and equipping them with the language and skills to take their next steps. Mentors support pupils with their Advanced Higher Drama qualification, as well as providing advice and assistance in their applications for further education and training.

We’re always up for a chat!

If you would like to hear more about our projects or speak to us about working together, please contact Caroline Donald, Head of Learning and Engagement, by emailing us at engage@eif.co.uk.