RIBA National Schools Programme
In November 2018, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) launched the UK’s first nationwide architectural learning programme aimed at schoolchildren.
The National Schools Programme will partner schools with RIBA Architecture Ambassadors – architectural professionals who volunteer their time to deliver creative and curriculum-linked workshops for children aged 4-18.
The Programme, which is provided free-of-charge to schools, is part of an educational drive to increase the interest children have in the world of architecture, design and the built environment.
A variety of workshops is to be offered by the Programme, matched to the individual needs, resources and interests of each school by, for example, exploring the local area and key issues affecting the community.
The launch follows a pilot phase that engaged with 18,000 young people from a diverse range of backgrounds, in more than 200 English schools. 349 Ambassadors contributed their time and expertise, and the RIBA is now calling for architects to engage with the new nationwide programme.
RIBA President Ben Derbyshire said:
"The RIBA believes that everyone has a part to play in shaping their built environment, and we are committed to empowering young people through this nationwide programme. The huge enthusiasm and commitment of the individual architects and their practices in giving their time to make this programme possible is impressive. We are proud that our pilot project has already reached 18,000 young people, all over the country, and we look forward to inspiring thousands more.”
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