COVID-19

 

Throughout the pandemic, schools and colleges have ‘closed’ across England multiple times as instructed by the Government as part of the national lockdown measures.

 

However, learning and progress definitely did not stop at CAPA College with all students accessing their full timetable remotely with live-streamed lessons.

 

The majority of CAPA College students accessed their remote timetable from home.  In accordance with the national guidelines, CAPA College students who are the children of keyworkers or classed as vulnerable were able to access their timetable in person at the CAPA College Unity House site.

 

For further information about CAPA College’s remote education provision:

CAPA College Remote Education Provision

The future of online education

 

As Wakefield’s first DfE-funded Free School, CAPA College provides specialist education and training in various aspects of media and the theatrical arts for students aged 16-19 with alumni going on to star on the West End stage, appear in Hollywood movies and become the next generation of directors, designers and technicians. But while the studios are usually alive with a sea of leotards and ballet shoes, recently it has been a different story.

 

Like schools, colleges and universities up and down the country, CAPA College first closed its doors on Friday 20th March. In the uncertainty of coronavirus students not only faced a summer term with no exams, they were also denied the opportunity to showcase their recent artistic creations, develop their all-important portfolios and broaden their training in this highly competitive industry. But when one door closes, another one opens. While other educators scrambled to find online resources and create remote learning packs, CAPA College was already ready to power up its online campus.

 

Since opening its doors in 2018 CAPA College has invested heavily in technology and its digital infrastructure. The College is proudly paper free and operates a ‘Bring Your Own’ device policy for lessons, while making a range of technical equipment from laptops to cameras, microphones and drones freely available. With the structure of systems like Office 365, RingCentral and Dropbox, students enrolled across the four pathways (Dance, Drama, Musical Theatre and Production Arts & Media) are used to creating digital notebooks, submitting their work and receiving feedback online and accessing the latest e-learning resources.

 

With an award-winning team of teachers, directors, choreographers and dramaturgs at the helm, lockdown proved to be a mere stumbling block for this innovative College. With laptops issued on long-term loans, in a matter of days students were taking part in lessons from the new virtual campus. CAPA College now offers a full remote learning timetable with live streamed classes, active participation dance, drama and singing workshops, collaborative digital projects and face to face tutorials for ongoing pastoral support. Covering everything from ensemble singing and devising to ballet, Fosse and jazz, these interactive lessons ensure students can continue with their artistic studies in these uncertain times.

 

Teaching and learning continues to develop at CAPA College in spite of the pandemic. The College has invested in two additional cloud-based applications, Soundtrap and WeVideo, to allow students to record, upload and share their own media online. And of course, the show must go on. Throughout lockdown, students have created and performed their own original choreography, theatre and digital media from their own homes. It is not necessary to tread the boards to create new and inspiring works and CAPA College has fully embraced the fact that lockdown provides a unique opportunity for its students to think creatively about their Art.

 

CAPA College also kickstarted an exciting new programme of masterclasses with guest workshops being delivered remotely by acclaimed national and international artists. Starting with National Theatre and New Vic Theatre Director Joe Hancock and West End performer Lisa Mathieson, award-winning creatives from Mississippi, Holland, Belgium and beyond delivered exclusive content throughout remote learning.

 

CAPA College are not only ensuring that their students are not disadvantaged by the pandemic, they are equipping them with the skills to flourish in the new digital world.

The Bored Room featured in CAPA College’s inaugural Digital Arts Festival during the first UK lockdown. Students from across all pathways worked remotely with creative leaders to create eight incredible digital projects from their own homes.

The Truth Inside was one of nine projects created by students in November 2020 for the CAPA College Intensives Week. Their hard work was showcased to parents via live stream ensuring that students had the opportunity to perform despite being unable to have a physical audience.

Remote masterclasses successfully continued. Students had the opportunity to work with Channel 4’s It’s a Sin’s Omari Douglas, Olivier winning actor Michael Jibson and commercial and screen dance choreographer Tinovimbanashe Sibanda.

Remote Learning Feedback

“We continue to be amazed by the positive, organised and thorough approach that is being taken during this time of remote learning. At the heart of this is the excellent communication at all times. Although this has not been the academic year that any of us wanted, you and your team have strived to make the CAPA College experience the best it can be and we are truly grateful for the experiences you continue to provide.” –

Parent of CAPA College student

“I am in awe at what your staff have managed to achieve in such a short timeframe. The level of professionalism and enthusiasm is inspiring, and if the impact you have made on my daughter is replicated across your student base, you are not only taking care of their educational needs, you are providing them with a motivational lifeline to carry them through these troubled times.” –

Parent of CAPA College student

“Wow @CAPACOLLEGE you amaze me! Not only providing theory lessons but also practical. Thank you for pushing us as much as you normally do” – 

CAPA College student

 

“Loving virtual @CAPACOLLEGE. We may not be in those studios, but I am forever grateful we are still getting the same opportunities from home!” –

CAPA College student