Storytelling and Spoken Word*

• Understanding of personal attributes, aptitudes and creative abilities to work in the fields of Storytelling and Spoken Word
• Understanding and applying practical ideas and concepts
• Understanding and applying critical theory to both creative and intellectual practices
• Understanding a range of (praxis) research methods that can be applied across multiple materials and ways of thinking in order to generate ideas
• Working within and across multiple disciplines
• Personal resilience and drive
• Respecting others, with particular reference to creating spaces which are inclusive, diverse and accessible
• Presenting, explaining and exploring ideas within a specific context

The programme will continue developing the specialisms introduced in Level 4 and allow students to develop their skills and practice in new ways. Where Level 4 focused on the individual and their relationship to an artistic practice, Level 5 focuses on working with other – both as a leader (with Group Facilitation) and as a co-worker (with Group Devising).

Group Facilitation and Devising will be taught at both Sidcup campus and The Albany. Alongside this creative practice, all SSW students will complete an apprenticeship/observationship/work placement with and at a relevant local company (The Albany, Apples & Snakes, Crick Clack Club, etc).

For Activating Change, students plumb deeper into making history and theory come to life, co-hosting the Open Talks Series (with TSC) and creating syllabi and teaching classes based on their specific area of interest. Towards the end of Level 5, students develop a proposal for their independent research project (IRP) which is to be completed at Level 6.

There will be an optional Study Abroad in Level 5, with locations TBC, but this would mean substituting coursework on Group Devising, a shortened Work Placement, and an Alternative Timescale for delivery of work in Activating Change.

Programme Level 5 Learning Themes:

• Developing a creative practice anchored in collaboration, group facilitation and group devising
• Exploring and applying practical ideas and concepts both individually and in interdisciplinary groups
• Applying a range of (praxis) research methods across multiple materials and ways of thinking in order to generate ideas
• Refining the ability to work with others within and across multiple disciplines and contexts (group facilitation, professional work places, etc)
• Personal resilience and drive
• Respecting others, with particular reference to creating spaces which are inclusive, diverse and accessible
• Exploring, presenting, explaining ideas within a specific professional context

At Level 6, students further develop their own specialist practice and complete both an independent creative project and a creative research project.

All students will also complete a year-long Work Placement / Apprenticeship with a relevant company. The capstone, public-facing project for SSW will be in the creation of a Festival (at The Albany) which features the full cohort of artists, producing and run by SSW.

Students will also complete their dissertation, working alongside other PECE students. All classes at Level 6 are focused on students developing final works across the studied disciplines, with students across PECE sharing guest lectures, workshops, mentorship.

Programme Level 6 Learning Themes:

• Demonstrating creative abilities to work in a clearly defined mode of practice
• Demonstrating production abilities to create, market and run a Festival/tourable group project
•  Demonstrating practical skills and competencies both individually and in groups at a professional level
• Demonstrating specific (praxis) research methods within a self-defined research context
• Working at a professional level for self and with others
• Demonstrating respect through supporting, mentoring and setting professional standards of working across the college
• Presenting, explaining and exploring ideas within a specific professional context at an advanced level
• Personal Resilience

• In your first year, you will complete around 320 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 880 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios.
• In your second year, you will complete around 180 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1020 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios.
• In your third year, you will complete around 60 hours of indicative scheduled learning and teaching activities and 1140 hours of independent learning on projects, productions, placements or self-directed study. Assessment will be through: Coursework, presentations, assessed tutorials and portfolios.

The BA (Hons) Storytelling & Spoken Word is a 3-year programme with a total of 360 credits, with 120 credits each at Levels 4, 5 and 6. To increase access, and pool of suitable candidates we are working towards two additional unique aspects of the course: 1).

We would like to offer a 4-year, part time offer for students who may wish to study this way, staggering Performance, Production and Activating Change classes. We would also like to develop a method by which a qualified student, with a CertHE from another BA programme, can apply to join the programme at Level 5.