My name is Shelley Collins, and I’m delighted to introduce myself as the new Education Officer at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts. I bring a wealth of experience working with children and young people, and I’d be more than happy to answer any questions or help you book your workshops. Please don’t hesitate to drop me a message!
The Farm Out programme for the 2025 – 2026 academic year offers a range of carefully selected workshops designed to inspire your students. They’ll have the chance to:
Create large-scale 3D visual arts projects
Explore new techniques
Experiment with specialist equipment and instruments
Collaborate creatively in the classroom
All workshops are led by professional, highly experienced arts practitioners. Every practitioner is DBS-checked and skilled in working with school-aged children, ensuring a safe, supportive, and enriching experience
Alongside our core workshops, we run special projects throughout the year, including: Lantern Making for the Lantern Parade Kite Making for the Summer Kite Festival
We hope this brochure offers something to excite both your students and your team. If you spot a workshop you’d like to adapt to fit your teaching, just let us know - we’ll work with our artists to tailor the perfect experience for your class. For any questions about the Farm Out programme or what Norden Farm can offer, please don’t hesitate to get in touch
Norden Farm Centre for the Arts
Norden Farm is an arts centre, run by the Norden Farm Centre Trust, a registered charity. We’re built on the site of an ancient farm on the outskirts of Maidenhead, near Altwood School. We are a thriving arts centre, averaging 150 events a term, and open 5 days a week
We are passionate about what we do and know that the arts have the power to change lives. We believe that everyone should have the chance to experience and participate in high quality, transformative and life enhancing arts events.
Through our education, participation and outreach programme, we provide a range of opportunities for the whole community. We deliver a regular programme of classes and activities for children, young people and adults, produce special projects and support artists and the local creative community to create and present work
What is our Farm Out Programme?
The Farm Out Programme, supported by the Norden Farm Centre Trust and the Spoore, Merry and Rixman Foundation, brings inspiring professional artists directly into schools through engaging workshops and performances.
As part of this exciting opportunity, Secondary Schools within the Old Borough of Maidenhead receive up to £400 of funding to spend on workshops during the 2025/2026 academic year To take part, schools simply pay a one-off administration fee of £60 (including VAT).
This is a fantastic way to give your pupils access to high-quality arts experiences right in the classroom.
Not sure if your school is eligible? Just get in touch – we’d love to help!
For bookings, please note that final numbers and full payment (if required) must be confirmed at least two weeks in advance. After this point, cancellations and changes cannot be made
All prices are correct at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.
Organise a School Trip to see a Live Theatre Event at Norden Farm
You can also use your Farm Out Funding to come and see a show at Norden Farm! We are very happy to help you organise a school trip to our venue to see some of the wonderful performances we have on offer across the school year.
Our Education Team sends out newsletters regularly that detail performances that link to the curriculum across various topics, including:
Drama | English | History | Music | Dance | Art and Design | Media Studies | Culture and Heritage | Religious Studies
If this is something you would be interested in, please contact our Education Team to find out more and get the list of upcoming performances!
If you are interested in staying for a short Q&A session after watching a live show, please let us know and we can enquire to book this in for you! The creative team and actors are often happy to talk to students after the show, which is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the production, text and acting process.
The majority of shows available take place in the evenings after school hours and tend to be suitable for KS3 and KS4. Please take this into consideration when planning your trip.
Theatre Company Workshops
Coming to see a show at Norden Farm?
Some Theatre Companies offer wrap around drama, dance or writing workshops, themed around their performance If you would like to talk about the options available for your visit please get in touch!
Introduction to Technical Theatre
Led by Norden Farm Technicians
KS3 I KS4
Price available on request
A hands-on opportunity for students to gain an overview of technical theatre at Norden Farm. Learn about the basic principles of lighting and sound. Activities include working on the tension wire grid above the stage, using the lighting and sound desk and creating lighting effects
Venue Hire
Why not hire the Courtyard Theatre for your school’s summer production or hire our Studio Theatre for a professional venue for your Drama and Theatre Studies exams? For enquiries and bookings, please contact the Venue Hire Team.
Tel / 01628 682555
Email / venuehire@nordenfarm org
Maidenhead Schools Art Exhibition
Norden Farm presents the sixth
Maidenhead Schools: Art, Design and Photography Exhibition
Tuesday 22 October - Saturday 8 November 2025
‘What a great space to showcase some wonderfully talented young artists. Very impressed with the amazing standard’
Guestbook
This is an opportunity to showcase your school and the best work from your students in a professional Art Gallery at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.
Important information
Holocaust Memorial Day School’s Event
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, Norden Farm is showing a screening of the film Nicky's Family.
Hero of the Holocaust and former Maidenhead resident Sir Nicholas Winton rescued hundreds of Jewish children from Czechoslovakia just before the outbreak of World War II.
This docudrama tells the remarkable true story of how he organised train transport for the 669 children and arranged foster families for them in Britain.
Further information of activities to follow.
To reserve your seats for this event, please get in touch with the Education Team
Meet our wonderful team of creative professionals! In the mix we have award winning poets, fine artists, professional dancers and renowned theatre makers. We pride ourselves on offering you and your students the opportunity to engage with, and learn from, artists and practitioners with not only a vast range of skills but a fun and creative approach to learning.
Our brochure is split into the following categories:
Visual and Digital Arts | VDA
Poetry and Spoken Word | PSW
Music | MU
Drama | DR
Dance | DA
Culture and Heritage | CH
Mindfulness | MI
Our team are happy to tailor workshops for you - so if you can’t find what you want, just ask!
You can learn more about each practitioner over the next few pages
How to Book:
Contact me at Shelley Collins@nordenfarm org or call 01628 682563 and let me know the following:
Your Chosen Workshop Suggested Dates Year Group and Number of Classes / Students
Charlotte Adcock Designs VDA
Charlotte Adcock is a Newbury based artist who brings creativity and colour into schools through her engaging children’s workshops. With a background in Fine Art from Lancaster University and over 20 years of experience, she specialises in lino printing and collaborative projects that spark imagination and storytelling. Charlotte’s workshops are hands-on, playful, and inspiring, giving children the chance to explore printmaking while working together to create vibrant, meaningful artwork. Her approach not only teaches practical skills but also nurtures confidence, teamwork and a love for creative expression.
Nisha Anil | VDA | DR
Nisha has worked on stage, in film and as a presenter on elevision She is trained in Mime/physical theatre and studied at Darlington College of the Arts.
Bollywood Brass Academy | MU | CH
Bollywood Brass Academy is the education arm of ywood Brass Band They run workshops in schools and e-scale projects with partners such as Music Education s, venues and festivals
Berkshire Printmakers | VDA
Desree | DR | PSW
Desree is a dynamic children's workshop facilitator with a background in drama studies and a passion for empowering individuals through creative expression She has extensive experience working with diverse groups in schools, corporate settings, and theatres across the UK, delivering workshops that build confidence, enhance literacy and inspire a love for the arts.
Desree has developed wellbeing programs and has led creative writing and drama workshops in schools across the country.
Helen D Evans | VDA
Helen is a local artist. She has a degree in Three Dimensional Design (Wood, Metal, Ceramics and Glass) and has worked with a wide variety of people of all abilities during her career She has exhibited both locally and nationally. Helen primarily works in clay and regularly runs short Pottery workshops at Norden Farm.
@Jho | VDA
Johana Plazas (@Jho) is a Colombian visual artist and muralist based in Slough. Her practice blends mural painting, and community art to create vibrant, natureinspired works that celebrate creativity and collaboration. She has led participatory mural projects with residents and volunteers. @Jho has run drop-in workshops with teen refugees as well as school sessions at places like Groove Academy They deliver engaging painting and graffiti workshops that inspire children and teenagers to explore colour, storytelling and teamwork through art
Shannel Joseph | VDA | CH
Shannel Joseph, is the founder of Animation Expressions. She has 10 years experience in running workshops for children and has an Animation BA Animation is a great way to combine creative skills with digital learning. It is also a good way of expressing thoughts and ideas in an audio-visual format, ‘taking ART & ICT to infinity and beyond’.
Little Tanks | DR
The Little Tanks ethos is ‘building confidence through drama’. They aim to develop a child’s confidence by using drama skills and nurturing them to feel more comfortable when performing as well as in everyday life.
Simon Mole | PSW
James
Parsons | VDA
James Parsons is a bestselling, internationally published cartoonist and the only full-time comic art teacher in the UK. Since 2005 he has delivered thousands of high energy comic art workshops in hundreds of schools around the country, as well as at museums, galleries, libraries and festivals. A dynamic, totally unique, and unforgettable creative experience is guaranteed every time!
Marta Mathea Radwan | MU
Dr Marta Mathea Radwan is a conductor, vocalist, composer, arranger, music director, and workshop leader Marta has a wide education both as a conductor and a singer and holds a doctor of music. She has led over a dozen choirs, of up to 100 singers, and also led big band and orchestra. She is also a dedicated educator with experience in teaching music from primary school to university. Her main passion is jazz and vocal improvisation. She led Circle Songs and Vocal Improvisation workshops around Europe and worldwide (online)
Roly Richardson | VDA
Amanda Schenk | VDA
Sound Art | MU | VDA
Boris Allenou is a Paris-born, UK based sound artist, musician and creative technologist. With over a decade of international collaborations, he explores the limitless possibilities of Sound Art and Sound Ecology through interactive installations, performances, workshops, talks and radio creations, inviting audiences to re-imagine their relationship with sound
Street Dance Energy | DA
Tons of Sound | MU
Tons of Sounds believe music has the capability to empower the youth of today. They not only give students an insight into the music industry, but they allow each student to feel what it’s like behind the decks and lets them be in control of the music/environment by giving them a real understanding into what it takes to be a successful DJ.
Alok Verma | MU
Alok Verma is a London-based music producer, performer and live looping artist A master tabla player and versatile percussionist, he has performed globally with renowned artists. Drawing on deep classical training and a passion for blending traditions, Alok creates innovative fusions of Indian rhythms with global sounds.
Introduction to Lino Printing
Gelli Printing
Led by Charlotte Adcock
KS4 | KS5
Whole Day workshop: £250
Delivered in rotating groups of 10 Materials included
This workshop offers a fun and creative introduction to either lino or Gelli printing. Students will get opportunity to learn the skill of printmaking using specialist tools and techniques. They will then have time to experiment with colours to create their own unique designs. This workshop can be linked to students’ themes and projects. Students will create a range of prints that can be taken back to school for use in sketchbooks.
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
Brilliant art session our pupils were able to enjoy. Students received an opportunity to learn a new type of art work and express their creativity outside of their usual classroom environment’
Manor Green School
Paper Puppetry- Intro to Puppetry
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
‘The children felt really creative and enjoyed working together’ Maidenhead Primary School
Sustainability Workshop
Silkscreen Printing
Led by Berkshire Printmakers
KS3 I SEN
Whole Day (For up to 60 students. Please note, larger groups may need to be split into smaller groups) £600
Get to grips with the Heritage Craft of Silkscreen printing with husband and wife team Berkshire Printmakers. They offer screen-printing workshops designed for schools curriculum enrichment. Sessions can be tailored to themes like Year 6 leavers, upcycling, fashion, heritage craft and entrepreneurship.
T-Shirt Printing
Led by Helen D Evans KS3 / SEN
Ancient Coil Pots
Half Day £175 I Whole Day £275 (plus materials use of tools and firing)
We’ll explore pinch and coil pot making inspired by cultures such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, West Africa, or China. Depending on the workshop length, students can design patterns with coloured slip. Finished pots will be fired, returned to the school, and can be glazed to make them waterproof.
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
‘It is such a fabulous experience for children to make items out of clay. This is in a socioeconomic area where things are challenging, so to have an opportunity like this is amazing. The class loved every minute of it - so did I’
Larchfield Primary and Nursery School
Led by @Jho KS3
Art Battle
Full Day workshops £350 (£450 inc of spray cans)
A dynamic, team-based activity where students collaborate and compete in a friendly creative challenge.
Spray & Play: Graffiti Painting Basics
Stories in Colour: Acrylic Painting
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
‘The workshop linked so well with the other curriculum learning, it tied everything together. It was great because the children were able to see their DT models come to life with a stop motion animation experience’
Boyne Hill CE Infant and Nursery School
Digital Animation
Led by Shannel Joseph
KS2 | KS3 | KS4
Half Day £250 | Whole Day £550
Using tablets to create their designs, all children play a special role in the making process to bring the animation to life. The animations will be presented to the school and uploaded to Norden Farm’s social media.
All equipment is provided, only require a standard sized classroom and creative class.
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
‘This workshop helped to fulfil computing curriculum with excellent resources and expert Thank you, we loved creating our own animations and using exciting technology!’
Riverside Primary School
‘The workshop was great and the children have been inspired. James was very engaging and encouraged all the children. They were inspired to use their imaginations and all of them achieved something of which they were very proud’
Cookham Dean CE Primary School
Magical World of Manga
Magic School
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
‘Our boys and girls in Year 1 thoroughly enjoyed their Magic workshop this morning. The children were amazed by the tricks. There was evening disappearing paint’ Boyne Hill CE infant and Nursery School
Block Printing
POETRY AND SPOKEN WORD WORKSHOPS
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
Cookham Dean CE Primary School
Oh Odes!: Intro to Spoken Word Poetry
Haiku of Hope: Tiny and Mighty Poetry
MUSIC WORKSHOPS
Bhangra & Bollywood Beats
Bollywood GCSE Workshop
MUSIC WORKSHOPS
Singing Improvisation: Unleash Your Musical Creativity
Led by Marta Marthea Radwan
KS3 | KS4 | SEN
Half Day £275 I Whole Day £500
Singing Improvisation is a great way to express yourself and explore music creativity. Through funny exercises children learn how to make their own music and own songs. It helps build confidence in creating and performing. Lots of fun and laughter whilst building key skills in music.
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
‘This was amazing the students loved the session. They enjoyed it being interactive, having a team approach so each person got a turn. They paced it right and engaged all students and staff’ Manor Green School
Circle Songs: Make Music on the Spot
Led by Marta Marthea Radwan
KS3 | KS4 | SEN
Half Day £275 I Whole Day £500
Circle Song is a form of creating music on the spot. No sheet music or rehearsal required. Just a pure fun of singing and making music together regardless of age or musical experience. Led by the leader musical circle is a great ‘team building’ experience.
MUSIC WORKSHOPS
Make Your Own Basic Synthesizer
Led by Boris Allenou of Sound Art
KS3 | KS4
Half Day £200 I Whole Day £350
Students can get hands-on electronics and sound design experience. Pupils build a simple, working synthesizer, discovering how electronic instruments produce and shape sound. A great way to spark curiosity in both STEM and music technology.
Sound & Sketch
Led by Boris Allenou of Sound Art
KS3 | KS4 | SEN
Half Day £200 I Whole Day
£350
A fun and experimental art session combining music and drawing. Pupils respond to a variety of sounds and rhythms through sketching, exploring movement, emotion and creative expression across different drawing techniques.
MUSIC WORKSHOPS
Electronic Coding
Led by Boris Allenou of Sound Art KS3
Half Day £200 I Whole Day £350
Pupils explore the basics of electronic music by coding their own beats and melodies. Working in pairs on a computer (ideally one per pupil), they experiment with sounds, rhythms and effects to create original tracks while developing creativity, logic and teamwork.
Find it / Play
Led by Boris Allenou of Sound Art KS3 | SEN
Half Day £200 I Whole Day £350
A creative sound-making workshop turning everyday objects into instruments. Pupils explore, modify and experiment with found and recycled items, then collaborate to craft a short group performance. A joyful introduction to music-making through play, imagination and discovery.
WHAT DID OTHER SCHOOLS THINK?
‘The workshops gave children an incredible view across a variety of arts and creative topics, it inspired them to have a go and try again, and gave them a wider experience than we would be able to on our own. The children left the majority of workshops beaming from ear to ear, and were so excited to share everything they have learned!’
A Maidenhead Primary School
MUSIC WORKSHOPS
DJ Workshop
Led by Tons of Sound
KS3
2 hours £200 I Additional hours £100 per hour
Additional DJ stations £50 (Plus travel expenses)
Sessions are tailored to all skill levels from beginners right through to advanced students who are interested in trying something new or want to pursue DJing as a full time career. The session covers everything from switching, mixing and even trying some cool effects.
Tabla & Beyond: Exploring Indian Rhythm
Led by Alok Verma
KS3 | SEN
Half Day £350 I Whole Day
£700
An engaging, hands-on classroom workshop introducing students to the rich world of Indian classical rhythm. Participants gain in-depth knowledge of the instruments, their structure and origins, while experiencing the melodic Raha and rhythmic Tala traditions. Using the harmonium and tabla for live demonstrations, Alok leads interactive sessions where students sing, learn beats and explore rhythm in groups or as a full class - making the workshop both educational and fun.
DRAMA WORKSHOPS
Explore Galore and Go!
Stories and Theatre Top
DRAMA WORKSHOPS
Lights, Camera, Actions! Intro to TV and Film-making
Exploring Themes: Develop, Discover and Devise
DRAMA WORKSHOPS
From Page to Stage
DANCE WORKSHOPS
Street Dance
Anansi the Spider: Stop Motion Animation
Led by Shannel Joseph KS3
Half Day £250 | Whole Day £550
Celebrate Black History Month by bringing a traditional West African folk tale to life through stop motion animation. In this creative workshop, participants will retell and animate the story of Anansi, the clever and mischievous spider trickster, using imagination and expressive techniques.
This session blends cultural heritage with creative storytelling, offering a fun and educational way to honour and share the enduring legacy of African folklore.
Wellbeing Animation
Led by Animation Expressions
KS3 | KS4 | SEN
Half Day £250 | Whole Day £550
6 Week Course - 1 Hour Each Week | £720
This workshop can be booked as a stand alone session or as a 6 week course. Wellbeing Animation would be best suited to a smaller group of select students.
Students will have the opportunity to work as a team, learn new skills and turn their stories into an inspiration through animation. This workshop can be part of a PSHE, ART or ICT lesson.
These workshops are a great benefit to students who may be suffering from loneliness, anxiety, low self esteem, SEN or those who may simply want to experience something new. The students will create stories based on true experiences and think of ways to overcome negative inner thoughts and turn them into positive ones. The animation technique is called rotoscope which is a simple yet effective form of animation for any ability. The participants will create a story around the topic ‘thoughts inside of me’, enabling them to explore their emotions and express their thoughts creatively.
WORK EXPERIENCE
At Norden Farm we have a strong commitment to encouraging young people's involvement in the arts.
Work experience placements run from Tuesday - Friday and allow a student to work with all of the departments, (Box Office, Front Of House, Catering, Technical, Marketing and Education). The week includes 2 evening shifts. We can offer 1 placement a month during May - Jul and Sept - Oct (this is subject to change)
As you can imagine we become very oversubscribed for placements and therefore prioritise students who go to school/college within the RBWM area first and then, if placements are still available, to other areas. We also recommend submitting your application as early as possible
Students who have a demonstrative interest in the arts will be prioritised As part of the selection process applicants need to submit a review of a live performance or exhibition, they have seen at Norden Farm within 2 months of their application
If you are interested in work experience here, please head to the Norden Farm website to fill in the application form!
YOUNG LEADERS
The Young Leadership Programme at Norden Farm allows students to gain hands on work experience
The programme, which runs throughout the Easter and Summer holidays is open to young people, aged 14- 17 years.
During Easter and Summer Holidays 2026, we will recruit a team of Young Leaders to work with us on our School Holiday programme, supporting local Young People to engage with the Arts.
Participants will join us in April and August. During the week participants will assist with workshops and with Front of House, work alongside professional artists and performers and lead an end of week open workshop for local children and families. Plus work on our Art Camp or Theatre Camp holiday programme.
Participation in this course can be used toward Bronze, Silver or Gold Arts Award and DofE Award.
If you are interested in taking part in our Young Leader programme please head to the Norden Farm website to fill in the application form!
Annual Project
The Carnival of the Animals Maidenhead Community Lantern Parade
School Lantern Making Workshops
Led by Same Sky
KS2 | SEN
Nov and Dec 2025 | In your school
A contribution towards the cost of a full day workshop in your school (final prices TBC)
(For schools in the Old Borough of Maidenhead: Your Farm Out Funding cannot to be used for booking this workshops)
With the help of professional visual artists Same Sky, students learn how to weave willow to create large centrepieces and individual lanterns which are inspired by our animal neighbours
Norden Farm’s annual community lantern parade will take place on Saturday 6 December 2025.
Assembling at around 4.15pm outside Maidenhead Town Hall, the Parade departs at 5pm, Celebratory Concert from 5 45pm – 6 15pm (all times to be confirmed).
Annual Project Kite Festival and Workshops
School Kite Making Workshops
KS2 | SEN
Summer Term 2026 | In your school
A contribution towards the cost of a full day workshop in your school (final prices TBC)
(For schools in the Old Borough of Maidenhead: Your Farm Out Funding can be used for booking this workshop)
Working with professional visual artists from Community Kite Project, learn to design and create a kite ready for our annual Kite Festival in September 2025.
A limited number of school workshops are available to book for this project, so to register your interest please get in touch: education@nordenfarm.org
Term 1
Thur 25 Sept 2025 | National Comic Book Day
Thur 2 Oct 2025 | National Poetry Day
Oct 2025 | Black History Month
Term 2
Mon 20 Oct 2025 | Diwali
Nov 2025 | Lantern Parade Schools Project I Norden Farm Event
Tues 11 Nov 2025 | Remembrance Day
Sat 6 Dec 2025 | Lantern Parade I Norden Farm Event
Tues 16 Dec - Fri 19 Dec 2025 | Robin Hood
Term 3
Tues 27 Jan 2026 | Holocaust Memorial Day
Mon 9 - Sun 15 2026 | Children’s Mental Health Week
Term 4
Mar 2026 | Women’s History Month
Wed 4 Mar 2026 | Holi Festival
Thur 5 Mar 2026 | World Book Day
Sun 8 Mar 2026 | International Women’s Day
Sat 21 Mar 2026 | World Poetry Day
Sat 21 Mar 2026 | World Puppetry Day
Apr 2026 | Quest Family Festival School Project | Norden Farm Event
Term 5
Wed 15 Apr 2026 | World Art Day
Wed 22 Apr 2026 | Earth Day
Thur 23 Apr 2026 | Shakespeare Day
Term 6
Fri 5 Jun 2026 | World Environment Day
Sun 21 Jun 2026 | World Day of Music / Make Music Day
Summer 2026 | Summer at The Farm I Norden Farm Event
