The Roche Court Educational Trust
Encouraging students to LOOK, THINK and SPEAK about art.
WHO WE ARE
The Roche Court Educational Trust is a charity that brings children and young people to Roche Court Sculpture Park, teaching them to look, think and speak about British modern art.
By creating an open and engaging environment centred around discussion, observation, and participation, we have found an effective way to nurture students’ confidence and communication skills. Established by Madeleine Bessborough in 2004, the Trust aims to realise her vision of inspiring young people to speak about art with confidence and understanding. Our approach places equal importance on visual awareness, creativity, and personal response, helping students engage with contemporary art in a supportive setting.
Today at Roche Court, the Educational Trust continues its mission to inspire and educate the next generation to develop their speaking, listening, and critical thinking skills.
WHAT WE DO
Our three hour guided tours are tailored to each individual school or university. Our guides are specially selected for being knowledgeable and very good communicators, with a deep understanding of 20th- and 21st-century art. We are grateful to a number of artists selected to exhibit at Roche Court who are prepared to occasionally give their time to the tours, introducing their artwork to their future audience.
We encourage students to - LOOK, THINK and SPEAK about art.
Through conversation and discussion, we help students step outside their comfort zones and gain confidence in articulating their ideas, beliefs, and observations. At each sculpture, we pause to allow students time to absorb the work and develop their visual awareness through exercises that encourage observation and expression.
WHAT WE NEED
The Roche Court Educational Trust is an independent charity that relies entirely on voluntary donations for funding.
To continue and expand this work, we are seeking support from individuals who believe in the transformative power of the arts in education, which has unfortunately seen a nationwide decline.
Increasingly, both state and private schools are struggling to source funding for invaluable trips to aid learning. We offer a unique approach, crafting bespoke tours in collaboration with school curriculums. Your donations will help bring the Roche Court experience to more students. The funds will be used for the development of our educational programme, helping schools with funding which includes transport to our rural location.
By engaging students through discussion, visual awareness, and participation, we nurture the speaking, listening, and thinking skills that are increasingly central to thriving in today’s world.
Contact details :
Email : groups@sculpture.uk.com
Telephone : 01980 862244
Make a Donation
The Roche Court Educational Trust is an independent charity which relies on voluntary donations. We would be very grateful for any donation to this excellent cause.
To donate, click on button above and complete the form or set up a standing order form with your bank to:
Natwest Bank, Salisbury Branch, 48, Blue Boar Row, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1DF
The Roche Court Educational Trust
Account number : 56482795, Sort Code 54-41-19
