RBS Schools Programme

The Royal Bank of Scotland The 2008 programme is now available - you can download a copy below right.

The RBS Schools Programme is designed specially for schools and features five whole days of author and arts events. The variety of events for all ages includes:

Author events - bring your pupils face-to-face with their favourite authors and new writers at events and book signings
Putting stories into action with costumes and props
Sneak peaks of authors' new work
Dramatisations
Illustrators
Workshops
Teen events
Teachers' events

RBS Schools Gala Day

A fun-packed day sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, when the Book Festival is dedicated entirely to primary pupils! Revel in the buzz of the Book Festival and enjoy an unforgettable and unique day of fun, books, and possibly even sunshine. Please see the RBS Schools Programme for further details.

RBS Children's Bookshop

We have a large bookshop at the Book Festival dedicated to children which features over 3,000 titles showcasing the quality and variety in children's publishing today. From classic picture books for budding readers through to contemporary teen fiction, our welcoming environment, complete with activity and reading corners, will delight pupils young and old. Every penny of profit from our independent book sales operation goes straight back towards the maintenance and development of the Book Festival.

Booking

As school visits often have complex requirements we don't offer online booking facilities for events. If you would like to view the programme, you can download it here or we can post a brochure to you. Simply email mailinglist@edbookfest.co.uk and request a mailing list form. There is an event booking form at the back of the brochure which you can post or fax to us.

Ticket prices

£2.00 each for pupils and adults (one adult free with every 10 pupils)
£5.00 each for Teachers' Events

25% off books

Your pupils will get so much more from their Book Festival experience if they are all able to read the relevant books beforehand. We supply books (minimum order 5 books) to schools in advance of your trip at 25% discount. Postage and packing is free. This discount is only available for pre-festival multi-copy orders.

We'll send book order forms out to you in June.
Choose your books - see the Bookshelf sections of event entries in the brochure. You can also order copies of any children's book in print, even if it is not mentioned in the brochure.
Complete the School Book Buying Form.
Please remember to apply an order number - we cannot process your booking without one!

Eating and drinking

Come for the whole day and have a lunchtime break between sessions. We have covered areas in case of rain or extreme heat.

Bring packed lunches for the day out.
Reserve packed lunches for your students in advance. Order forms will be sent out after you have booked your tickets.
Bottled water, drinks and snacks will be on sale.

RBS Transport Fund

If you need financial support to transport your class to the Book Festival, please apply for our Transport Fund - it is available to schools who need financial assistance, sponsored by RBS and supported by the City of Edinburgh Council. First, get an estimate of the cost of bringing your pupils to Charlotte Square for each trip. Then, on your booking form, fill in the estimated cost and relevant details.

Transport Fund reimbursement is allocated on a first come, first served, needs basis. You will be notified if your application is successful (either totally or partially). After the Festival you must invoice us for reimbursement of your Transport Fund allocation in October.

Special assistance and support services at the Book Festival

The Edinburgh International Book Festival RBS Schools Programme is open to all students. Our venues are wheelchair accessible and have infra-red audio loops for students with hearing difficulties. We can also supply a British Sign Language interpreter upon prior request. Should any of your pupils require extra services or you need more information to plan your visit, please contact Sara Grady at sara@edbookfest.co.uk.

Outreach

We understand that not everyone can make it to Charlotte Square in August, even with subsidised transport. In association with the Scottish Book Trust and Edinburgh Youth Services we take some of our visiting authors out on school visits during Festival season. Please contact sara@edbookfest.co.uk for more information.

Want to know more?

If you would like to talk to someone about the authors and events in the Schools Programme, please call Sara Grady, Children & Education Programme Director on 0131 718 5666 or email sara@edbookfest.co.uk.