National Theatre Collection vs Scholastic Watch and Learn Library
National Theatre Collection
nationaltheatre.org.uk
Scholastic Watch and Learn Library
watchandlearn.scholastic.comSide by side
| Figure | National Theatre Collection | Scholastic Watch and Learn Library |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $54.17/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 6 | 3 |
| Spec score · Educational Video Libraries | 8.1 (#7) | 8.4 (#3) |
| Accessibility | Closed captions are available on every production and audio description is available for many titles. | Videos include closed captioning to support English learners and beginning readers. |
| Company headquarters | The registered office is The Royal National Theatre, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PX. | LinkedIn lists headquarters at 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, United States. |
| Company size | LinkedIn lists National Theatre as a nonprofit with 1,001–5,000 employees and headquarters in London. | LinkedIn places Scholastic in the 5,001–10,000 employee range. |
| Founded | 1963 | 1920 |
| Headquarters | London, UK | 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012, United States |
| Licence | The reviewed product pages describe institutional streaming access and do not state an open-source licence. | The site identifies Scholastic copyright and trademark ownership and provides terms-of-use links; it does not present an open-source licence. |
| Support | Questions or feedback about the collection can be sent to [email protected]. | Customer assistance is offered by phone and live chat, with digital-service email support also listed for digital programs. |
| Teaching materials | Each play is supported by teaching resources to deepen students’ understanding of themes, performance, and technique. | The product page lists 20+ Think Sheets to set a purpose for learning and help students stay focused. |
| What it does | The National Theatre Collection streams professionally filmed theatre productions for classroom teaching through Drama Online. | Watch & Learn is a streaming nonfiction video library for early learners in PreK–3. |
Plans
National Theatre Collection
- EdTA member accessFree
- UK state-funded schools and FE collegesFree
- UK state-funded schools and FE collegesFree
- Higher education institutionsPriced on request
- Independent schools and higher-education institutionsPriced on request
- UK independent schools and worldwide schoolsPriced on request
Scholastic Watch and Learn Library
- Watch & Learn Library (Canada 2025–2026)$650 a year
- School Wide SubscriptionPriced on request
- School Wide SubscriptionsPriced on request
In their own words
National Theatre Collection
National Theatre Collection brings filmed theatre productions and related learning materials into classrooms. Its catalogue covers UK productions ranging from Shakespeare to literary adaptations and classic comedies. Each play is accompanied by resources to help students explore themes, performance, and technique. Learning Packs include plot synopses with timecodes, production notes, and pointers for further research; where available, Rehearsal Insights provide rehearsal diaries and Staff Director notes. Primary Packs and Cross-Curricular Learning Guides support English, History, Geography, and PSHE. The collection also offers Key Stage 3 Packs and lesson plans for some productions. It is designed for schools and further education, including a curated selection for UK state primary schools. UK state-funded schools and FE colleges have free access. Higher education institutions can request a trial and subscription through the sales team, while UK independent and worldwide schools can ask JCS Online Resources about subscription and trial details. The service is available on the web.
Scholastic Watch and Learn Library
Scholastic Watch and Learn Library is a streaming video resource for learners from PreK through grade 3. It offers hundreds of nonfiction videos with real-world footage on science, social studies and social-emotional topics. Spanish-language versions are available throughout. Closed captions support English learners and beginning readers, while a vocabulary builder and quizzes help students engage with and check their understanding of the videos. More than 20 Think Sheets help set a learning purpose and keep students focused. Scholastic describes use for whole-class instruction, small-group differentiation and anytime access. Schools can provide access through an IP address, a shared username and password, proxy authentication or a configured referring page. It is available on the web and iOS, macOS and Windows; requirements also list Chromebooks running Chrome OS, Windows 8 or later, macOS 10.14 or later, and iOS 12 or later. Schools whose firewalls block streaming may need to allow Brightcove URLs.