Taking your students outside the classroom can greatly enhance their understanding of a topic or concept that may otherwise remain just another page of writing, diagrams and pictures in a textbook. The Shakespeare Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon is one venue that brings the writings of Shakespeare to life through targeted workshops for KS3 English students.
Reading
The centre offers 2 workshops focussed on 'developing an appreciation and love of reading' (National Curriculum for KS3 English), that provide an insight into Shakespeare's world and his plays.
'Brush up your Shakespeare' explores facts about the playwright and immerses students in his life and his school days. The aim is to expand the students understanding of William Shakespeare, taking this back into their classroom and enabling them to better appreciate his work through their reading.
'Spotlight on Shakespeare' uses a play of your choice and explores its literary and historical context. Your group will discuss the language used, identify issues present in the play and imagine how each scene should be staged. This workshop also includes a short performance from the resident acting troupe at the centre, 'Shakespeare Aloud'.
More information can be found at http://www.shakespeare.org.uk/learning/schools.html
Speaking
If you want to develop your students' speaking skills, Theatre Workout is a West End theatre workshop company that provide bespoke workshops for school groups, combining Drama and English.
Workshops can be focussed upon Shakespeare, helping to develop voice and speech techniques. Students will learn how intonation, tone and volume can alter a performance as well as look at the art of storytelling.
Galina use Theatre Workout workshops as a key part of our Shakespeare tours to London for both English and Drama/Performing Arts groups. Theatre Workout also provide bespoke workshops for our West End Theatre tours.
Dates for your diary............. 14th to 20th March 2016..........National Shakespeare Week. More details can be found at www.shakespeare.org.uk