There is little doubt that children can become gripped by Shakespeare’s engaging stories and memorable characters from a young age. Creative and practical approaches to Shakespeare can spark children’s enthusiasm and interest, the desire to study his plays further, and a lifelong love of Shakespeare’s work. This term, in Drama, Year 6 children have been delving into Shakespeare’s world, examining in detail key scenes from ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Hamlet’, ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and ‘Richard III’.

They performed their scenes with poise and confidence, entertaining the Prep School and a large parental audience.

Mrs Thew, Head of English & Drama

THE FINAL WORD

There is little doubt that children can become gripped by Shakespeare’s engaging stories and memorable characters from a young age. Creative and practical approaches to Shakespeare can spark children’s enthusiasm and interest, the desire to study his plays further, and a lifelong love of Shakespeare’s work. This term, in both English and Drama, the children have been delving into Shakespeare’s world, examining in detail key scenes from a selection of his work.

When students engage actively with Shakespeare’s plays, when they are on stage saying the words and making choices about their character, they are also exploring real life dilemmas about democracy, ambition, love, revenge and power. They increase their confidence, self-esteem and communication skills in the process. And, being the only compulsory writer on the secondary English curriculum, we see it as our duty to ensure Mowden pupils are provided with opportunities to enjoy, appreciate and understand the works of this famous British poet, playwright and actor - over four centuries later.

The children have enjoyed learning their lines, honing their acting skills and contributing to the creative and technical process of putting on a performance.

Off stage, they have worked hard to research their character and his or her lines. A part of this has been to develop their character’s costume. A lot of what you will see on stage today has been imagined, and turned into reality, by the children themselves - thank you for any support you have been able to give them. 

Speaking of support, we must offer our thanks to the following staff who have willingly offered their time to support the children:

‘Thank you’ to Mr Hartley for technical assistance; Mr Fowlds, Mrs Barnes and the Band for their musical accompaniment; Mr Smith for the sound effects and finally, Miss Canter for helping to put together this programme. 

 

Mrs Thew & Mrs Phillipson