School Workshops
Big Shakespeare Day
Everyone loves a good story – and as William Shakespeare was the greatest storyteller of them all!
Introduction
A Big Shakespeare Day allows every year group in up to a two-form entry school a chance to explore one of his plays through fun, engaging and age-appropriate drama-based activities. And on top of the workshops, you’ll receive Follow-Up sheets for each year group, with suggestions of where you might take the work next!
A Big Shakespeare day comprises …
Assembly
An interactive assembly, looking at the life of William Shakespeare – and some of the characters he created.
Workshops (one per year group)
Using drama-based activities to bring to life different aspects of the plays, with each year looking at their own play.
| Year Groups | KS1 – KS4 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Shakespeare |
| Pupil Numbers | 30 pupils per workshop |
| Duration | minimum of 60 minutes (although we always prefer longer!) |
| Space | Large Classroom or Hall / Drama Space |
Workshop Testimonials
“You helped us understand the play in an unusual but fun way. You really inspired me to read Macbeth and your energy made me want to do something similar to what you are doing in future.
I really hope you can visit our school again.”
“Just wanted to feed back that The Tempest workshop yesterday was fantastic and a really good energiser for being something totally different in the schedule (home-learning). Gabriel said it was “just amazing”, he loved it! It has inspired him to ask to look up the original play with me, which is the best endorsement.”
“Thank you so so much for an incredible day of wonderful workshops. We were blown away by the impact on the children- the buzz around school was electric with the children all excited and full of enthusiasm. Staff and children have commented all day about how fantastic you were so thank you once again!”
“The children were engaged and interested throughout. They gained new information about the plot, themes and character motivation in Macbeth. Best and most informative workshop I’ve seen for 20 years!”
“Year 6 LOVED their Shakespeare workshop all about The Tempest. We explored being ‘human sculptures’ and explored the themes of the story. Thank you for a lovely day! Jo you were super and so full of energy!”
Workshop Description
You can choose any of the plays you want, for any year group – but if you’re stuck for choice (and there are 37 to choose from!) you might like to go with the following …
Reception/P1: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – focusing on the Magic Flower …
Year 1/P2: As You Like It, focusing on The Seven Ages of Man …
Year 2/P3: The Winter’s Tale, focusing on the Statue That Came to life …
Year 3/P4: Romeo and Juliet, focusing on the Masqued Ball …
Year 4/P5: Macbeth, focusing on the importance of the Weird Sisters …
Year 5/P6: The Tempest, focusing on Prospero’s Powers …
Year 6/P7: Hamlet, focusing on … The Ghost!
How many pupils can take part?
Up to 30 pupils per workshop in up-to 5 x 1-hour workshops – that’s 150 pupils in just one day.
What is the format of the day?
We will work with you to plan a timetable for the workshops, to suit the number of classes you would like to include – and around the specific timings of your school day.
Are there any technical requirements?
Your visitor will need access to a laptop/ screen/projector set up in the working space.
Related Workshops
The Play’s The Thing
Our Shakespeare programmes prove popular and successful both nationally and internationally.
Spotlight on Shakespeare
This workshop takes students right through the play, exploring the backstory, meeting the main characters and bringing key moments to life.
The Poetry of Shakespeare
This engaging activity puts them centre stage by bringing out both the visible and the invisible.