This term, pupils have enjoyed a series of inspiring experiences aimed at deepening their understanding and appreciation of one of literature’s greatest playwrights, William Shakespeare.
On Saturday 14th March, literary pupils attended the Shakespeare Festival in Solihull. The event offered a programme of lectures and talks by some of the world’s leading Shakespearean scholars, including Professor Michael Dobson, Director of The Shakespeare Institute, Dr Sophie Duncan of Magdalen College, Oxford, and Professor Emma Smith of Hertford College, Oxford.
Pupils participated in carousel talks with eminent academics such as Professor Simon Palfrey, Professor Sophie Read, Dr Jessica Chiba, and Professor Tiffany Stern. They also enjoyed a performance of Much Ado About Nothing presented by Jesus College, Oxford – Shakespeare Project.
The excitement continued on Thursday 26th March when 2nd Form and Lower Sixth Literature pupils travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon for a full day exploring the Bard’s world. The morning began with a fascinating walking tour, allowing pupils to visit key locations connected to Shakespeare and gain insight into the social and historical context that shaped his work. In the afternoon, they attended a performance of Henry V at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, bringing to life the text they have been studying in the classroom.
Earlier in the week, 5th Form and Lower Sixth pupils also benefited from a visit by Gareth Griffiths, former Shakespeare lecturer at the University of Oxford. His talk offered fresh perspectives on key texts, encouraging pupils to think critically and sparking new curiosity about the literature they study.