NEW - application form for the 2009 Great Shakespeare Debate is now available!

Please click on the links below to download the application form and guidance notes:

• Application Form 2009
• Guidance Notes 2009

Setting the Scene for Shakespeare at A-level

"Here at the Shakespeare Centre, we deliver sessions which speak directly to and enhance our students’ experience of AS and A2 English Literature, Theatre Studies and Drama. We see Shakespeare as a great writer, thinker, and theatre practitioner. Our talks, grounded in close readings of the text, as well as in performance, aim to be lively and involving. Our practical sessions (for AS and A2) aim to be directly useful in order to support student assessments and exams. We look forward to working with you and your students."
Dr. Paul Edmondson, Head of Education

SHAKESPEARE IN STRATFORD DESIGNED FOR A-LEVEL SUCCESS

Our talks have been designed to suit the needs of students working towards examinations set by OCR, AQA and Edexcel. They address the following assessment objectives, helping students appreciate:

• The relationship of their play to Shakespeare’s other work and to the theatre of his day
• The influence upon texts of cultural, historical and other relevant contexts
• Different critical interpretations and the importance of context
• The contribution of directors, designers and performers to the theatrical experience
• How characters and ideas are conveyed through theatrical presentation

Please click on the links below to view details and booking information about the talks and courses we are currently running for AS and A2 level groups:

• Set Text Talks - Tea and Shakespeare
• Texts in Context - Shakespeare Then and Shakespeare Now
• Practical Shakespeare
• Workshopping Shakespeare

Comments:

"Quick-paced and informative – made us all see how exciting the play can be."
Student comment

"For the first time I was able to see the way that all the separate bits fit together."
Mr. David Cath, Kennet School, Thatcham

"Interesting and informative – my horizons were broadened and my critical eye sharpened."
Student comment

"I absolutely loved the seminar style workshop – it was wonderful to have different aspects of teaching that added yet another level to the play."
Student comment

Debating

Another exciting event which we run for AS/A2 level students is the Great Shakespeare Debate. This culminates in a competitive two days of debating open to teams of three from interested schools. This is a great way for students to engage with Shakespare and to gain confidence in expressing their own opinions about his texts. No previous debating experience is needed to take part. In fact the winners in 2006 had never debated before and neither had one of the best speakers from this years finalists. Follow this link to the Great Shakespeare Debate to find out more.

For more details call 01789 201805 or email education1@shakespeare