Teaching Philosophy

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is the global centre for learning about and experiencing the work, life and times of the world’s best-known writer. Our mission is to enthuse children and young people with a passion for Shakespeare, inspiring curiosity, equipping them to meet the challenges of academic study, building cultural confidence and encouraging intellectual aspiration. 

Through expert guidance combined with direct use of our world class collections, we bring the past into dialogue with the present, leading to a deeper understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare’s place in history, his works on the page and his plays in performance.

Our teachers and lecturers share their passion for Shakespeare’s stories, language and heritage to inspire a desire to learn and enable students to make discoveries and associations of their own. Our educational work is underpinned by meticulous research and planning and is tailored to our learners. Our active, cross-curricular approach always involves conversation to encourage critical thinking and may include debate, performance, creative responses and/or hands-on experiences. 

We offer programmes across all ages that are current, relevant and focused on the needs of learners. Our pathways to Shakespeare ensure that anyone can have opportunities to engage with Shakespeare on their own terms, at any stage of interest, from primary school to A-levels and PhD research. Giving equal weight to ‘enjoyment’ and ‘understanding’ we encourage a life-long journey of discovery that can open the door to all kinds of knowledge and skills.

The authority of the SBT as the 'go-to' organisation for all things Shakespeare is rooted in the expertise and specialist knowledge of our team of educators. This is supported by authenticity stemming from our historic houses and our internationally significant collections, described by the Arts Council as “an outstandingly deep, rich and varied source for the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare’s life, works, literary context and the continuing evolution of theatre and performance.” 

“The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust receives a very well-merited third Sandford Award. The high standards seen five years ago have been successfully maintained and expanded upon with new learning experiences added. School and student groups that visit the Trust are assured of a day’s excitement, fun and pleasure with the additional bonus of undertaking tasks that give access to the processes of learning that are transferrable to other situations and provide a lifetime of understanding.” (Sandford Award 2016)