As part of the GDST family of 25 schools we are very lucky to be able to make use of some amazing resources provided by them and shared with our sister schools around the country. One recent event involving girls in Years 2, 3 and 4 enhanced the girls’ appreciation of classical literature and historical texts with some Shakespeare.

A fantastic collaboration between the GDST and The Globe Theatre made it possible for our girls, and all GDST girls in the same year groups, to enjoy an afternoon of online, interactive storytelling of The Winter’s Tale. Whether the girls were in school as critical workers’ children, or at home with their families, they were invited to participate in the first of the series of events entitled A Shakespearean Spring at the Globe with other stories already lined up for the coming weeks.

Each school was sent a resource pack with details of how to prepare for the event, and a Zoom link in order to join the storytelling, and so the fun began. The girls were entranced as seasoned Globe actor, Scott Brooksbank, told the story of the colourful characters and their lives in The Winter’s Tale. There was magic, there were props, there was audience participation, and there was a lot of fun as the girls had to really get involved in the tale. They absolutely loved it – what a great way to nurture a love of The Bard, just take a look at our slide show:

 

 

And later, in follow up workshops, the girls were encouraged to explore the characters and locations, draw costumes, write letters and even act out parts of the play keeping them busy learning and developing their skills.

We can honestly say that this was a runaway success. The girls were genuinely engaged and threw themselves into the activities with great gusto, and we can’t wait for the next event.

Head of the Infant and Junior School, Laura Fowler, was delighted with the success of  “another progressive example of how creative and exciting learning can be when you are part of a bigger learning community.”

We couldn’t agree more, and we’re very grateful to the GDST and Shakespeare’s Globe for making this possible.