The first ever Shakespeare Week

13 November 2013

As a way to engage children and young people with the playwright's work, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust is preparing an exciting week full of creative and cultural learning experiences.

The week, which will take place from 17 to 23 of March 2014, aims to give children and young people the opportunity to be inspired by Shakespeare’s stories, language and heritage.

Schools and Arts Organisations

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, and participating cultural organisations, will provide schools with cross-curricular teaching resources to enable teachers to run a range of activities during Shakespeare Week, in and out of the classroom.

There's mainly two ways in which any arts organisations over the country can take part in the celebration:

1. By programming events and activities for primary school groups or family audiences.
2. By sharing any relevant educational resources or promote offers and incentives for Passport to Shakespeare holders.

If your organisation is interested in taking part, please go here.

Passport to Shakespeare

Every child whose school participates in the Shakespeare Week will be given a small booklet which will help to record all the cultural experiences and activities that the child has been taking part of.

The passport will also feature ideas to encourage an on-going, active interest in Shakespeare and will provide suggestions and inspiration for deepening their involvement with cultural organisations more widely. It will also give access to special events offer by schools and arts organisations around the country.

Up to date

According to the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (the independent charity that promotes the enjoyment and understanding of Shakespeare’s works, life and times all over the world) more than 1000 primary schools and 70 organisations, including leading arts and heritage venues have registered to join the celebration.

Jacqueline Green, Head of Learning and Participation at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust highlights:

"We have been bowled over by the response from teachers and from organisations planning to take part in Shakespeare Week. This demonstrates the strength of demand for creative new ways to engage a new generation with Shakespeare and his rich creative legacy."

For more information on Shakespeare Week and to join the celebration go here

* Image courtesy of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.