Year 6 have been following the Juilliard Creative Classroom scheme of learning, Introduction to Shakespeare. The unit has introduced us to the work of William Shakespeare through structured, practical drama activities designed to support understanding of his stories, characters and themes.
Through collaborative, ensemble work, storytelling and text exploration, we have developed an understanding of how movement, voice and expression can be used to communicate meaning. We have looked at simple extracts and key moments from Shakespeare’s plays, specifically Twelfth Night focusing on character, emotion and narrative rather than complex language.
The unit supported the development of core drama skills including collaboration, vocal and physical expression, characterisation and performance discipline. In addition, pupils strengthened wider skills such as confidence, communication, creativity and empathy.
This approach enables pupils to engage with Shakespeare in an accessible and meaningful way, laying strong foundations for future drama and literacy learning. Furthermore, it has exposed children to the introductory works of Shakespeare in a manner that has enabled them to understand the texts, as well as develop their own creative expression and ideas of the texts.
It has been a wonderful and exciting unit of work and the children have really enjoyed developing their creativity through drama.
By William Skinner
Year 6 Wolves Class Teacher
