Shakespeare

Overview

Shakespeare features prominently on English syllabuses throughout Australia and is mandatory study for many senior students. And yet, many students find studying Shakespeare difficult and daunting, affecting their enjoyment of and performance in English. Other students love Shakespeare and want to immerse themselves in an expert understanding of his work. This program is designed for all students, regardless of their attitude to Shakespeare. The Year 9 Shakespeare At Any Level program demystifies Shakespeare, giving students access to his language, understanding of his plays and appreciation of his literary and cultural legacy. We look closely at Shakespeare’s historical context and how it is reflected in his work, and consider the enduring relevance of his work through the lens of our own context. The Year 9 Shakespeare At Any Level program gives students the skills to analyse Shakespearean language and dramatic devices and to engage with the plays’ themes and his hallmark ideas. We will also focus on writing about the plays critically and creatively. The program is designed to support the specific Shakespearean text that a student is studying at school, with the Topics and Concepts adjusted accordingly.