Shakespeare’s Family Homes Tours and Workshops Stratford-upon-Avon
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Shakespeare Centre Henley Street, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 6QW
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Day Trip Destinations | Art and Design | Museums | Outdoor Education | Picnic Areas | Technology | Storytelling | Offsite | Conservation | Archaeology | Medieval School Tours | Historical Heritage | Crafts | Educational Tours | Business Studies | Citizenship | Dance | Drama / Performing Arts | English | History | Leisure and Tourism | School Workshops | Tudor Workshops
What we offer on a school trip
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust cares for the five Shakespeare Family Homes and offers an exceptional and unique ‘Shakespeare-centred’ experience. With outstanding archives and library collections, we have developed a range of inspiring and memorable educational sessions and workshops for all key stages and ages, designed to deepen the understanding and enjoyment of Shakespeare’s works and times.
From his first home, the Birthplace, to Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, home of his wife’s family through to Mary Arden’s Farm, where his mother grew up and is still run as a working Tudor farm, the houses help create a vivid picture of Shakespeare’s life and times.
What makes us a great choice for education
Whether you’re introducing Shakespeare to children at KS1 and KS2 or expanding the knowledge of KS3, 4 and 5 students, we offer a range of hands-on and inspiring courses to bring Shakespeare and his works to life.
All of our work is delivered by our experienced and knowledgeable education team to pupils of all ages and is carefully designed to be hands-on and engaging. We offer a diverse range of learning activities that bring Shakespeare and British history to life in practical and creative ways and supporting your curriculum.
Accreditation and Awards
2015 – Pride of Stratford Award for Outstanding Performance
2015 - Museum and Heritage Award
2016 - Sanford Award, Heritage Education Trust
2019/20 - Education/ Learning Team of the Year from the School Travel Awards
2020 - Inspirational Educator Award in Teaching Shakespeare from the Trust of the Worshipful Company of Educators
2021 - Sanford Award
What is typically included on our school trips
We offer a range of hands-on, informative and inspiring courses to bring Shakespeare to life for all ages and key stages. Schools can choose from a range of options, including admission to the Shakespeare Family Homes. Please see the website for full details of our extensive programme.
https://www.shakespeare.org.uk/education/
Early Years and Foundation Stage
Planting the Seeds for Shakespeare
Play, discover and explore in an action-packed day of activity for Early Years and Foundation stage children in the inspirational setting of Mary Arden’s Farm.
KS1
Full day onsite workshops at Mary Arden’s Farm focusing on Shakespeare’s Tudor family life. Hands-on learning and storytelling rooted in historical discovery:
- Sharing Shakespeare’s Story- an energetic and interactive workshop telling the story of Shakespeare's life
- William on the Farm- an adventure back in time to the Tudor farm where Shakespeare’s grandparents lived and worked.
KS2
A range of full day hands-on learning activities and drama workshops that bring Shakespeare and British history to life in practical and creative ways:
- Tudors Alive! - A full day, costumed, living history experience on our Tudor farm.
- Best Will Drama Challenges - Energetic drama workshops on your choice of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Macbeth, The Tempest or Twelfth Night
KS3 and 4
Illustrated, interactive talks to inform, engage and excite your students about Shakespeare’s life and times:
- Brush Up Your Shakespeare - 60-minute overview session placing Shakespeare into historical and artistic context
- Key Text Workshops: Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and The Merchant of Venice- Mixing live performances of key scenes with interactive elements, character exploration, and Q and A
We also offer in-school sessions for all key stages.
A Level
Bespoke talks - in Stratford, in school or online- focusing on your chosen Shakespeare play. Designed to suit the needs of your students and your exam syllabus. [All exam boards covered.]
For more information or to make a booking, please email learning@shakespeare.org.uk .
Group Sizes Catered For
School groups must have a minimum ratio of one adult to every eight children (KS1 & KS2) and one to ten (KS3 and above).
Optimum of one class of thirty for workshops, please get in touch to discuss options for larger group sizes.
Large groups will be accommodated but we do ask them to split into parties of approximately 25 when going through the Houses.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
Developed by the Learning Department, we have a range of educational resources for use in the classroom and to enhance a school trip to Shakespeare’s family homes.
Examples of these can be found on our website: www.shakespeare.org.uk/education/teaching-resources/
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Non-flash photography is permitted within the houses. Video and audio recording is not permitted.
Risk Assessment Details
Assistance is available in preparing the visit risk assessments – free familiarisation visits are available for teachers. Please request this at the time of booking.
Education Officer Information
For more information please contact the Learning Department by email Learning@shakespeare.org.uk or call 01789 201805
Pricing Information
There are a range of trips and workshops to explore for all ages and key stages.
Please see our website for latest costs www.shakespeare.org.uk/education/schools/ or email the Learning department Learning@shakespeare.org.uk
First Aid Information
We have First Aiders but it is always advisable to provide them within your group.
Available Facilities
Gift shops are open at Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Shakespeare’s New Place.
Accessibility & Disabled Facilities
There is wheelchair access, including toilet access, on all our teaching sites except Harvard House (a Tudor building). Access for tours does vary by non-teaching sites due to the nature of the buildings. We therefore ask that you let us know in advance if you have any wheelchair users in your group.
Qualified SEN staff are available for workshops and sessions.
Opening Hours & Information
Monday – Sunday
Hours vary by house/by season. Please see website for full and up to date information www.shakespeare.org.uk/education/how-to-book/
Testimonials
The workshop was absolutely incredible and well delivered. The children thoroughly enjoyed their experience and they would not have this kind of experience in this classroom. It was invaluable. St Gregory’s Catholic School
Working outside has enriched the experience. Such a good balance between structuring, guiding and enabling self-discovery. It has afforded the immersion into Macbeth and English in a manner to allow different children to shine. Blockley CofE Primary School
Outstanding! The knowledge, management and delivery of sessions was very impressive. Fun was allowed and controlled perfectly – children really came out of their shells. Location and space ideal. Absolutely nothing to improve, we had an amazing time! South Marston Primary, Swindon
Absolutely fantastic visit. The team was wonderful, knowledgeable and so lovely with the children. Activities were perfectly pitched and the children really enjoyed it. Really complemented our teaching. Leamington teacher.
Would love to do this annually! Everyone was so friendly and accommodating. The practitioners were enthusiastic and kind, especially with our very tired pupils- and teachers! St Nicholas School Harlow
Quote of the day when we got back to school: ‘The day reminded me why Ilove English – it made me feel that I really can do it.’ I was blown away by thatcomment. Teacher, KS5 inter-school event.
