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New research reveals RSC approach to studying Shakespeare improves language skills and helps youngsters find their voice

RSCNew research from the University of Warwick shows that using the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) approach to studying Shakespeare can significantly improve student language acquisition and skills – with some schools reporting better SATS and GCSE English scores as a result.

The research, carried out on behalf of the RSC by the Centre for Educational Development, Appraisal and Research (CEDAR) at the University of Warwick, included 100 schools nationwide who are involved in the RSC’s Associate Schools’ Programme. The study focussed on evaluating the impact of the RSC’s approach to teaching Shakespeare, which uses the same techniques used by actors in rehearsals, and its impact on the language development of children and young people. Work with schools using RSC techniques in the classroom has been rigorously tested over 10 years.

    • 95% of teachers said that using RSC methods to study Shakespeare resulted in their students becoming more willing to contribute ideas and opinions in class.
      • 94% also said that the work was a catalyst to helping young people ‘find their voice’ – improving pupils’ language skills and their confidence with language, as well as giving them valuable experience of speaking out loud in front of peers and classmates.
        • 95% of teachers reported an increase in confidence and understanding of what they are capable of as students get to grips with and ‘crack’ Shakespeare.
          • This way of working was of particular benefit for boys previously considered to be ‘disengaged’ or low-level learners.

          Senior school teachers agreed that the RSC approaches were especially helpful in preparing students for the new GCSE exam which requires them to critically analyse previously unseen sections of text. One primary school Headteacher echoed the widespread belief that since working with the RSC, KS2 SATS results in English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (EGPS) had risen from 41.7% to 96.7%. In addition, 56.7% of those students had achieved higher levels than expected.

          Teachers also agreed that alongside the RSC’s methodology, the long-term partnership model of working with regional theatres and schools was critical to the programme's success. This way of working is at the heart of the RSC Associate Schools’ Programme.

          Jacqui O’Hanlon, Director of Education at the RSC, said:

          ‘For the first time the research results provide us with evidence that supports what we’ve always known: that the combination of Shakespeare’s complex language and a theatre-based approach to teaching gives children of all abilities the language and confidence to express themselves and their ideas more easily.

          "The results also reinforce the importance of taking a long-term partnership-led approach - building local networks of talent and expertise with theatres and schools across the country. This enables us to deliver this work together and reach many more young people than would be possible for any of us on our own.

          “In a recent speech, the new Secretary of State for Education, Damian Hinds, talked about the importance of equipping our children with character resilience and the ability to communicate, articulate and think critically. These skills are more important than ever in the 21st century and this research reaffirms why the arts and culture are such an important part of every child’s education, regardless of where they live and what school they go to.”

          7 February 2018

          NOTES

          Photo by Rob Freeman for RSC.

          The research and the impact of the RSC’s approach to teaching Shakespeare will be the focus of a symposium for Headteachers on Friday 22 June 2018 at The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon. Raising Achievement and Aspirations Through Shakespeare: A symposium for Headteachers and their curriculum leaders, will include presentations from Headteachers who have experienced the impact of the work first-hand; keynote speeches from leading educators including Geoff Barton, General Secretary, the Association of School & College Leaders (ASCL); as well as the chance to hear more about the research and attend a series of practical workshops. For further information visit www.rsc.org.uk/education.

          The Associate Schools programme is supported by PAUL HAMLYN FOUNDATION, THE POLONSKY FOUNDATION and THE ERNEST COOK TRUST. Any state maintained primary, secondary or special school can apply to become an RSC Associate School. Based on a hub and cluster models, schools can also become Lead Associate Schools and recruit their own local network of between 10-20 ‘cluster’ Associate Schools. Further information can be found at www.rsc.org.uk/education/associate-schools-programme

           

           

          CONTACT:

          Sheila Kiggins

          Media Relations Manager, Social Science

          University of Warwick

          S.Kiggins@warwick.ac.uk

          02476 150423

          07876 218166