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Shakespeare can boost children’s confidence

Studying Shakespeare at school improves pupils’ language skills and helps them to become more confident says a new study.

Research carried out by the University of Warwick on behalf of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) sought to evaluate the impact of the RSC’s active approach to teaching Shakespeare in the classroom.

This approach, which has been used by schools across the country involved in the RSC’s Associate Schools Programme, involves using the same techniques that actors use in rehearsals, such as getting students on their feet and moving around and playing games to bring out the rhythm and meaning of the Bard’s words.

Teachers were universally positive about the approach. Ninety-five per cent of those questioned said using the RSC’s methods to study Shakespeare had resulted in students becoming more willing to contribute ideas and opinions in class.

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