Shakespeare’s Globe and the English Association will host a day-long, outcome-focused meeting to address the growing consensus among teachers, exam boards and other stakeholders that GCSE English Literature and GCSE English Language require reform. The event will be hosted at Shakespeare’s Globe on Wednesday 25 September 2024.
The goal of this collaborative meeting is to shape the national debate on English GCSE reform and provide substantial input into government policies and stakeholder discussions. A key outcome of the meeting will be the creation of a provisional communique, outlining specific suggestions and directions for reform.
This event will gather a diverse group including teachers, subject leaders, exam boards, academics, teacher-educators, national disciplinary bodies, institutions within the discipline, and policy makers to discuss the GCSE English Language and Literature curriculum as a whole, not just the teaching of Shakespeare.
Throughout the day, participants will engage in a series of activities designed to foster comprehensive dialogue and concrete action plans. The programme includes brief talks to establish and develop the context for reform, hands-on workshops to explore ideas in-depth, and an interactive plenary session to synthesize the day’s discussions.
This event builds on both partners’ longstanding dedication to support the teaching and enjoyment of English. The English Association has worked since its foundation in 1906 to support the teaching and enjoyment of English Studies in schools, colleges, and universities. Each year, the EA reaches thousands of teachers through the publication of its prestigious suite of journals, magazines, and essay collections; since January of 2024, the EA has reached 1,200 people through its rich and dynamic programme of online events. Shakespeare’s Globe offers a teaching and learning enrichment programme throughout the year. Since 2009, their flagship project for secondary schools, Playing Shakespeare with Deutsche Bank, offers over 26,000 free tickets for students to see a 90-minute Shakespeare production created especially for young people. In 2024, the Globe welcomed 361 schools to Romeo and Juliet, facilitated 286 CPD sessions, 179 student workshops attended by 5091 students, and free learning resources: “the impact you are having on not only enriching the pupils’ cultural capital but also assisting in maximising their outcomes at GCSE is massively appreciated” (teacher feedback).
ENDS
EDITOR’S NOTES
Event details:
Wednesday 25 September 2024
10:00 – 16:00
Shakespeare’s Globe, SE1 9DT
Event contact:
Dr Rebecca Fisher
CEO, English Association
r.fisher@englishassociation.ac.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Claudia Conway – 07966 567701 / claudia.c@shakespearesglobe.com
Alice Rickett – alice.r@shakespearesglobe.com
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Our Cause
We celebrate Shakespeare’s transformative impact on the world by conducting a radical theatrical experiment. Inspired and informed by the unique historic playing conditions of two beautiful iconic theatres, our diverse programme of work harnesses the power of performance, cultivates intellectual curiosity and excites learning to make Shakespeare accessible for all.
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Swan Bar is open 7 days a week. Situated at the theatre on London’s bustling Bankside, we serve morning coffees to evening cocktails and everything in between, including breakfast and brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, pre-theatre and a la carte dining. From craft beers, local artisan gins and creative cocktails to classic dishes, summery salads, and delightful puddings. Opening times and menus can be viewed here: swanlondon.co.uk
Background Information
Shakespeare’s Globe strives to make Shakespeare accessible for all. It is a registered charity and has operated independently since opening in 1997.
Shakespeare’s Globe is a world-renowned theatre, education centre, and cultural landmark on the bank of the River Thames in London, UK. Founded by the pioneering American actor and director Sam Wanamaker, our site is home to two venues – the iconic open-air Globe Theatre (1997) and the candlelit indoor Sam Wanamaker Playhouse (2014).
Many of our productions also enjoy an extended life online through our video-on-demand service Globe Player, in cinemas across the UK, and on television. We are also a major venue for visiting artists, comedy, concerts and special events, and over our twenty five year history have produced over 43 world premieres of new plays, several of which have gone on to enjoy success in the West End, on Broadway and beyond.
Our Education department has long been one of the most active in the UK. We offer a hugely diverse programme of workshops, public events, university courses, and community projects. Our Guided Tour is award-winning, and our visitors also enjoy our on-site and online shop.
The Globe Theatre is a unique full-scale replica of Shakespeare’s original 1599 Elizabethan open-air theatre. Our indoor candle-lit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse is an archetype of an indoor Jacobean theatre.
THE ENGLISH ASSOCIATION
The English Association connects schools, colleges, and universities, to promote the teaching, study, and enjoyment of English literature, language, and creative writing.
