Every March, classrooms across the UK take part in something quietly brilliant: Shakespeare Week.
Led by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, it’s a national celebration designed to introduce young people to Shakespeare in a way that feels accessible, creative, and genuinely enjoyable.
While it’s predominantly aimed at primary schools, it works just as well in secondary settings — whether you’re introducing Shakespeare for the first time in KS3 or revisiting key ideas as part of GCSE revision.
Why Shakespeare Week Matters
Shakespeare Week isn’t about heavy analysis or dense annotation.
It’s about:
- early engagement with language
- building confidence
- and showing students that Shakespeare isn’t something to fear
In secondary classrooms, it’s the perfect opportunity to:
- revisit key themes in a fresh way
- reinforce prior learning
- or simply remind students that Shakespeare can be fun, playful, and relevant
More Than Just English
One of the best things about Shakespeare Week is how naturally it connects across the curriculum.
You might find students:
- exploring historical context through Elizabethan England
- creating artwork inspired by characters or themes
- developing drama and performance skills
- or even linking ideas to PSHE themes like ambition, jealousy, and identity
It’s a rare moment where Shakespeare becomes something students can experience, not just study.
Free Resources (and where to start)
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust offers a fantastic range of free resources, particularly for younger learners — and many of these can be easily adapted for KS3.
If you’re looking for something quick and engaging for secondary, I’ve also put together a free Coffee, Campfires & Shakespeare bundle, including:
- a creative villain writing challenge
- a quick-fire “Who Said It?” quiz
- a Shakespeare insult generator (always a hit!)
- and a set of ready-to-use classroom activities
Perfect for tutor time, lesson starters, or a full Shakespeare Week session.
These Shakespeare Week classroom activities are ready to download and use straight away.
A Final Thought
There’s something quite special about the way Shakespeare Week invites students in.
Not through pressure or complexity —
but through curiosity, creativity, and play.
And sometimes, all it takes is one moment —
a line spoken aloud, a ridiculous insult, a dramatic villain —
for Shakespeare to suddenly click.
Here’s to a week of words, wonder, and just a little bit of Shakespearean chaos.
— Coffee, Campfires & Shakespeare
Leave a Reply