Upton Heath’s long standing association with the Shakespeare Schools Foundation has been rewarded after we were announced as a gold standard Shakespeare school!

Our school has participated in the Shakespeare Schools Festival for over seven years, and we are delighted that Upton Heath has achieved the gold standard to recognise our dedication and commitment to the arts.

Over the years, our pupils at Upton Heath have also had the opportunity to perform in a number of other Shakespeare plays, including Henry V, Macbeth, Richard III and Twelfth Night.

Pupils attended the 19^th annual Shakespeare Schools Festival in November 2019 at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton, where Year 6 performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In 2020, performing at the Floral Pavilion wasn’t possible due to the pandemic, so instead, our children performed Much Ado About Nothing in November at school.

Said to be the world’s largest drama festival, the Shakespeare Schools Festival is the Shakespeare Schools Foundation’s flagship project, involving over 750 schools across 118 theatres around the UK and over 20,000 children.

Year 6 teacher Miss Williams said: “In November, the children did a sensational job of taking on their roles for Much Ado About Nothing, really bringing their characters to life. The cast took part in a workshop from the Shakespeare Schools Foundation team. Great fun was had by all and the children revelled in the experience. We were also able to bring the project into our work, studying several of William Shakespeare’s iconic plays.

“Every year, the children are excited to take part in the Shakespeare Schools Festival. For some children, taking part in the festival opens their eyes to the creative arts, and the opportunities that it presents. Standing up there on a proper stage in front of an audience of friends and family is a momentous moment, and one that they’ll always remember.”

Mr  North commented: “Year 6 is one step away from high school and learning and performing a Shakespeare play builds essential skills for the future, like confidence, resilience and pride. Once our whole school was back together in September, rehearsing for Much Ado About Nothing was a good way to start building these skills once more, helping children along their transition journey towards high school. We’re pleased to be continuing our long standing association with the Shakespeare Schools Foundation, providing inspiring opportunities for our children.”