Ficino School’s senior students have enjoyed a live performance of Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’ at the Globe Theatre in London.
The Year 7 & 8 History, Myth and Culture (HMC) syllabus provides students with the opportunity to both perform a Shakespeare play and take part in a Renaissance trip to the UK and Italy in alternate years. This trip allows students to connect with some of the great works of the Renaissance and gain a greater appreciation of their creation and creators.
Students performed a slightly abridged version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in late 2015, an experience that encouraged many values including the importance of teamwork, generosity and confidence. All senior students had the opportunity to be a part of the play, from being on the stage to helping behind the scenes with scenery, costumes, lighting and music.
Earlier this year, students watched a professional performance of Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ at the Popup Globe, located for a season in Auckland. The Popup Globe’s creator and director, Miles Gregory, visited Ficino School in late 2015 to watch their interpretation of Shakespeare’s work. They were also lucky to have him speak with them and learn about his experiences while receiving a very positive critique of their show.
Ficino School’s HMC syllabus is a unique Primary social studies programme. Its lessons have two main goals; firstly, to draw students’ attention to the finest aspects of humanity, and secondly to teach them how to clarify their own values and make informed judgements.
Ficino School Principal, Peter Crompton, notes “Shakespeare’s works are significant for their part in the foundation of modern English, and the study of the rich language used by Shakespeare enriches the vocabulary of our students.”
Ficino School is hosting several events over the next few weeks to give prospective parents the opportunity to learn more about the School’s unique ethos and the corresponding holistic benefits it provides its students. Learn more at www.ficino.school.nz/tours.
