Shakespeare and The Battle of Wakefield KS3/KS4 Workshop

Links to history, literacy and debating skills are developed throughout this workshop.

What was the Battle of Wakefield and why was it historically significant?
Who was involved in the battle and what was the outcome?
Why did William Shakespeare write about the battle – and how true was his account?

The Battle of Wakefield was a local event of national importance. William Shakespeare wrote about it in his play Henry VI, Part III. 

But can we believe everything that Shakespeare wrote about the battle? Why might he have gotten some of the facts wrong?

Pupils will ‘perform’ excerpts from the play before discovering how much of the content is factual and how much is fictional. They will work in small groups to develop plausible theories for why Shakespeare got so many details wrong in his version of events and will engage in a class debate where groups will introduce and defend their theories. This workshop will provide a starting point for the pupils exploration of Henry VI, Part III which can then be further developed back at school.

Workshop Includes:

• An introduction to a Shakespearean play

• Using fictional writing to inspire an interest in a historic event

• Develop theories and express ideas through debate

• Working in cooperative groups

Price: 

£64 for standard workshops delivered on site

£115 for one outreach session delivered in-school

£175 for two outreach sessions delivered in-school in one day

£198 for three sessions delivered in-school in one day

Venue: On site (Wakefield Museum) or In school

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on what best fits your timetable.

It is possible for school groups to make self-led visits to Sandal Castle. Please ask at the time of booking for more information.

To book contact museumslearning@wakefield.gov.uk 

Or call on 01924 302700