Ardent curiosity, enthusiastic participation, and an eagerness to learn. At the end of the Epiphany term, A level English Language and English Literature students from St Cuthbert’s and Sacred Heart wandered the streets of London, and wondered at the culture, the architecture, and at life in the capital. Bringing things into focus that hitherto had been history or hearsay, students gained insight into theatrical practices – old and new. They marvelled at literary artefacts, such as Shakespeare’s first Folio and Jane Austin’s writing desk, and experienced the diversity, vibrancy and individuality that is at the heart of Britain’s multi-cultural society. As one of our Year 12 Language students observed, the trip showcased “how individual cultures make up British history.”
“Perchance you wonder at this show,
But wonder on”
(Quince, Act 5; Scene 1 A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Our trip began at Shakespeare’s Globe with a study afternoon with Shakespearean actor and specialist, Simon Muller. Beginning with a tour of the open-air theatre, students were able to visualise Shakespeare’s “theatre-land”. We were given the opportunity to watch the rehearsal for that afternoon’s performance of Macbeth and experienced how the space worked during performance. Students gained confidence in understanding Shakespearean language and rhythm through a university-style lecture and an interactive workshop in the Globe’s audition space. Our students consistently engaged with our practitioner by asking him questions, seeking advice and his opinions. One of our Year 13 Literature students commented how the workshop offered great insight into “how and why Shakespeare manipulates language”. Another reflected that “the opportunity to play Hamlet at the Globe was great.”
Shakespeare’s Globe was not our only theatrical experience. Attending The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre gave students the unique opportunity to attend a performance in London’s West End. They marvelled at the great skill involved in staging, lighting, and the costumes. Our students were left to debate what were their favourite roles, scenes, and costumes. A Year 12 student from Sacred Heart who is studying English Language at St Cuthbert’s acknowledged “the colours of the staging were stunning, and the costumes were awe-inspiring.”
Students also absorbed exhibitions at The British Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum and The British Library. Whilst there, students travelled through time and considered the wonderful artefacts that span thousands of years, representing a vast array of cultures and civilisations. From the Rosetta stone to the Magna Carta; from the Gutenberg Bible to Dante’s The Divine Comedy; from the only surviving medieval manuscript of Beowulf to Angela Carter’s edited manuscript of The Bloody Chamber. At all times students engaged with each artefact with curiosity, a critical acuity, and intelligent responses.
The students left the capital reeling, having experienced a snapshot of London and by having a taste of the opportunities it offers. Wonder on…
