Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren and Adjoa Andoh launch digital RSC Shakespeare Curriculum

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has launched a new curriculum delivered via a digital platform.

The RSC Shakespeare Curriculum will be available free to all state and SEND secondary schools, bringing RSC’s teaching online. It was created with investment from the Foyle Foundation and in collaboration with digital platform provider Charanga.

Ten of Shakespeare’s most studied plays have been turned into a 24-part creative learning adventure, using the rehearsal process as a framework.

The curriculum was created in response to growing concerns about the way Shakespeare is taught in schools and aims to reach 80 percent of secondary schools in the UK by 2029/30.

“Our relationship with the RSC has extended over a period of more than twenty years, culminating in the development of the Shakespeare Curriculum. We are immensely proud that this will be a legacy for future generations of the work we have done together and honoured to be able to play a part in supporting the extraordinary achievements of the RSC,” says David Hall, Chief Executive of the Foyle Foundation.

Leading artists Ian McKellen, Helen Mirren, Adjoa Andoh are supporting the RSC Curriculum. “All the world’s a stage, and all children can be players!,” McKellen comments. “Learning with Shakespeare is a perfect way for young people to build confidence and language skills, and I’m thrilled to see the RSC supporting pupils across the country with this programme.

“I want theatre and the arts to be accessible to every child, all across the UK, and this is a wonderful step towards that.”