Pupils dress up Shakespearean style to mark World Book Day
THE apparel oft proclaims the man, said Hamlet, and youngsters at a Hinckley school got in on the act by dressing up as Shakespeare characters in celebration of World Book Day.
Staff at St Mary’s Church of England Primary chose the theme and the children responded by donning colourful costumes and discovering key characters from the Shakespearean canon.
Helen Talbot, English lead at the school, said: “It has been an amazing day and it’s great to see all of our children dressed up in Shakespearerelated costumes.
“In the past, we have held our World Book Day around a theme, such as Roald Dahl and similar authors.
“But some of the older children are going to watch a play related to Shakespeare in April, so it’s only fitting we concentrate on Shakespeare so the children know the characters that they came dressed as.”
As part of their fledgling Shakespeare studies, the children have had lessons on his plays, watched animated versions and even studied some of the ways in which the works have shaped our language.
Pupil Malise said: “I came dressed as an archer to show that you don’t have to be a boy or a girl to be a warrior. My character is from Love’s Labour’s Lost.”
Classmate Eva came dressed as Juliet from Romeo and Juliet and had previously heard of A Midsummer’s
Night’s Dream and Hamlet.
Lennon, in year five, chose to come dressed as the Bard of Avon himself. He is such a fan of his work that he even asked Santa for Shakespeare’s books at Christmas.
Zane, another student, said: “I was familiar with Romeo and Juliet. I have previously read his works. I enjoyed dressing up today.” Teacher Ms Potter said: “I’m a really big Shakespeare fan myself and it’s good to do something like this for a first time. “The students enjoyed studying the characters - and not just notable ones - even the fairies and witches.
“Us staff members got some funny looks as we were coming through the school gates.”
Head teacher Rachel Ayres said: “I’m really pleased by the response. The staff and students have really gone to town on it.
“Students researched at home who some of the characters are, and a letter went out giving suggestions on what they could wear.
“It’s good to see both the old Romeo and new Romeo - as well as lesser-known characters such as Ophelia. It makes me so proud to be head of such an inclusive school.”
In the past, we have held our World Book day around a theme, such as Roald Dahl and similar authors. Teacher Helen Talbot