Student Activities
GCSE Student Conference
11 November, 10.30am - 4pm, The Other Place
Join us for a day of events exploring Macbeth, designed to complement curriculum study of this play for GCSE. Suitable for English and Drama students the day includes a variety of sessions including lectures, practical workshops, and interactive discussions.
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Student Insight Session
6 November, 10.15 - 11.15am, The Other Place
Before your visit to see Macbeth join members of the acting company for a live onstage session. In this session actors and directors will interrogate key scenes from Macbeth exploring different interpretations. There is also an opportunity for your students to ask questions and take on the role of the director.
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Events for Teachers
Teacher Webinar
21 October, 4 - 5.30pm
Get a taste of how to use RSC rehearsal room practice to teach Macbeth, a popular text for Key Stage 3 and GCSE. Get new ideas for activities and lessons and boost your confidence in approaching this text in the classroom through practical approaches.
INSET DAYS ON MACBETH
"Fantastic workshop with so many useful activities, thank you for a great session that will enhance the children’s learning." - Primary Teacher in Nottingham
Book an INSET day with the RSC on teaching Macbeth for Primary, Key Stage 3, GCSE or A-level. Our INSET Days explore techniques used in our rehearsal rooms and and look at how you can use these in the classroom to bring Shakespeare to life.
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Macbeth follows the story of a Scottish nobleman who is told by witches that he will become king one day. Inspired and driven by their prophecy, he goes on to kill the king and take the throne.
When Macbeth was written, King James I was on the throne of England and his fascination with witchcraft and magic can be seen throughout the play. There are lots of themes you can choose to explore in Macbeth, including:
- Ambition
- Kingship
- Fate and free will
- Grief and despair
- Loyalty and deception
- Rebellion
- Duty and honour
You can discover more about these themes and where they appear in the text in our Themes Resource.
DOWNLOAD FREE RESOURCES
Access Teacher Packs, a Macbeth synopsis and activities by downloading these PDFs:
Live Lesson: 2023
Watch our Live Lesson on Macbeth from 2023 on demand. Featuring actors from the production this 40 minute Lesson explores the relationship between Lady Macbeth and Macbeth, looking at two key scenes from the play.
Watch On Demand
SIGNING SHAKESPEARE FOR DEAF STUDENTS
This programme was created by the University of Birmingham and the RSC to support deaf young people in their study and enjoyment of Shakespeare. There is a scheme of work for the study of Macbeth, supported by resources including a series of films created by deaf actors and directors.
Shakespeare Learning Zone
Students will find many resources on Macbeth in our Shakespeare Learning Zone, including scene by scene analysis, activities on character relationships, in depth scene studies and PEE grids. These resources are also perfect to be used by teachers in the classroom.
