On Wednesday 11th March, the Year 11 History students had the opportunity to bring their GCSE History studies to life with a visit to London’s iconic Globe Theatre. Stepping through the gates of the reconstruction on Bankside, students were transported back to the bustle, colour, and excitement of the Elizabethan playhouse for a day of immersive learning.
The trip began with a guided tour of the theatre itself, where students stood where the “groundlings” once gathered and learned how performances in Shakespeare’s time relied on daylight, audience interaction, and fast-paced staging. The guide shared insights into how actors projected their voices to open-air crowds, how the design of the theatre reflected the social hierarchy of Elizabeth’s reign and how plays were used to convey certain themes and political messages.
Before heading home, Year 11 visited the Golden Hinde, a full-scale reconstruction of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship. It offered a vivid glimpse into the challenges of Tudor exploration, with students hearing about Drake’s circumnavigation of the globe, the cramped quarters, navigation tools, and daily routines of sailors embarking on dangerous voyages. The students also received a talk about the history of HMS Belfast and the Tower of London, where Elizabeth I was kept by her sister Mary I during the Wyatt rebellion.
The combination of exploring Shakespeare’s world and seeing a Tudor galleon made for a rich, engaging day that brought their history and literature studies to life. Students returned to school buzzing with enthusiasm and with an enhanced knowledge of the course ahead of their summer examinations.
All of the photos have been uploaded to Firefly and can be seen by clicking on the link below:
