English Year 7 XL Task
Aim of the task: To develop understanding and knowledge of Shakespeare and the time in which he lived.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this task you should:
 Know basic biographical details about William Shakespeare;
 Know some facts about the time in which Shakespeare lived;
 Have knowledge about some of Shakespeare’s works.
You’ll need these personal learning and
thinking skills:
Creative thinking -
what is the most effective way to
produce this work for the intended audience? What can you
choose to do that will allow you to enjoy the task and
therefore produce the best work?
Reflective learning –
planning what to do, then
checking your work and thinking of ways in which it can be
improved before creating the final product.
Self management – considering how to spend the time
given for the task. Planning ahead and assigning more time to
the most important parts. Allowing time for mistakes or
practical problems such as lack of printing facilities.
What makes a good piece of work?
 Originality and creativity (past work has included a model of the Globe Theatre with all the facts placed
around it!)
 Good presentation – neat work that uses colour, images, bullet points, headings and subheadings.
 Organisation –having a structure to the end product (e.g. a clear introduction and conclusion, and
perhaps a contents page if it is a booklet)
 Use of ICT – research, using sensible and reliable websites; possibly using word processing skills; using
computer programs for design and layout, or replicating these ideas in hand-produced work; possibly
creating interactive work (quizzes, puzzles, etc); possibly using video and uploading.
 Presenting facts in an interesting way.
 Making your work personal – giving your opinion where appropriate.
 Using your own words – not copying and pasting details from the internet.
 Using a range of resources – encyclopaedia, web pages, biographies, works of Shakespeare, knowledge
from family.
Instructions / Outline of Task
Research:
1) William Shakespeare – his life
a) When was he born/when did he die? Did he marry/have children? Where did he live? What did he work as?
Where is he buried? Think of a question that YOU would ask about him and then find the answer.
i) Poster? Timeline? Written biography? Fact file?
2) William Shakespeare’s works
a) Names and details of plays and poems, most popular play, actors/actresses who have famously played parts,
where plays are performed etc. When have we had access to Shakespeare without realising? (The Simpsons!)
i) Poster? Your favourite poem/play? Write a review? Watch a film/play? Collage of images/titles?
3) The time in which William Shakespeare lived.
a) Who was King/Queen? How were people entertained? What did their houses look like? What did they eat?
What were the important events of the time?
i) Labelled image? Fact file? Leaflet? Poster?
You could:
 Create three different pieces of work using different formats OR produce just one of the following that will
cover all three sections:
 A poster/mind map containing appropriate details
 A Powerpoint presentation and print off a copy of the slides.
 A leaflet/booklet.
 Think of an original way of presenting the information: a model of the theatre or of Shakespeare, with the
information written on it/him; a comic book; a video of yourself. The possibilities are endless!
How will you be assessed?
Depth of your research – showing knowledge and understanding
Using your own words – not copying from the internet!
Using images, colour and presentational devices to create interest
Being original and creative
Giving an opinion where appropriate
To be handed in by: