![]() The universal language and comedy of Shakespeare crosses the generations, and pupils at a Redhill school illustrated this perfectly when they visited a nearby care home to share the Bard. A group of nine children from Salfords Primary, a member of GLF Schools multi academy trust, staged a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – with help from some of the residents of Greensand Care Home. The Year 4 and 5 children were taking part in Guildford Shakespeare Company’s (GSC) Spirit of Youth Programme, which pairs young people with older residents, and aims to promote a connection through engagement in a common project.
“Children were selected who don’t always get to attend outside of school activities to broaden their experiences,” explained Lead Teacher Katie Piggott. “Ten weeks of drama classes is not something we have been able to offer as a school, and to be able to have some children get this for free from the GSC funding was lovely.” The play was already familiar to the older actors, many of whom remembered studying it themselves in the classroom. “The children absolutely loved the experience. They took to the characters and drama games, and actively enjoyed including the older participants in them too. They learnt to gently accommodate for the mobility needs of the other participants, enjoying their creative take on the stories and games and watching adults performing as much as they did.” The performance took place at Greensand on July 6, in front of an appreciative audience of residents, staff, and family members. “Spirit of Youth provides a unique opportunity for the young and old to form new bonds and relationships as they work towards a common goal,” said Miss Piggott. “Participants share their own experiences and stories, as they convert Shakespeare’s words into their own. The elderly and the children alike are able to challenge and enjoy themselves. “Salfords are actively encouraging participation from our new neighbour, as research has shown that allowing time for children to mix with older generations is important for all. It develops children’s confidence, and combats isolation and memory loss in the elderly. “We have been running Dementia Awareness Activities, taken the choir to perform at Christmas, our Nursery children visit on a regular basis for games and stories, and we are hoping some of the residents will be able to come to the school fair and Year 6 end of year performance.”
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