Study Areas for Stage on Screen set text plays - introduction by Tom Barnes

The Stage on Screen Study Areas are designed to be of help to students and their teachers who want to study in more detail the plays Stage on Screen are presenting.

I am a working teacher of English & English Literature A Level, GCSE and Key Stage Three, so I know what I would want from a website and have tried to include it. None of the ideas in this section should be taken as definitive: they are my own personal opinions and guides to study.

The intention is to be thought-provoking rather than heavily academic. I aim to put the plays in a social and cultural context, and guide those interested towards some sources, inspirations and common themes in the play that students may or may not have discovered for themselves.

One piece I am adding, which has worked well with my 16-18-year-old students, is research projects. A student who has researched his or her own topic, and has been able to apply that knowledge to the text being studied, is in a better position to understand the nuances and themes of the play. Beneath each topic, I give pointers and subtopics, the exploration of which will enable the student to read the text a little deeper.

Any teachers, academics or indeed students wishing to add essays or short pieces are welcome to submit them to enquiries@stageonscreen.com

They can agree or disagree with, complement, enhance or offer alternative views – all we ask is that they’re relevant and interesting! We’ll add any which we feel are particularly useful to the site.

To get started, simply click on the relevant link below.

Tom Barnes

 
Head of English Faculty
Portland Place School, UK

Study Areas for individual plays

Doctor Faustus Study Area

The School for Scandal Study Area

Volpone Study Area

The Duchess of Malfi Study Area