A Stratford - upon - Avon visit was organised for those pupils undertaking their A-level literature exams offering first hand experience of Shakespeare and his birthplace. The three day visit included a Drama Work Shop on 'Measure for Measure', a private coach tour with guide during which the pupils had an opportunity to visit the following:

- Shakespeare's Birthplace where the world's most famous dramatist was born and brought up. The house contains an exhibition illustrating the life and work of the dramatist, as well as the history of the property itself.

- Anne Hathaway's Cottage This picturesque thatched cottage was the home of Shakespeare's wife before their marriage. As a well preserved example of early domestic architecture it has few equals and the exterior view of the cottage, in its garden and adjoining orchard setting, is justly famed.

Mary Arden's House which is believed to be the girlhood home of Shakespeare's mother, the farm buildings containing the Shakespeare Countryside Museum, illustrating life on the land over four centuries.

- The Royal Shakespeare Theatre where the pupils saw a performance of Charles Dickens' Novel: Great Expectations starring Sian Phillips. The building was constructed in 1932 to replace the 1879 Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, destroyed by fire in 1926. It is the principal theatre of the world-famous Royal Shakespeare Company.

A very tired but happy bunch they all were and they need to be congratulated for their serious academic application and the mannerly way in which they conducted themselves. It was a pleasure to take this group out and we are all looking forward to next year's trip. Well done to all the pupils who attended.