The NAA has announced a review of the Shakespeare plays at Key Stage 3 for the years 2009 and beyond. They noted that of the three plays selected for testing each year, one of these always showed a consistently low take-up. Given the amount of time spent in developing tests for each play, it has been decided from 2009 schools will choose between TWO Shakespeare plays rather than three.

For 2009 the plays will be:

■ THE TEMPEST

■ ROMEO AND JULIET

For 2010 the plays will be:

■ ROMEO AND JULIET
■ AS YOU LIKE IT

NATIONAL ASSESSMENT AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT re Shakespeare Plays at Key Stage 3

Move to a two-play model for Shakespeare in 2009

This year the NAA has reviewed the current arrangements for Shakespeare plays, following our consultation on the selection of plays for 2009 and beyond. Each year one Shakespeare play has consistently had a very low take-up and a disproportionate amount of time has been spent on developing tests for a third play.

In considering future arrangements for Shakespeare plays, the Secretary of State for Education and Skills has approved the decision to change the number of plays available as part of the Shakespeare component of the key stage 3 English test. For the 2009 tests, schools will choose between two Shakespeare plays rather than three.

The two-play model will continue to focus on plays that are interesting and enjoyable to teach and study. The plays will be carefully chosen to maintain a balanced range of comedies, tragedies and histories over time. Each play will remain on the programme of study for three years, as at present.

For 2009 the plays will be:

■ The Tempest

■ Romeo and Juliet.

For 2010 the plays will be:

■ Romeo and Juliet

■ As You Like It.