As part of a collaborative initiative between the Spanish Language Department and the English Immersion Plan, students from 1st Secondary A, B, C, and D at Colegio Concepción participated in a bilingual class dedicated to exploring the historical and cultural context of Romeo and Juliet, one of William Shakespeare’s most renowned works.
This activity was carried out throughout the school year, as each class read the play at different times according to their reading schedule. The session was conducted jointly by Mr. Marcos Riveros from the English Immersion Plan and Spanish Language teachers Ms. Carolina García, Ms. Carolina Astudillo, and Ms. Elizabeth Urzúa, whose collaboration made this interdisciplinary encounter possible.
During the class, students discovered fascinating details about Shakespeare’s life, the Elizabethan era, and the social background that inspired many of the play’s most memorable scenes. They also learned about the main characteristics of Elizabethan theatre, a time when creativity flourished, and drama became one of the most accessible and celebrated forms of entertainment.
Through a dynamic and interactive approach, students experimented with old English expressions, sayings, and phrases, adapting them into modern and youthful language. This creative linguistic exercise allowed them to see how English has evolved through the centuries while connecting the past and present through humour, communication, and reflection.
They also explored the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, her influence on the arts, and the social realities of the time, an era when reading was still a privilege, and the theatre offered a space for imagination, participation, and social commentary.
This engaging class gave students from all 1st secondary students the chance to approach one of the greatest classics of world literature, part of their annual Reading Plan, in a way that was both accessible and meaningful. The activity encouraged curiosity, critical thinking, and appreciation for cultural and linguistic heritage, transforming a historical text into a living experience of bilingual learning.
Through this initiative, the Spanish Language Department and the English Immersion Plan reaffirmed their commitment to integrated and innovative education, where literature and language come together to inspire students to connect deeply with culture, history, and the arts.
