On 22nd April 2026, a dynamic team of students led by
Nishika Pagaria and included Siddhi Kothari, Naisa Belim, Lubna Naaz, Sneha Bhansal, Manika Jain from Grade 10 and Nivisha Kumbhat from Grade 8participated in an engaging RS Zoom session hosted by Malvern College, UK. It focused on Shakespeare, literature, and the relevance of reading in modern education. The session provided students with a valuable platform to exchange ideas, reflect critically, and engage in thought-provoking literary discussions.
Throughout the session, participants explored the complexity of Shakespeare’s language and debated whether his works remain suitable for today’s students despite the challenges posed by archaic English. They reflected on his most renowned plays, including Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Julius Caesar, while discussing the continued relevance of his themes in contemporary society. The group also examined Shakespeare’s lasting influence on literature, theatre, and the English language, acknowledging his significant cultural and academic impact. Beyond Shakespeare, participants considered whether reading books outside one’s personal interests contributes to intellectual growth and shared examples of other meaningful literary works that have inspired them, such as to Kill a Mockingbird and The Diary of a Young Girl.
Further discussions focused on whether students benefit more from studying one major author in depth or reading multiple authors for broader perspectives, with many supporting a balanced approach. Participants also challenged the idea that reading “big” or famous books determines intelligence, concluding that thoughtful engagement with any text matters more than its reputation. The session concluded with reflection on the role of school textbooks in shaping communication skills, where students agreed that while textbooks build foundational knowledge, confidence in speaking develops primarily through real-life practice and interaction.
Overall, the RS Zoom session proved to be an enriching and intellectually stimulating experience that encouraged students to think critically about literature, education and the value of diverse perspectives in learning.
