I remember not really enjoying Shakespeare that much when I was forced to study it at high school, but I don’t think being asked to write my own suicide note would have spiced it up that much.

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This was the bright idea of Thomas Tallis School in Kidbrooke who asked students to perform the task as part of their study of Lady Macbeth, who famously dies by her own hands in the play. 60 pupils were asked to construct a suicide note, despite the fact that many of them had friends who had recently killed themselves. One girl in particular was left feeling pretty distressed after three of her friends had committed suicide.

Some of the comments from concerned parents include the following:

‘On what universe was it ever a good idea to ask a group of teenagers to write suicide notes? At least two classes have done this assignment. My daughter is very outspoken but there are other kids not as vocal who might be suffering from depression.’

‘It’s fine for children to learn Shakespeare, but it is certainly not fine to get them to write suicide notes. Whoever came up with this needs to go back to teacher training college.’

Yeah to be honest, I’m not usually inclined to agree with whiney rich housewives, but on this occasion I think they’ve got a point. The school agreed too, and was forced to apologise via the following statement from the headmaster:

A parent contacted us with concerns about a written exercise given to a class during studies of a play by Shakespeare.

We appreciate that the exercise was upsetting to the family and have discussed the subject matter and approach with teaching staff.

I met with the parent last week and apologised wholeheartedly on behalf of the school.

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Kinda lame to go back with her tail between her legs when she probably approved this curriculum, but I suppose you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do in these situations. Meh.

For more suicide notes, check out 9 of the strangest ones out there. Creepy.