Thomas Tallis School in London slammed over suicide notes

"On what universe was it ever a good idea to ask a group of teenagers to write suicide notes?" A mother asked. Photo / Getty

A school has come under fire for giving students an assignment that required them to write suicide notes.

The exclusive Thomas Tallis School in London asked students to write the notes as part of their study of the Shakespeare play Macbeth.

Parents complained after 60 Year 8 students wrote the notes, because some had friends who had taken their own lives.

One mother said the assignment had been very distressing for her daughter.

"On what universe was it ever a good idea to ask a group of teenagers to write suicide notes?" she said to a local newspaper.

"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."

Following the outrage, the school posted an apology on its Facebook page.

Thomas Tallis School head teacher Carolyn Roberts said the assignment required students to write a suicide letter from Lady Macbeth to Macbeth, explaining her decision to kill herself.

"The exercise is a well-known method for getting students to understand this dramatic twist in the play. The teacher who set the exercise is very experienced," she said.

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

"We care deeply about the emotional well-being of our students and of course wish no distress to be caused to any of our students - all we can do is hold discussions and debates on topics such as these in a supportive and sensitive way. Had we been aware of any students who would have found the exercise upsetting then we would of course have taken a different approach. We have listened to the concerns raised by this debate and will not run the exercise again.

"I apologise again for any distress that this may have caused to the family."

Where to get help:

• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.