Today I had a conversation with an ex colleague (and friend), who is a dramatist and Teaching Assistant. She also begins her teacher training this year, in order to become a Drama teacher.
I recently conducted one of my interviews for my inquiry and spoke to the Vice Principle of a secondary school in London. I explained to my friend that the vice principle had justified the school not providing Drama to Year 7 and 8s, as they 'do drama in English'.
This comment interested me and I wanted her (expert) knowledge as to whether this was adequate. Her response was
" An English teacher is not a Drama teacher. They do not possess the same skills or subject knowledge. Knowing Shakespeare plays doesn't make you a Drama teacher. Pupils need specific time dedicated to each subject and drama is being degraded by putting it into the same category as English. An English teacher has chosen to teach English and therefore does not have the passion needed to teach Drama. How can they inspire pupils when it is not even the subject they have been inspired to teach?"
She continued to explain that Drama lessons start with the basics, such as teaching pupils not to perform with their backs to the audience and what 'centre stage' means. These are not areas that are covered in 'English' drama classes, which in turn does not give pupils the background knowledge they need, should they choose to continue pursuing drama training. Drama teachers are then faced with a group of Year 9s and 10s who have no concept of the basics. My favourite comment that she made was
" It's like teaching trigonometry to pupils who can't do adding or taking away"
I would be interested in finding out what your thoughts on this matter are. Is it adequate to teach drama as part of the English curriculum?
The person who told you that teaching Drama is apart of the English Curriculum is off their rockers. There is a huge difference between a Drama Teacher and a English Teacher. They may have read the plays/scripts etc but we've lived them. We've been there in the process and everything. Is Drama forever lost now? English and Drama should continue to be two separate subjects. No questions asked.
ReplyDeleteHope this helps xx