During my visit to Ark St Albans Academy in Birmingham, I spoke to a number of student studying English Literature. English is sometimes a ‘hidden’ creative subject because of its status amongst the ‘core’ subjects at GCSE. People take English seriously, that is, it is viewed as more academic than creative. During my time traveling … Continue reading interpretation and creativity
research
shakespeare in east london: Helena is crushing on Demetrius!
This post is written by Lexi Earl. In a Year Seven class at Eastbury School in Barking, London, the students are studying A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The purpose of the class is to enable students to emphathise with Helena’s situation and so to begin, the teacher has the class read a version of Helena’s speech, … Continue reading shakespeare in east london: Helena is crushing on Demetrius!
understanding complex moral debates through drama
This post is written by Lexi Earl. During my visit to Sacred Heart School in Newcastle, I observed part of a Year 8 drama class. The class were studying a scheme of work based on Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle. The play the girls were studying revolves around a boy who is left abandoned by … Continue reading understanding complex moral debates through drama
using masks to convey emotions
This post is written by Lexi Earl. On my trip to Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon, I sat in on a Year 11 drama class with teacher Jack Ralton. Upon entering the drama studio I was surprised to see the picture of Suffiyah Khan standing up to an EDL member at a march in … Continue reading using masks to convey emotions
understanding theatre as collaboration
This post is written by Lexi Earl, on her visit to The Bridge School in London. When I visited The Bridge School (a special school for children with severe, profound and complex learning difficulties), I had an unexpected opportunity to accompany the 6th form to the theatre. On the day that I visited, they had … Continue reading understanding theatre as collaboration
investing in drama and performing arts
This post is written by Lexi Earl. During my trip to Uxbridge High School Amy Walker, the drama teacher, was keen to show me their new performing arts building . This new space was opened in September. It features a large drama studio with long blackout curtains that has a wall of moveable windows that … Continue reading investing in drama and performing arts
“we are such stuff as dreams are made of”
This post is written by Lexi Earl, on her trip to Canterbury High School in Kent. Imagine, if you will, walking along a coastal path. The seagulls are calling above you. The sky is blue and the sun warms your back. The sea crashes nearby, giving you glimpses of blue, green, aquamarine. Then you turn … Continue reading “we are such stuff as dreams are made of”
seeing, observing, connecting
This post is written by Lexi Earl, on her trip to Royal Grammar School in Newcastle. During my visit to Royal Grammar School in Newcastle, Christine Egan-Fowler (one of the art teachers) invited me to participate in a life drawing class. This is a class she puts on for any interested student, whether or not … Continue reading seeing, observing, connecting
displaying and sharing art
This post is written by Lexi Earl, on her time at Welling School in Kent. When I arrived at Welling School in Kent, I was immediately fascinated by the ‘mini gallery’ space in reception – a tall glass cube, filled with objects. It displayed work by Year 8 students, responding to work by American artist Judith … Continue reading displaying and sharing art
empathising and understanding the character
This post is written by Lexi Earl on her experiences at Minsthorpe Community College. On my visit to Minsthorpe Community College in west Yorkshire, I was able to observe a Year Seven English lesson on Much Ado about Nothing. The lesson made use of the rehearsal room approaches encouraged by the RSC. The lesson took place in … Continue reading empathising and understanding the character
