Hi Colleagues!

As drama and theatre educators, we teach about being resourceful, resilient, empathetic, creative, practical, critical thinkers and problem solvers. We learn by doing.

That said, many of us are struggling with the very sudden departure of some of our students, many of whom we are unlikely to see again. And we share the uncertainties of how our profession will operate under the current circumstances. How do we self isolate and also work in our schools? How do we manage work levels when we are expected to continue setting lessons and monitoring progress, at the same time as looking after our own personal responsibilites?  Alongside our theatre industry colleagues, we are all in a muddle about what to do.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU

Your colleagues within National Drama understand the challenges you face and we are here to help.

We have begun to gather resources to alleviate some of your pressures on lesson planning and other school matters, and we will continue to add to this bank. We are inviting members and friends to help with this so we can all contribute. Have you got a research pack, handout, plan or quiz that would help a colleague? Join in and share work you are developing for your learners. We are also hosting competitions and running projects which we hope will motivate your students to engage creatively. If you have brilliant ideas please do get in
touch! We have proposed some ideas to our Patrons and they are also very keen to be involved.

As we settle into a new way of living and working, let’s focus on asserting our creativity. Let’s inspire our young people, and each other, so that we all have something to celebrate during, and after, this crisis.

RESOURCES and LINKS to assist with distance learning.

Keep your distance – ‘Play A-Part’

This is not an exhaustive list and we will keep updating.

Please quality assure BEFORE sharing with your students.

Do send ideas for drama teaching and learning, and we will aim to collate everything and keep updating. And DO ask us for help.

SPECIAL REQUEST: If you are a UK School or Organisation Member ALL your Drama colleagues are part of your membership. Please supply us with the names and emails of any colleagues in your organisation who would also like to receive these emails as part of your membership. Just click Add Members. We want to ensure EVERYONE gets these newsletters directly.

I truly feel we are moving into a period of immense creativity.

Let’s practise what we teach. Be resourceful; share ideas; encourage others; use our imaginations and CREATE, CREATE, CREATE.

We wish you and your families the best of health.

Aine Lark FRSA

Chair of National Drama