The Drama Teacher's Survival Guide

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"This is a terrific and instructive book, and an essential reminder of how inspiring and empowering a good drama teacher can be. I hope its read widely and that new generations of pupils and teachers benefit from its wisdom and its verve." Nick Hytner Drama teaching is at a critical juncture. With new qualifications in the market, changes in government approach to the arts in education and hundreds of thousands of students wanting to be part of the countrys hugely successful performing arts industry, the pressures on drama teachers are enormous. Many don't have a specialist background in drama and theatre and end up taking on the role of drama teacher; others feel disconnected from current theatre practice because of the time-demands of teaching; plenty of drama teachers feel they could be serving their students better, if only they had the resources and the support. For all of those teachers, this book will come as welcome relief. The Drama Teachers Survival Guide provides support, inspirational ideas and rock-solid guidance for secondary drama teachers. It outlines the fundamental principles of a creative drama curriculum, and looks at how teachers can facilitate this and deliver inspiring lessons to fulfill the potential of their learners. It addresses head-on the common and numerous challenges that drama teachers face, from having to design their own creative curriculum to understanding how students learn. The author's own advice and expertise is supplemented by case studies, thereby collating and offering up the best advice and experience available. Written by Matthew Nichols, drama teacher for 12 years, this book offers a range of strategies, case studies and methods that really work.

Reviews

This is a terrific and instructive book, and an essential reminder of how inspiring and empowering a good drama teacher can be. I hope its read widely and that new generations of pupils and teachers benefit from its wisdom and its verve. * Nick Hytner, former Artistic Director of the National Theatre, UK *
The teaching of drama in our schools is facing challenges it has not known in a generation. At the same time the need to make sense of our culture through the dramatic stories we tell to one another has never been more imperative. In the face of this paradox this book is not only important but essential. It navigates the crisis created by a decade of governmental neglect with open humour, optimism and intelligence. It is written with energy and clarity. It draws from a deep well of experience and expertise. It is a life boat for drama teachers under this government. It fills me with faith. * Simon Stephens, Playwright, UK *
5 stars A valuable book for drama teachers of all levels of experience - a friend and colleague in book-form. * Drama & Theatre *
He writes with real enthusiasm for his subject and offers really helpful ideas for planning schedules and schemes of work Possibly the most valuable aspect of this book is the determination and energy the author brings to showing how drama at all levels can contribute to life skills A refreshing read. * Word Matters, The Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama *
Like the author I have been teaching Drama at secondary level for the past sixteen years. This book is a welcome reminder of why our subject is so important and why we have to fight to ensure its survival. Packed full of useful ideas and advice on how to thrive as a teacher. Brilliant! * Amazon reviewer *

Author Bio

Matthew Nichols graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2003 and has been teaching and leading outstanding Drama and Performing Arts departments for over a decade. Matthew also has extensive experience at a senior level with several exam boards, and was responsible for writing one of the reformed GCSE qualifications in Drama. In addition, Matthew works with schools, colleges, universities and theatres across the country. Matthew is a successful and sought after Drama education consultant, and was one of the founders of Drama Defined, which specialises in delivering high quality Drama education courses to staff and students. Matthew is currently Head of Drama at Manchester Grammar School. You can reach him on Twitter @matthew_drama.