Birmingham Arts School facilitates three essential secondary teacher networks in Dance, Drama and Visual Art. These networks offer invaluable opportunities to collaborate with fellow professionals, exchange best practices, and uncover fresh strategies for student engagement. We strongly encourage headteachers and teachers to participate in these sessions to explore innovative teaching techniques, champion high-quality arts education, and have a dedicated forum to address challenges and opportunities specific to their schools.
These sessions will include in-depth looks at KS3 and KS4 schemes of work and assessment, featuring speakers from exam boards who will provide expert advice on the syllabus. Additionally, there will be deep dives into how Ofsted views your subject, ensuring you are well-prepared and informed. Those teachers BTEC performing arts will also benefit from these sessions.
The Secondary Drama Network will be led by Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The first session will be on 'Making theatre accessible'.
Join us for an engaging discussion filled with practical suggestions on introducing students to the world of drama and theatre. We will explore innovative methods to captivate those who may not have experienced theatre before, or who have faced barriers accessing traditional theatre due to their needs. Additionally, we’ll outline where teaching staff can find low-cost and no-cost resources to enrich their curriculum.
NB: Discounts* available to BAS Arts Package Schools. Free access to 1 secondary network for BAS Secondary Arts Package Schools | Free access to all 18 secondary networks for BAS Secondary PLUS Arts Package Schools. Contact bhavik.parmar@bep.education for more information. *Discount applied after booking.
This session aims to empower educators with the tools and knowledge to make theatre an accessible and exciting experience for all students. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your drama teaching approach.
Practical Skills and movement within theatreElevate your drama teaching with our dynamic session designed to equip educators with essential acting techniques and improvisation strategies. Learn how to guide students in mastering voice, expressive movement, and character development to bring any role to life. Engage in fun and interactive improvisation and role-play exercises that will unleash your students' creativity and build their confidence. Perfect for both novice and experienced drama teachers, this session will provide you with the tools to captivate and inspire your students.
Technical theatre and designA comprehensive session designed to support educators in delivering in-depth analysis and evaluation of professional live theatre productions. Gain insights into the crucial roles of directors, designers, and technicians in creating compelling performances, and have the opportunity to meet members of different departments working at The Rep, giving you practical advice to impart onto your students, who may be keen to start a career in a backstage element of the theatre.
Collaborative approaches and devising techniquesA focused session on devising drama. Explore effective strategies for guiding students in the creation of original performances through collaborative work. Learn how to utilise stimuli to inspire and develop creative ideas, fostering a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment. This session is designed for drama educators aiming to enhance their curriculum with innovative approaches to devising. Gain practical techniques to support students in generating, refining, and presenting their own theatrical works.
Approaches to text/ Adapting textsA comprehensive session on text-based drama. Educators will delve into the study and performance of scripted plays, including techniques for adapting texts like Shakespeare to resonate with modern audiences. Gain insights into analysing playwrights' intentions and dramatic techniques, equipping you to make theatre relevant and engaging for students studying classic and contemporary texts alike. Explore strategies to bring characters to life through interpretation and performance, fostering a deep understanding of theatrical conventions and storytelling methods. This session empowers drama teachers to guide students in discovering the timeless themes and universal truths within dramatic literature.
Approaches to PractitionersExplore influential figures like Stanislavski, Brecht, Boal, and Artaud, gaining a deep understanding of their revolutionary techniques and philosophies. Learn practical methods for applying these theories in student-led productions and classroom exercises, enhancing both performance skills and critical analysis. Discover how to empower students to embody characters authentically, challenge theatrical conventions, and engage audiences through innovative staging and performance techniques. This session is ideal for educators seeking to enrich their teaching with insights from pioneering practitioners, fostering creativity, and deepening students' appreciation for diverse theatrical approaches.