There are a lot of books about Drama and Theatre out there. There are books that tell you how to teach things; there are books full of games; there are books that tell you why you should be teaching Drama. I know this because I have shelves full of them.
But this book isn’t any of those. I think it may be unique in that respect. Matthew Nicholls doesn’t take a look at the specifics of Drama teaching; he gives an insight born of years of experience in different settings whilst all the time remaining committed to one of the most challenging and yet rewarding jobs that you can do.
The book spends time considering the micro and the macro factors of Drama teaching in the 21 st Century. Mr Nicholls considers everything from the structure of the Drama curriculum to the themes that shouldn’t ever be explored by GCSE Drama students devising their own work. All of that is really useful for the solo practitioner, particularly if you’re new to the game. However, what I really loved about this book, was its tone. Most of us work alone. In schools where team working is very much encouraged the Drama teacher is often solo. This book feels like the chat you have on a training day with another colleague; it has the Drama teacher’s anecdotes; it has sage advice and useful recommendations. But above all it is unremittingly cheerful. Mathew Nicholls is positive about the importance and the future of Drama in schools and his cheery voice gives a positive lift to those of use who are feeling a bit jaded after years of struggle topped off by a year of the near impossible task of teaching Drama remotely.
This is a book that should be pressed firmly into the hands of all those just starting out on a Drama teaching career. It has words of wisdom for them in spades. But it should also be read – and enjoyed – by us old hands who have been there, seen that and who might need a bit of a gentle reminder of why we are still doing what we do. Thanks, Matthew. I needed that!
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