Workshops and Open Days = Networking.

The last week has been eventful for my career transition's journey. Having attended a London Drama workshop for drama teachers and the open day at Goldsmiths University for Drama PGCE, I have been connecting to the right people and learning from them. Using the networking theories given to me in module 1, I feel a difference in my attitude to networking with a professional image and one that gets me the connections, support and information I need.

London Drama Workshop


This was based on a massive two day workshop I was unable to attend. Luckily this workshop took us through the high lights of the two days and was extremely beneficial to me as a way of expanding and challenging my existing ideas as a drama in eduction practitioner. From new drama classroom exercises to ways to tackle Shakespeare with young students, It was good to play with some ideas and listen to practitioners from a more experienced point of view. I was then introduced to the work of Lucy Cathbertson of Corelli College, her ideas both inspiring and contemporary I instantly knew she will be someone worth an inquiry in module 2. Her ground breaking attitude to giving children a sense of ownership and personal qualities over there work in drama was something that made me sit up and listen. I will now begin to collect literature on her and explore her ideas and work.

Goldsmith's Open Day


I plan to apply in October, ready for September 2013. However I have been courting the course leader for a year now. You can't just turn up and apply, it's competitive. I have been working towards a list of criteria needed upon applying. It was good to go in, display what I have been putting into place over the last year and flex my muscles. I feel I have networked and achieved, coming away noticing a definite professional relationship with the course leaders, great knowledge on the process of application and a confidence in my presence as a qualified drama teacher.

Keeping busy between modules

My studies towards the end of module I became notably intense and I often laughed at the idea of it being a part-time course. However, once it finished and I nursed my initial blues. I found myself twiddling my thumbs and noticing that all my study slots I'd created in my diary are now empty spaces for me to, well twiddle my thumbs...

It seemed a sensible idea to use the time wisely and spend it on preparations for my career ambitions. Unlike some fellow BAPP students, I had an idea of what I'd like to do upon finishing and I'm still with the notion of becoming a drama teacher. This isn't easy and if it's something you are seriously considering, there is a certain criteria and knowledge that needs to be in place. I have been working towards obtaining these by;

• Spending time volunteering at Jo Richardson School. This helps my network within my practice and gain the required experience to be accepted on any teacher training courses. Also, GTP courses are hard to come by and the only real way into this now, is to observe and volunteer now in hope that you make a connection with the department. 
• Research PGCE course and visit them on open day and observe classes at Goldsmiths.
• Research the application process for both PGCE and GTP courses. It all opens up in October 2012 ready for September 2013.
• Practice numeracy QTS skills test. Any teacher now has to pass a numeracy and literacy test before being accepted on a teacher training course. There are work books specifically designed for this test, I'm nowhere near passing so practice is extremely important.
• Attending drama teachers workshops. Jo Clarke and I are both attending a workshop run by London Drama, specially aimed a teachers in training.
• Brushing up on my knowledge of key drama playwrights and practitioners and reading some key literature. 

I'm interested to see what you all have been up to in your 'off' study time?