I keep on hearing the phrase ‘We are in uncertain times’ – meaning… no one knows what is going to happen due to Education Budget Cuts.

As a Drama Teacher I am honoured on a daily basis to work with fantastic, creative and emerging artists but am saddened by the fact that their education could be affected by ‘these cuts’. Are the press fully aware of the circumstances in which we face in the future?

The Dance School of Scotland is one of the only secondary schools in Scotland to help these emerging and creative young artists in Glasgow. They offer courses for school pupils in Dance, Music and Musical Theatre but due to budget cuts their residential courses face an uncertain future… where will be in 10 years time. Queen Margaret Univertsity have already axed their Acting course, meaning a lack of training for the industry in Scotland… now this?

But the major question is… how are these budget cuts affecting your child?

Have a look at this wonderful video and support the Dance School of Scotland… these pupils are amazing and deserve our support.

On Friday I had a S5 pupil looking at universities and Drama Schools for when she leaves school next year, she asked me my opinion on the Drama and Performance course at Queen Margaret’s as she thought, as an Ex Graduate I would know. I didn’t! I have to say last time I questioned QM about the new course I received a very rude answer and the phone call was ended abruptly, however we move on!

So I looked at the course and now I’ve been thinking about the proposed new course that is to replace the Acting, Theatre Production and DTA course.

In the past four years I have had several former pupils who have been lucky to attend courses at University or NCDT Drama schools, one currently at QM doing the Drama and Theatre Arts course.

This proposed new course – does it currently meet the needs of those leaving school and looking for a career in the industry upon graduation?

In the past year and a half a large amount of qualified staff have resigned including the head of costume, head of community theatre, head of DTA and the author of a leading stage management book. These professionals are what made the course at Queen Margaret great. I’m sure the current members of staff are also excellent but questions should be raised why there has been such a high staff turn over and the impact this is having on teaching and learning?

As far as I could tell from the course outline and information available the person in charge of the new course isn’t actually experienced in the related fields of Drama and Performance. Again what impact is this going to have on the learning outcomes and overall course content?

I am raising these questions as a concerned teacher and ex graduated.

As acting subject coordinator for Drama in East Lothian we have not been consulted as a region as to the needs of our pupils, the continuity of Drama from Standard Grade through to Higher Still and then onto degree level. I am also aware that The University of Edinburgh, School of Education hasn’t been consulted over the new course and it’s impact it’s going to have on teacher training in Scotland.

The Higher Still courses asks pupil to specialise in various areas of Drama and I’m concerned of the lack of training in Scotland for pupils to continue with their specialised interest.

Moray House turn out a large majority of Scotland’s Secondary school teachers of Drama and the graduates from the Drama and Theatre Arts course excel in the post graduate course because of the content and learning experience we had during our training. Those who took Community Theatre were ideal candidates for the teaching course.

Having been a teacher now for a number of years and set up Drama departments in two separate schools the DTA course was ideal for those wanting to be a teacher, as well as other carers.I have used my knowlededge to create engaging courses that would enable young people the chance to go onto higher/further education and be equipped with the skills need to excel.

According to students currently at QM the new course will not have the in-depth sepcialism time that we had (going from 120 credits to 60 – I think, can someone from QM clarify this?) What impact is this going to have on the industry?

Another major concern I have is that the Head of School isn’t actually a Drama professional but media and from what I can see a new course being offered in Stage and Screen between the School of Drama and School of Media is going to pave way for a super faculty of Drama and Media, merging the two schools. So in theory we would have lost the school of Drama all together.

I am passionate, as we all our, about our subjects and my concern is what I see as a ‘dumbing down’ of three fantastic courses. I had an amazing time at the university, taught by some outstanding people.

As a teacher and as a professional I am deeply concerned about what is happening at Queen Margaret, as I’m sure a lot of others are too. What do people think? Am I wrong in questioning? Do our young people deserve better opportunities?

I suppose I am raising these questions as a concerned teacher, educator, professional and ex graduate! I know I am not the only teacher in Scotland to feel like this. I have asked QM to meet the teachers of Drama in East Lothian to discuss with us the new course.

I’m opening it up for debate!

Well today seen HRH Queen Elizabeth II open the new Queen Margaret University Campus in Musselburgh.

Knox Academy were honoured to be invited to the opening and we took six members of our student council to the State visit. Representing Knox were our Head Boy, Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy, A representive from 4th year, 3rd year and 2nd year and were accompanied by Ms Duff (PT Citizenship) and myself. I think I am correct in saying we were the only school representing East Lothian. The pupils were brilliant and really looked great in their Dress code and made their first public outing as the new student council at Knox. I’m sure the Queen was happy!

In previous posts I have spoken of the great work the final year students of the Drama and Theatre Arts course have done with the Drama pupils at Knox in the Mussel-In project. Today seen their efforts recongised as they performed right in front of HRH Queen Elizabeth (she was sitting in the front row and one wrong kick from dancing chip man in the play could have caused damaged!)

It’s not everyday you get to perform for Royalty and the pupils from Knox Academy shone in their role and the Queen seemed to enjoy it giving them a round of applause after their production.

I would like to thank once again the Students from QM who have worked so hard with our pupils, thank you. I would also like to thank every Knox pupil who represented their school today on stage or off. We may not all be Royalists but at least this is a memory we won’t forget.

(on a different note… very sad to be back as an ex graduate knowing that the school of Drama is no more but also interesting to see that most visual displays were all from the School of Drama! mmm interesting!)

So I have now, successfully, finished my first year at the fantastic Knox Academy and all I can say is roll on next year. Looking back over the past year I can honestly say it has a pleasure to work such committed teachers and amazing pupils.

Highlights this year include:

• Setting up my studio with my posters and visual aids and meeting my classes
• the S6 Pantomime ‘Cinderella’. A great rehearsal period and production that went down well with everyone who seen it. Great songs, dances, acting and great audiences.
• The senior play ‘In Holland Stands a House’. The pupils really took on board the challenges of staging a small intimate studio performance. This play also was the FIRST production at Knox Academy and we made the audience cry!
• Holocaust Memorial Day – An emotional experence enabling every pupil in Knox look at the themes of the Holocaust through the eyes of young people. It was great to see all our hard work pay off during our assemblies and the wall of silence that hit you after the string group stopped playing.
• Working with students from Queen Margaret University and enabling our young people to create an Award Winning piece of Drama.
• Creating the ‘Across the Pond Theatre Project’ with Carol in America which aims to enable our pupils to engage in various arts form from other countries.
• Seeing the department grow from just teaching S1 and S2 and S6 to having Two Standard Grade Drama classes and a Higher Class as well as two senior Acting Classes and the S1 and S2.
• Having two students accepted in Scottish Youth Theatre Summer School
• Fantastic trip to London with S2/S3 pupils.
• Seeing two students leave Knox Academy and pursue a career in Drama at Drama School.
• Attending my first Knox Academy Prom Night.

What am I looking forward to in session 2008/2009

• Higher Drama Investigative Drama performances in Oct.
• Senior Play (More News Later)
• Junior Play (More News Later)
• The First Knox Academy Musical (more News Later)
• New York, New York! CAN NOT WAIT!
• working with my two Standard Grade Classes on exciting projects.
• Creating more work with ‘Across the Pond’
• Possible exciting trip for Activities Week to the birth place of Theatre.

The Future is Bright… The Future is DRAMA!

I would like to take this time to say a few thank yous and goodbyes;

Thank to Mrs Craig who has fully supported me in everything I do and who’s door has always been open. Mrs Black for being my Faculty Head and dealing with any issues as soon as she could. To my wonderful pupils who with you I wouldn’t want to be in this job, you inspire the Drama we create and your ability to take everything I throw at you is amazing. Loving your work. To the S6 students of 2007/2008 – you were fantastic to work with. To all the staff at Knox who have helped pupils engage in Drama or who have supported the department. To you my readers (do I have any??? lol) a blog without readers is like an play without an audience.

Goodbyes! (CRY)

To Claire; thank you so much for all your help with the Pantomime and all your ideas for dance. You’ve been great to work with. To Andy, Fiona, Gill and Katie; You are great and will be a loss to Knox! All the best!

So that’s it! We’re off now for seven weeks – meeting the Queen on Friday with pupils and that’s my final duty of this session. Again thank you everyone and I will see you all in Session 2008/2009 – which to be honest… looks like another great year at Knox Academy!

As you have read in my previous post; pupils created an Award Winning Drama with Students from Queen Margaret University. The Mussell-Inn project has been an amazing opportunity for our pupils and they have gained a lot from the experience.

As a school, Knox Academy, has created a great relationship with the people running the project and has been great, as an ex graduate, to see the excellent work of the tutors continue in this difficult time (see No room for the arts).

We recieved good news on Friday that our students will be performing the award winning Drama for the Queen on July 4th. Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II will open the University and she has asked to see the Drama. This is a great expereince for our young people and they are very excited about the opportunity to act infront of her.

In a recent post I spoke out a collaborative projected between Knox Academy and Queen Margaret University. 10 pupils from S1 worked with final year community theatre students from the BA(Hons) Drama and Theatre Arts course. The final piece told the story of a small town in East Lothian called North Barr.  The pupils worked really hard and seeing the finished product was a joy to watch with some great storytelling and imagery used. A big thank you to the four students from QM who worked really hard on their project to make it a success. It gave our pupils a real chance to shine and show the people of East Lothian the talent we have here at Knox Academy.  The ‘Mussel-In’ project received the Santander Community Award for contribution to their local community with Knox Academy sharing the award. We are over the moon for all those involved and again a big thank you to everyone who supported the project. The four students who created the project should be very proud of their work and I’m sure we will see them nuturing the young talent of Scotland in the coming years.

Sad news leaked today that East Lothian’s new educational institute – Queen Margaret University - is to axe its School of Drama and Creative Industries! There are only two ‘conservatoire’ training schools in Scotland for Drama; Queen Margaret and The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Both schools have been under threat with RSAMD having to cut £600,000 from it’s budget next year. As an ex graduate from Queen Margaret I am devastated, gutted and emotional by this new direction. The School of Drama has been on a downward slope since leaving the Gateway Theatre on Elm Row to join the new campus; students have had to put up with cramped working conditions, non sound proof studios, no theatre and non creative surroundings. Having already had two students begin their training at Drama school, one starting this year and being a teacher of tomorrow’s creative artists I am left without words at what this country is doing to our future. A very sad day indeed for our future artists. for more details click here for the article in the Scotsman.

So the BBC are now doing a new talent search; first Maria, then Joeseph and now they are looking for a Nancy and an Oliver to star in the new West End production of OLIVER!

The final 12 girls have been announced and I am so happy that my friend from Drama school at Queen Margaret University has made it through to the finals!

Ashley is totally amazing and gives her all in everything she does! She constantly makes you laugh and has a voice to die for! She was two years below me at Drama school but we got on so well; we both loved ‘Sex and the City’. She played the role of Ida in our production of HONK! and sung ‘All the wasted Time’ at the showcase for her year!

I really hope she gets the part! She is the only Scot in the contest and John Barrowman has said she is his favourite to win! So fingers crossed!

Hope you will all get out your phones and VOTE for her! She has done a lot, gave up a lot and has the passion to do this.

I’ll be having ‘I’d do anything parties’ at school!

Find out more about the talent search here and hear Ash sing here