JULIE

CHESHIRE

I am a Core Member for Drama Matters and a Bridge Builder for Cheshire. I became involved with Drama Matters whilst developing networking links as a one-person department and have accepted the role as a Bridge Builder to support fellow practitioners and educators. I am Head of Performing Arts at a High School in Chester, a Specialist Support Leader (SSL) for Cheshire West and Chester (CWAC) and a member of the CWAC Local Cultural Education Partnerships (LCEP).

I have built the Performing Arts Department from scratch, where KS3 Drama is delivered once a fortnight alongside SMSC through Drama once a fortnight, and a large uptake at KS4 for the BTEC L1/L2 Tech Award in Performing Arts. I have developed strong links with local Colleges and Sixth Form providers, the University of Chester and the local Arts Centre, with which we are a partnership school.

I am an established mentor for the PGCE Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Program, supporting ITTs from the University of Chester, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), Edge Hill University and Liverpool John Moore’s University. I have delivered lectures to PGCE students on creative practice; building relationships, resilience and respect in the Dama Studio; linking theory to practice, and the delivery of SMSC through Drama, and am actively involved in collaborative teaching and learning experiences for ITTs in secondary placements for both Drama and SMSC.

I have researched, planned and created a Language for Resilience project which was launched in my school to support students with their mental health and wellbeing, particularly in light of the effects of Covid-19 restrictions on socialization and attendance. I have currently just finished a Doctor of Education (EdD) program at the University of Chester as a part-time student and my thesis explores how Drama supports the mental health and wellbeing of students in secondary school education.

I am honoured to be a part of the Drama Matters family.