Teaching the Teachers
Wow – it’s been yet another hectic week! No rest for the wicked, eh?
This week I’ve been working hard with our Regional Partner Simon Fielding on developing a new series of training courses for our Perform teachers.
Simon originally joined us 9 years ago as a Producer - and then soon became an Area Partner, visiting schools, evaluating teachers etc, but last term we decided to set him a brand new challenge. We’re focusing on growth here at Perform, but I’m absolutely passionate about ensuring that standards don’t slip as we grow. You see, unlike all other children’s drama classes, we don’t operate as franchises – instead, all Perform schools are centrally managed and they all run the same curriculum so we can maintain the high quality of our workshops across the board.
Over the years Simon’s been instrumental in helping to evolve the Perform style of teaching that we a call ‘learning through laughter’. He is staggeringly good at his job and such an inspiring trainer.
The One Where I Get Cross About Overly Indulgent Parenting
Dear readers, this particular post is in grave danger of dissolving into an incoherent rant of epic proportions – hopefully I can hold it together long enough to put forward my argument in a sane and sensible way… Hold on to your hats, boys and girls.
Let’s travel back in time a little. I am six years old. My Mum (at my insistence I might add) has signed me up for a ten week term of ballet classes. At first, I am overjoyed. I love ballet more than anything else in the world. I fully plan on being a ballet dancer one day.
And then, quite inexplicably, half way through the term I change my mind. No-one knows quite why. But I don’t want to go any more. Cue stamping of feet, slamming of doors and much wailing. My Mum stands firm. She tells me that I have to go – I’m signed up for the full term, she’s paid good money for it; and besides which she knows that I actually enjoy it.
Sulking, I go.
And she’s right – I do enjoy it. I enjoy it so much, that at the end of the term I beg and plead her to sign me up for another term.
Summertime… But the Living Ain’t Easy!
If I had a £1 for every person who said “Oh that must be a lovely job – nice long Summer holidays, huh?”, I’d be rich beyond my wildest dreams and sunning myself on my own idyllic island – cocktail in hand. I might also have someone peeling me grapes, not because I have a particular aversion to grape skin, but just because it seems marvellously decadent.
The truth is, whilst the Summer holidays have arrived, sadly I’m far too busy to relax and enjoy them.
Contrary to what you might expect, the Summer is far and away the busiest time for us at all at Perform. In addition to running the holiday courses, we’re all rushed off our feet putting the plans in place for next term’s curriculum. There are producers and writers to commission not to mention the teachers – who of course have to be taught the new songs and routines.
As an example of the sort of work that goes on, check out this video of some of our teachers learning the Fairytale Dance for last term.
This Month in the Blogosphere – July 2010
Hello and welcome to this month in the blogosphere – July 2010 edition.
Essentially it’s a round up post of anything and everything which has made me inadvertently snort tea out of my nostrils, inspired me, made me cry or is otherwise note-worthy. I’m hoping to make this a monthly feature so if you’ve any suggestions for future inclusions please contact me via twitter or email me – lucyquickk (at) googlemail (dot) com – (oh and yes, that’s right – two ks – my proper name was already taken – I’m always late to the party).
So, got your tea / coffee / wine / G & T at the ready? Let’s get stuck in:
First up is Positive Thoughts for Annie by MummyZen – a post which is both so sad and yet so inspiring it’s a must read. I’m sure you’ll all join me in sending some super-strength positive thoughts Annie’s way.
