Transforming Literacy Learning Through Drama

Transforming Literacy Learning Through Drama

Annabel Scholes

This practical workshop, currently being trialled in Canberra schools, will share the methodology of the School Drama^TM program, developed by Sydney Theatre Company and The University of Sydney’s School of Education and Social Work with Professor Robyn Ewing AM. School Drama is a professional development program for primary school teachers, which demonstrates the impact of using drama-based pedagogy combined with quality children’s literature to teach a range of English and literacy skills including inferential comprehension, confidence in oracy, descriptive language and narrative writing. Research into the program has indicated increased student outcomes in both academic (English and literacy) and non-academic (engagement, motivation, confidence and empathy) areas. Teachers will leave this practical and engaging workshop with a range of practical process drama-based strategies to use when teaching literature in any primary classroom context.

About Annabel

Annabel has trained as a teacher and as a theatre director. She has worked for numerous theatre and entertainment companies in a variety of roles including Education Manager at Sydney Theatre Company, Commercial Program Manager at Canberra Theatre Centre and was the Resident Director of Disney’s The Lion King.

She has also taught in high schools in Sydney, Goulburn and Bowral and at Charles Sturt University in Bathurst as a lecturer in Communication, Public Relations and Theatre.

She is currently working in Canberra Primary Schools delivering Sydney Theatre Company’s School Drama program for the Canberra Theatre Centre.