| Course Comments |
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‘These courses will provide you with practical activities and fill you with enthusiasm for drama.’
‘There was great use of a variety of techniques and audio and visual resources to show how a lesson could be used with dramatic techniques. The delivery style of the workshop was very effective. It was structured yet flexible. Everyone relaxed early on through the warm-up/ice-breaker style games and each participant was made to feel welcome and comfortable. I felt the day was well structured and organised. It wasn’t long enough!! Another whole day would be fun!’
‘I particularly appreciated the opportunity to write down questions at the start, which were answered during the course of the day. I really enjoyed the hands on approach, which illustrated different ways into a script and demonstrated how games can set the tone as well as highlight skills and learning.’
‘The most valuable aspect was actually having time to experience the ideas myself so that I knew what it would feel like to be in a group being asked to try these ideas - I went through the process. People were generous with their ideas, which meant we all moved forward. Everyone seemed to be committed to using drama to extend children’s experiences and learning.’
‘Thanks so much for a fantastic workshop, you've removed some of the terror I had about directing my students without any formal training in that area. I got a real confidence boost by learning there is no right or wrong way to direct - just experiment. I thought it was a very well organised and planned workshop and I learnt lots more useful games and exercises.’
‘I have been a professional actor and drama teacher for thirty five years and would recommend David Farmer's approach to drama to everyone. You may have read David's book but it is not until you have taken part in his workshop that you can see and appreciate the benefits to yourself and the students. This course is exceptionally good value for money.'
'The
course content covered the age range well and definitely demonstrated
how to use literature as a spring board for drama. I also felt all the
techniques we had a go at were relevant to all age groups and could be
adapted as necessary.'
'David's workshops were extremely successful and the teachers really appreciated and benefited from the experience. The workshops inspired a great deal of creativity and provided them with practical activities they could use with pupils - from simple warm-ups and language games to drama exploring deeper issues. All the teachers took an active part, and even those who were less confident felt moved to join in, although David exerted no pressure on them to do so.'
'I put myself on the course to overcome my inhibitions and lack of
knowledge as to how to use drama effectively within my primary school
teaching. The others on the course had, in many cases, extensive drama
backgrounds but I was made to feel welcome and supported by the group
throughout the day. I thoroughly enjoyed the course and would
recommend it to anyone who needs good ideas and to discover how to have
fun with drama. Thank you David for the relaxed atmosphere, friendly
group and supportive class, I went home that night brimming with ideas.'
'David Farmer's wealth of practical knowledge and his encouraging
approach are appreciated by newcomers as well as the more experienced,
creating a relaxing atmosphere highly conducive to learning.'
'You
were happy to provide a one day dramatic workshop for our group
consisting of ages 8-50! Everybody worked well together and from the
theatrical skills you provided we were able to incorporate them in our
next production.'
'Thank you for a really inspiring workshop. You were dealing with a variety of participants with different needs, but all of us left feeling uplifted. As a leader of workshops myself, I learnt a lot about creating ideas according to the needs of participants, and adapting accordingly.'
'The fact that it was all practical made all the ideas memorable and I
feel confident using them, having seen them in action. The other people
there on the day were great and it was therapeutic to laugh a lot and
just have fun! I feel confident teaching but can get a bit shy in front
of my peers in a workshop type of situation. This workshop began in
such a gentle and fun way that I didn't feel shy at all. It boosted my
own confidence and I think playing these games will also develop
confidence in the children I teach.'
'Playing
the games enabled me to get in touch with my fun childlike side again
and I particularly enjoyed the work we did in pairs when we were free
to improvise together.'
'Thank you once again for running the session. We had lots of very
positive comments from the delegates about it and I spotted ‘What are
you doing?’ being played at a few tables at the dinner later that
evening! It was really helpful for the delegates to see the games in
action so they could visualise them and appreciate how they can deliver
them. It had been a very long day and the real change of pace and style
was refreshing for them.' - May Parker
'I found the whole day valuable. Even though I already knew a lot of
the games it was useful to actually take part in them instead of always
being the facilitator. I had forgotten quite a lot about all the drama
techniques, but all through the day I kept thinking to myself "I do
know about this, I did it when I was training to be an actor and that's
what it's called. Brilliant I remember." I came away feeling totally
refreshed and inspired. Already this week I've put lots of it into
practice and I feel heaps more confident in myself. Thank you!'
'I
spent a wonderfully interesting and productive day at David's workshop
which resulted in my learning new techniques, skills and games. These I
am already using and putting into practice. I enjoyed myself SO much!'
'It was fun and we learned from you and from each other a lot. Hope to see you soon and talk about future projects.' |