Meet Our Teacher Training Subject Specialists: Secondary Drama PGCE

Here at the University of Huddersfield, our Teacher Training courses are designed to equip future educators with the skills, knowledge and practical experience they need to thrive in the classroom. A key part of that success is the expertise and passion of our subject specialists.

In this blog, Paul Bateson, Senior Practitioner for Drama, offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes our Secondary PGCE distinctive. He explains how our dedicated subject-specific weeks help trainees connect theory to practice, shares the unique opportunities available to Drama teachers in training, and gives his advice on building a professional identity and preparing for the challenges and rewards of teaching Drama.

What makes the Secondary PGCE at Huddersfield distinctive for Drama?

I think two things in particular stand out:

1. The specialist-focused elements such as our dedicated subject weeks
2. The strong local networks we have with our partner schools and mentors.

Over the years, we’ve built fantastic relationships with Drama departments across the district. Many mentors are returning graduates who are experienced, imaginative and inspiring. They often join us during subject weeks, which are the jewel in the crown of our offer.

Trainees spend three dedicated weeks immersed in Drama, working in subject-specific groups alongside invited guests and experienced practitioners. These weeks create the time and space to innovate, building on the work of seminal drama educators while exploring contemporary approaches. Sessions are practical and reflective, covering everything from Shakespeare and slapstick to puppetry and projection.

How do subject-specific weeks help trainees connect theory to practice?

The learning is tangible. Although thought-provoking and theoretical, subject weeks fundamentally give trainees a toolkit of activities and tasks to use in their own classrooms.

Through combined teaching from myself, school mentors, returning Early Careers Teachers, and invited speakers like Hywel Roberts, Dr Lisa Stephenson, LUNG Theatre and other theatre organisations, we explore:

• The dramatic canon: Shakespeare, slapstick, puppetry, video projection
• Play texts and devising
• Acting skills and techniques
• Genre, style and production elements.

What are the key opportunities available through training to teach Drama?

Our employment rates are excellent, close to 100% in Theatre or Drama Education, and around 75% in local schools in recent years.

To support trainees, we provide access to:

• National events including CPD opportunities and conferences
• Subject associations (often with student concessions)
• A collaborative, career-minded community of mentors and alumni

What do you hope trainees take away from their time with you?

I hope they leave knowing that teaching is fun and worthwhile. Drama teachers have the licence to use their professional imagination to plan great lessons.

Working in Initial Teacher Education is a real privilege. Every year I’m buoyed and uplifted by the creativity and commitment of people wanting to train to teach. It’s the best job in the world and I’m proud to be part of that journey.