Playing a Part

Drama is direct and immediate and this book shows how effectively it can be used to support the new curriculum subject of Citizenship Education, by putting students in someone else's shoes. It provides inspiration and guidance to teachers and youth group leaders for enabling secondary school students and youth groups to develop their skills for democracy: their oracy, non-verbal communication, listening, debating and public speaking. The section on using plays covers theatre trips, performances by visiting companies, and working on drama texts. Examples of drama exercises follow, in which students devise and share from their own experiences, improve scenes, engage in drama games and work in role. The book includes the text of the author's own short play, Making a Difference, and this is used as a case study to illustrate ways for students to enhance their understanding of government and engage directly with politicians. Playing a Part is for use in secondary schools and with youth groups and out-of-school activities. Drama and English teachers and teachers and teachers of Citzenship will find it a powerful and supportive resource.