Message from the Chief Executive

It is so hard to believe that it is the end of another year again and that the time has come for me to write this message.

Looking back on 2005, the year has really been one of continuing with projects already established and consolidating our position for the future. The ISTD continues to follow QCA developments and policies ensuring that our teachers are in the strongest possible position for the future, both in terms of their own professional status and in the standard of syllabi they are able to offer their students.

The major new development of 2005 has been the purchasing, refurbishing and opening of our new studio premises, ISTD2, based at 346 Old Street in London. With two Theatre studios, a Dance Sport studio, two meeting rooms and a lecture room, we now feel much better equipped to deal with current and future requirements. Sadly, our official opening on 7th July was postponed because of the London bombs, but the re-scheduled event on 22nd September was even more successful because all work was, by then, fully complete. Thank you to Mrs Peggy Spencer MBE for officially opening the building and for her inspiring speech. There are now no studio facilities at HQ as the administrative functions have expanded to cope with an ever-increasing workload.

Our Education & Training Department, in particular, has expanded to ensure that the best possible help and advice is offered to teachers during a time of transition to new teaching qualifications. I would urge teachers to use the services offered by the department to help them through the process and, if they have not already done so, to submit their APL applications as soon as possible. If your APL outcome informs you that you have a written assignment to complete, again I would urge you not to leave this to the last minute but to gain as much guidance and support as you can so that you can complete the task in good time.

A successful Spring Refresher for the Theatre and Dance Sport Faculties was held in March, followed by another wonderful Dinner Dance. Both the Theatre and Dance Sport Faculties held Congresses in Worthing this year, the Dance Sport at the end of July and the Theatre in a much less sunny October! All events have been attended by enthusiastic participants who gained a tremendous amount from the lectures and classes on offer.

It is traditional for me at this time of year to offer my thanks to various groups of people and this is done with heartfelt sincerity as they all help to make my job easier and for the ISTD to function effectively. Firstly, I would like to thank the ISTD Council for its support and vision, also the Faculty committees, all examiners and organisers. My thanks go, as always, to the staff and to the management team - Jenny French, Cathy Browne, Jon Singleton, Cynthia Pease, Claire Buckley (née Skelton) and Sarah Combes. Finally, I would like to offer particular thanks to all our teachers for their courage, patience and support over the year.

I look forward to contact with you over the coming year and, in the meantime, I wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Michael J Browne
Chief Executive
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