Chichester
2006 Modern Theatre and Tap Courses
Arriving at Bishop Otter Campus late on the
Saturday evening was almost like attending a school
reunion with many familiar faces ready to greet you
warmly. Having not attended the course for three years
I settled in my room feeling a little trepidation and
began to consider the week ahead.
As always the teaching staff were of extremely high
calibre, enriching classes with an abundance of enthusiasm
and a wealth of knowledge, encompassing fresh ideas
and teaching practices.
The timetable was expertly arranged with plenty of choice
and scope enabling the individual to study Grades/Majors
in full detail or, if needed, a quick revision. On top
of that there were optional extras such as Pilates,
Contemporary and Improvisation. Free Tap and Jazz classes
gave a fantastic opportunity to obtain great new ideas
and an insight into so many other styles and techniques.
My aim for the week was to become completely confident
on preparing students for FDI and CDE examinations.
What a joy to work with the team of Paddy Hurlings,
Helen Green. Katie Morea and Sarah Wilson who were so
encouraging to those preparing for their forthcoming
FDI or CDE Exams. The atmosphere within these classes
was warm and supportive and so clearly laid out. Everyone
came away secure in the knowledge of exactly what was
expected of them, with all queries sorted and ironed
out!
As always, by the end of the week I came away feeling
exhausted both physically and mentally. But also completely
fired up for the new term ahead and full of new ideas
to try, syllabus detail to sort and just a contagious
enthusiasm for the teaching of dance. Well done to all
of the excellent staff involved. Even though we all
suffered from tired and aching muscles, we all had a
'fab' time. Many thanks from me and from all who survived
the 'Chichester Experience'!
Sarah
Watson
CDE Lifespan Development and Learning in Dance
Many people may be apprehensive about writing essays,
preparing tasks, or possibly taking written examinations
in order to meet the requirements of the new teaching
qualifications.
It is appreciated that many teachers, whose time is
already fully committed to their school and family,
will find it very difficult to allocate periods for
study.
Over the past 12 months, while teaching the units associated
with Health and Safety and Lifespan Development, it
has become apparent how essential they are to the ongoing
development of professional dance teachers. Those who
have joined a course or worked with a Distance Learning
Tutor soon appreciate the level of extended knowledge
that the units provide.
Chichester this year saw an enthusiastic group of teachers
undertake the CDE Lifespan Development and Learning
in Dance sessions. The 12 hour course was spread over
two days and proved very successful.
On being asked to take the course, I must admit to being
very sceptical that all the topics could be covered
in such a short time. However, everyone applied themselves
to the task and stayed totally focused until the topics
were completed, by which time we all felt a little drained.
Notes were taken on subjects such as the cephalocaudal
and proximodistal patterns of growth in both young children
and teenagers, together with how we need to adjust our
teaching expectations when taking girls and boys of
various ages and how we train the brain to remember
a new routine. Useful discussions were conducted on
how we could encourage more boys to join dance classes
and the benefits to young children, teenagers and adults
of attending lessons.
The teachers worked in groups and discussed different
teaching styles and the benefits and disadvantages of
different methods that can be employed. Course members
completed a questionnaire to establish their preferred
learning style. This helped the teachers to understand
how students learn in different ways, factors that should
be considered when planning lessons. The weekend proved
very inspiring as knowledge and experiences were freely
exchanged with other members of the class.
Sunday afternoon saw the teachers depart for home and
their own teaching environment, fully armed with knowledge
and handouts to help them undertake their tasks with
the guidance of a Distance Learning Tutor or prepare
to take the examination. They felt that covering the
work in the space of one weekend proved very useful,
as it is not always easy to travel to a course on a
weekly basis due to work commitments. In general the
teachers found it an advantage to be able to go through
the work with others who shared the same anxieties and
problems. As a result they asked that more courses of
this nature be run in the future.
Bronda Dossett is Distance Learning Tutor and Course
Lecturer for FDI & CDE
Bronda
Dossett
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