Developing teaching skills at Glyndebourne workshop

Our new student English, and Art and Design teachers spent a day at Glyndebourne Opera House at the start of their one-year course.

The whole-day workshop was led by Glyndebourne’s composer and conductor Howard Moody, and choreographer Mike Ashcroft and involved Glyndebourne soloists Michael and Therese. The day was inspired by the opera Il turco in Italia, which translates to The Turk in Italy.

The student teachers were involved in a series of activities designed to build confidence, trust and collaboration, and to develop voice and movement – vital for classroom presence. They developed character and narrative, designing words and action to convey the story.

Gaining first-hand experience of interactive pedagogies helps to develop student teachers’ practice. Although for some it was outside of their comfort zone the day helped build resilience and to appreciate that their own pupils may experience similar in lessons.

The day culminated in a promenade performance of the scenes they’d developed in small groups – it was amazing to witness what they had achieved in such a short space of time.

Comments from the day included:

“It really helped with getting over nerves one might have about public speaking and public performance.”

“The support from the staff was excellent, and really helped to bring out the importance of using your voice, which will be very helpful when beginning to teach.”

“The workshop taught me to project my voice and control the room.”

“I gained the confidence to perform in front of others. This will be immeasurably helpful in the classroom.”

Anne Denmead, Secondary English PGCE lead, said: “The workshops were a really exciting way for the students to develop their teacher presence, active learning strategies and understanding of narrative.

“Activities like this, alongside gaining subject knowledge, help to ensure our student teachers are fully prepared for the classroom.”

Julie Howard, Secondary Art and Design PGCE lead, added: “Our teaching courses have a long-established relationship with Glyndebourne, including an opportunity to be artist in residence.

“We’ll be returning to Glyndebourne on 22 October so the student teachers can see Il turco in Italia performed.”

Find out how you can become a teacher with the University of Brighton.

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