Editorial: Autumn Term 2 2018-19

I have been reminded recently of the value and importance of drama in the school curriculum, because I've been doing some corporate role-play work, helping lawyers and insurance salespeople to navigate challenging interpersonal scenarios in the workplace.

It is extraordinary how effective the basic skills of listening and empathising – so inherent in all drama work – are to the improvement of everyday interactions and processes in business. The training that we as actors are able to offer these businesspeople can make a far more wide-ranging impact than any business nous they might be offered elsewhere.

It's amused me in particular that applicants for roles and promotions are judged, among other things, on what in corporate speak is termed their ‘interpersonal savvy’ – that is to say, being a human being, and noticing the human being opposite you. It is my belief that nothing at school could prepare people for that very necessary skill-set so well as drama classes. The work that our drama teachers are doing is setting up young people for a greater competence than their peers in all walks of life, and as such, it is essential.