Integrating Drama with Primary and Junior Education

A sense of mystery surrounds the subject of drama within primary and junior education, compounded by the assumption that the individual modalities of the experts in the field are exclusive rather than inclusive. This has fostered obscurity and confusion as to what constitutes drama, and indeed how drama should be taught. The direct consequence of such misconception and erroneous supposition is the beggared implication of drama. However, in an era of primary and junior education when the Arts generally, and drama specifically, are being given a dutiful nod at best, it is of critical importance that a solution to this problematic predicament be established.

This work offers such knowledge by deconstructing the methodologies and philosophies of Winifred Ward, Peter Slade, Brian Way, Dorothy Heathcote and David Hornbrook within the neutral framework of Aristotle’s dictates for drama. These pioneers from the field of drama within education exemplify individual, unique and exclusive styles. Traditionally they would have been considered as incompatible. However, an unbiased examination and analysis of their work exposes mutual concerns, common threads, as well as polemic opinions. A definitive conclusion is thereby charted, offering a solution based in tolerance, knowledge and respect.