Handbook contains drama lessons for our schoolkids

SIX West Cork teachers have designed and piloted drama lessons suitable for middle and senior classes in primary school.

The project, under the baton of Helen Hallissey, was supported by the previous director of West Cork Education centre Mary O’Donovan, the current director Dr Dympna Daly and the former director of Dublin West education centre, Dr Gerard McHugh.

Funding for this unique collaboration has been made by the Department of Education and Skills.

The project took three years to complete and involved over 100 pupils in three different schools: Our Lady of Mercy NS, Bantry; Rathbarry NS and Derryclough NS. The teachers/authors involved are: Helen Hallissey, Rachel Sweetnam, Marjorie Walsh, Katrina O’Leary, Niamh Twomey and Adam O’Leary.

The handbook was launched at the West Cork Education centre, Dunmanway recently by Dr Gerard McHugh. The launch took place at the statue of Sam Maguire in the Square, Dunmanway, when the teachers read aloud fictional letters to and from Sam Maguire to various people including his mother, Michael Collins, his former teacher, his friend Liam McCarthy and to the people of Dunmanway.

The talented drama teachers then entertained the audience with samples of their drama lessons and invited participation in an evening of theatre. Chairperson Bob Allen congratulated the teachers on their wonderful work on producing this handbook of drama lessons for teachers in West Cork.

The 44-page handbook was edited by Helen Hallissey and is packed with drama ideas for pupils and teachers in 120 primary schools in West Cork. Each school will receive a complimentary copy of the handbook.