Practical, engaging drama training for non-specialist teachers

With the introduction of Drama, Film and Theatre Studies at Leaving Certificate level, many schools are finding themselves in an exciting, but unfamiliar, position.

In many cases, teachers delivering drama may not have a formal background in the subject. While official training provides a foundation, there is often a need for practical, classroom-ready strategies that build confidence quickly.

That’s where I come in.

About Me:

I’m Fiona McDonnell — a qualified drama teacher and pastoral leader with over 10 years of experience teaching Drama and 7 years of international experience across leading schools in Korea, Hong Kong, and China.

I completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Drama at the University of Warwick and hold Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in Drama. I am currently completing a Master’s in Educational Leadership, due for completion in May 2026.

I have taught drama across a range of curricula, including IB, IGCSE, and GCSE, and have extensive experience in:

  • classroom teaching

  • ensemble and devising work

  • performance and productions

  • speech and drama training (including LAMDA)

My teaching is grounded in both academic rigour and creativity. In 2023, over 85% of my IGCSE Drama cohort achieved A–A*, and 100% achieved a B grade or higher.

Alongside my teaching, I have held pastoral leadership roles, which have shaped my approach to prioritising student confidence, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging in the classroom.

What I Offer:

I provide practical, supportive training for teachers who want to feel more confident delivering drama — regardless of their background.

My approach is:

  • ✔ practical (no jargon or overly theoretical content)

  • ✔ classroom-focused (everything is usable immediately)

  • ✔ supportive (no expectation of prior drama experience)

  • ✔ adaptable to your school context

  • ✔ engaging and enjoyable — because drama should be as fun to teach as it is to learn

Workshops are designed to model the kind of classroom environment we want for students:
active, creative, inclusive, and energising, while still maintaining clear learning outcomes and structure.

Teachers leave not only with strategies and resources, but with a renewed sense of confidence and enthusiasm for teaching drama.

Packages

  • A 2-hour introductory workshop

    Designed for teachers new to drama or lacking confidence in delivering it.

    Focus areas include:

    • Simple, effective warm-ups

    • Structuring a drama lesson

    • Managing group work and participation

    • Building confidence as a non-specialist

  • A half-day practical workshop

    Ideal for teachers who have begun teaching drama and want more structure and depth.

    Focus areas include:

    • Planning engaging lessons from start to finish

    • Introducing devising and creative work

    • Managing group tasks effectively

    • Supporting students towards performance outcomes

    Includes a digital resource pack of lesson ideas and templates.

  • A full-day training and demonstration experience

    A comprehensive, hands-on day for schools developing their drama provision.

    Includes:

    • Teacher CPD workshop

    • Live demonstration lesson with students

    • Planning session and Q&A

    Focus:

    • What good drama teaching actually looks like in practice

    • Modelling a high-quality drama lesson with students

    • Supporting teachers in planning their next 4–6 weeks

Popular

🎓 Optional Focus: Leaving Certificate Drama & Theatre Studies

For schools delivering or preparing to deliver the new subject, the day can include a tailored focus on:

  • Understanding the structure and demands of the course

  • Approaches to teaching devising, performance, and reflection

  • Supporting students in developing key skills and confidence

  • Translating practical classroom work into assessable outcomes

Optional add-on:

  • Sample lesson sequences aligned with course components

  • Practical classroom resources to support delivery

📄 Additional Resources

Schools can also access optional:

  • Ready-to-use lesson plans

  • Drama games and warm-ups

  • Devising frameworks

  • Simple assessment strategies

Who is this for:

  • Schools introducing Drama, Film and Theatre Studies

  • English teachers or non-specialists delivering drama

  • Schools looking to build confidence in drama teaching

  • Teachers who want practical ideas that actually work

Get In Touch

If you’re interested in bringing drama support to your school, I’d love to hear from you.

I offer both in-person workshops and online sessions, depending on your needs.