Julie's Chester Made Story: Chester opened doors to a bright and exciting future where I can make a difference for our future generations of students

As an undergraduate student entering the world of higher education at the ripe old age of 30, the thing that stands out to me the most about the University of Chester was the encouragement to be myself. Whilst at grammar school (1976-1981) it was dictated to me by Mother Christina, our Mother Superior, that the only options for me post 16 were to be a mother, a teacher or a nun, as they were considered to be the only respectable roles for a good Catholic girl. These options were not at all inspiring for a working-class teenager who spent her spare time singing, dancing and playing football. Grammar school education was restricted, with learning dictated and no room for discussion, inquiry or debate. If we failed to conform, we were administered the cane. In Year 7, we sat a written test. If we passed, we would learn Latin, if we failed, we studied Drama. I wrote my name on the paper and put my pen down. My Drama lessons were fun, opinions were encouraged and we became creative explorers.

Fast-forward 19 years and I entered Chester College (as it was known at the time, affiliated with the University of Liverpool) as a mature student, married with 2 children, where I was introduced to the magical worlds of Drama and Theatre Studies and English Literature. University life was liberating. I was presented with countless opportunities to be creative, to express myself, to experiment, explore and question. 

Drama and Theatre Studies was taught in the Old College, a part of the University secreted away amid paved walkways and raised beds of shrubs and trees. English Literature lectures were held in the Old Rectory. The pedagogical approaches were completely different to the constricting practice I had experienced in grammar school. I was completely immersed in a wealth of creative practice, open-space learning and a culture of exploration and acceptance. I remember being in awe of the relationships that were naturally developed between students and academic staff, which placed a true value on the power of creative practice to embed knowledge and understanding of a plethora of themes and topics. I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Drama and Theatre Studies and English Literature, completed a PGCE and started my teaching career at the grand old age of 30, determined to ensure that my teaching practice would inspire and support young people. Mother Christina would have been delighted.

Outside the Drama Department in 1999

I renewed my academic journey with the University of Chester 14 years later to complete a part-time Master's degree whilst holding down a full-time career as Head of Performing Arts at a local high school. This reignited my passion for creative learning and, after graduating in 2015, I enrolled on the EdD programme, again at the University of Chester.

As the Head of Performing Arts in a state funded secondary school, I am passionate about the power and value of Drama in educational settings, and wanted to strengthen my argument for the inclusion of Drama in whole school curricula. The EdD programme was instrumental in supporting my practice as I transitioned from my role of creative practitioner into a practitioner researcher. I was introduced to theorists and researchers working in similar contexts, and encouraged to develop my skills in arts-based research. The EdD was well-structured and the weekend lectures slotted perfectly around my professional duties. Support from lecturers was immeasurable, with conversations over coffee as valuable and insightful as taught sessions. My supervisors at the thesis stage encouraged me to develop the level of writing required to complete my thesis, supporting me through draft submissions and rewrites.

I graduated in 2023 and my work is making a difference. I have successfully argued for the inclusion of Drama in whole school curricula; enabled targeted support for the mental health and wellbeing of young people, using Drama as a vehicle for change in school policy; and developed a range of CPD opportunities for teachers and PGCE students to develop pedagogical approaches. Since graduating I have also had many opportunities to be involved in a range of arts-based research projects, both nationally and internationally, and have sat on a number of panels representing the value of the arts in educational settings.

I became a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Chester in January, sharing my research and practice with students on the EdD programme. A recent highlight for me was delivering a keynote panel session at the University of Chester School of Education PGR Conference in February, where I spoke on the criticality of creativity in education.

I am a long-serving mentor for students on PGCE placements and involve them in research opportunities to enrich their knowledge and understanding of pedagogy. I value this role as I learn so much from each student that I work with, in addition to providing them with opportunities to expand their practice and inform their professional reflections.

I have engaged in international research opportunities, exploring the power and impact of creative practice in education and sharing Drama curricula with colleagues, most recently from Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic / Slovakia), USA, Greece, Ireland and Sweden. I am currently venturing into the world of publishing to reach a wider audience with my research.

I am now a Patron of the international networking group Drama Matters, sharing free CPD opportunities with arts teachers through a range of opportunities to share good practice and offer support, including online Talk Theatre Tuesday (TTT) sessions where we invite industry professionals and teachers to engage in discussions and Q&A sessions aimed at supporting and developing best practice; Drama Matters Talks Back (DMTB) discussion panels where we invite teachers and industry professionals to share their thoughts and opinions on policies affecting teaching practices in Drama and the arts; and annual networking weekends, with the next event being held at Warwick University in July. At the networking weekend we provide free CPD for teachers from a range of industry professionals, including directors, actors, playwrights, puppeteers, theatre makers, TV and screen professionals, mask makers, choreographers, TIE companies and classroom teachers.

I am currently engaged in the second year of the Rhyme and Reason research project with Curious Minds, working collaboratively with colleagues from Edge Hill University, Salford University, and Goldsmiths, University of London, in bringing professional artists into schools to explore the academic and creative impact on young people who work with poets and their teachers to express themselves through drama practice and poetry. The first year of the project produced an anthology of poetry from the young people involved, and the creation of short films which used a selection of the poems as inspiration. Students were able to see their creativity shared in print and on the screen and were given a tour of the Salford Quays MediaCity campus where they experienced a range of post-16 opportunities for study in the creative and media industries. We are excited to see what this second year will bring for the young people involved.

My studies at the University of Chester have not only opened my eyes but have opened doors to a bright and exciting future where I can make a difference for our future generations of students and professionals. I think Mother Superior would approve.