I have dedicated much of my career to drama and creative education, building on my lifelong passion for all things theatrical and the boundless imagination that all children possess. Recognizing early on that drama would be a pivotal element in my journey, I focussed on it throughout my education and early professional endeavours. I trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now The Conservatoire of Scotland), where I earned a BA in Dramatic Studies, along with accolades such as the EIS Drama in Education prize and the Director’s Prize. Following this, I enhanced my expertise with an MA in Performance from Central School of Speech and Drama. My experience spans various theatre, opera, and creative organizations, notably serving as the Creative Schools Manager for the Royal Opera House, where I honed my ability to develop and lead innovative creative education initiatives. In 2016, I pursued a PGCE at the University of Brighton to deepen my understanding of the educational landscape, recognizing that many arts organisations working with schools often overlook the complexities of the educational environment. My goal was to explore how drama and creative practices can enrich the UK curriculum further. As a primary teacher across all key stages and recently leading a small internationally-based primary school, I have seen how my foundational skills align seamlessly with the new English curriculum, set to launch in the 2028 academic year, which places oracy as a central tenet of primary and secondary education. How can I assist you in enhancing oracy in your setting or organization? I welcome you to reach out for an informal discussion. SpeakEasy

Follow me on Substack: speakeasyjo909.substack.com

Or feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linked.com/in/jo-smith-61a02a1b