Hannah Riley

My lessons are practical, structured, and confidence-building, designed to help students grow as expressive performers and thoughtful creative thinkers. Each session follows a clear format so learners always understand the purpose of the work and how it connects to their wider progress. I begin with a short warm-up to build focus, ensemble awareness, and physical readiness. From there, I introduce the key skill or concept for the lesson through clear modelling, demonstrating techniques such as still images, physical theatre motifs, vocal characterisation, or devising strategies. Students then explore the skill through guided activities that gradually increase independence, allowing them to experiment, collaborate, and take creative risks in a supportive environment.

Throughout the lesson, I use assessment for learning to give targeted feedback, prompt deeper thinking, and help students refine their performance or written responses. My teaching is highly adaptive: I break tasks into manageable steps, provide scaffolds for learners who need them, and extend challenges for those ready to push further. I draw on my experience of teaching in the classroom, including devising, script work, practitioner study, and GCSE/BTEC assessment preparation.

Lessons are energetic, imaginative, and rooted in strong subject knowledge, particularly in physical theatre, ensemble work, and written analysis. Above all, I aim to create a warm, safe space where students feel encouraged to express themselves, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed in Drama and beyond.