A growth mindset learning approach and drama are building blocks for developing kids’ confidence at Dover Court International School
Is confidence down to nurture or nature? That’s one of the oldest debates and while there’s still no black and white answer, most experts recognize that both factors play a critical role. So what can you do to nurture confidence in your child? Dover Court International School (DCIS), one of the leading inclusive British International Schools in Southeast Asia, strongly believes that having a growth mindset and nurturing confidence in students is key.
At the inclusive DCIS there is a real focus on well-rounded development in students. Their differentiated learning programme challenges each student at an appropriate level to suit their personal abilities and help them reach their potential. Through their curriculum children are encouraged to become independent learners, and to build resilience and perseverance to try again until they succeed. DCIS allows kids to see mistakes as a way forward rather than as a failure, which is so important as taking risks has been proven to be an essential part of building confidence, especially in adolescent girls. So, how else does DCIS nurture confidence in students?
Drama brings out confidence in kids
One of the ways is through drama! One of the core outcomes of the drama curriculum at DCIS is having students that are confident in articulating their own ideas and comfortable to express their personal values. These are essential life skills that will give kids that competitive edge in the future.
5 Ways DCIS nurtures confidence through drama
1. Drama programme: the DCIS performing arts programme offers students different opportunities to develop their confidence, from performing in smaller settings such as in the classroom to being on stage in front of the school and their parents. These performances start in early years when the children are in Nursery, and it is amazing to see how confidently they speak and how proud they are after the performance. Students are taught to experiment with styles, genres and skills from Year 7 all the way through to Year 13. Students are taught to listen to everyone and no idea, comment or thought is dismissed, but rather explored and sometimes redefined.
2. In the classroom: As important as it is to be confident in front of an audience, drama is also seen as a classroom methodology. It can serve as a playful way to help with speech training and is especially useful in the teaching of English as an Additional Language. Drama is also used across the curriculum as well as to explore social and moral issues and investigate problem-solving through role-play.
3. ECAs: The opportunities for extra-curricular participation in school plays also enables students to work with teachers in a less structured environment. DCIS drama teacher Miss Hooper expresses how she enjoys it when she is directing and students say to her ‘Miss Hooper why don’t we try this…or have you thought about …’. Empowering students to feel confident to offer their thoughts on direction or performance style showcases the best of teacher/student relationships. By incorporating students ideas, DCIS shows that each kid can make a difference and their opinion matters which reinforces their confidence and encourages them to be assertive in a positive way.
4. Behind the scenes: If your child isn’t comfortable on the stage there’s still a place for them in drama at DCIS! The DCIS drama department will be moving to the new Secondary block in August 2019, where there will be more technical equipment on offer to enhance the roles of those played from behind the scenes. Students who find the performing part of drama intimidating often excel at the technical side. Technical skills are extremely important and recognising the key roles that help make the magic happen on stage is crucial and functions as a great way to teach students the importance of collaboration. collaboration.
5. Launch of the Juilliard Drama Programme: August 2019 is when DCIS will launch the Juilliard Drama Programme, collaborating with a world leader in performing arts education, which will complement their existing Juilliard enhanced curriculums of music and dance. The idea of the Juilliard Drama Programme is to give every child the opportunity to express themselves through drama. At DCIS drama is not just about performing on stage, but a way to help each student build confidence.
All the details! DCIS Open Morning
Interested to know how your child’s confidence can be nurtured? Parents of children from Year 1 to Year 12 wishing to join DCIS in August 2019 can take a tour of the school and learn about the Curriculum and differentiated learning as well as the Juilliard drama and music offerings.
When: Wednesday, 30th January 2019 from 9.00am – 11.30am
Where: Dover Court International School (DCIS), 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644
How much: Free!
Sign up for the DCIS Open Morning here!
Dover Court International School (DCIS), 301 Dover Road, Singapore 139644, Tel: (+65) 6775 7664, [email protected], www.dovercourt.edu.sg