The National Centre for Language and Literacy at Reading University is running a course on drama in the primary years, January 17.

Through practical workshops, teachers will discover the benefits for children’s auditory, mental, physical, imaginative, emotional and linguistic development and get tips for school productions. Fee: pound;95, pound;85 NCLL members.

Tel: 0118 378 8820 www.ncll.org.uk

Stands for Education is running a course for key stage 3 teachers described as a “dynamic and practical approach to assessment in drama”. Venues: Manchester November 22, Birmingham December 2 and London December 9. Fee: pound;225 plus VAT.

Tel: 0117 311 5253

www.sfe.co.uk

The Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama is holding its annual conference in Stratford-upon-Avon, August 18-21. It will include Shakespeare-based workshops, a session with an RSC actor, a Renaissance dance workshop and an evening performance. Fee: pound;375 residential; pound;190 non-residential.

Linden Osborn, 111 Clifton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3QH

Email: ralph.osborn@tiscali.co.uk

Resources

The London Theatre Challenge is giving secondary pupils the chance to see theatre productions for just pound;3 a ticket until July 2006. The Challenge also provides a teacher’s resource pack and a post-show Q A session with a member of the cast or production team. Productions for this term are One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Simply Heavenly, Journey’s End and Becket.The London Theatre Challenge is run by the Mousetrap Foundation and the DfES.

Tel: Jo Pelly, 020 7240 6606

The Theatre Museum in Covent Garden has a range of exhibitions, events and workshops for all key stages. A current exhibition, 2D

3D, shows contemporary British theatre design from sketch to realisation. Workshops are led by professional designers. Coming soon is an opportunity for over-16s to play the role of director in productions of The Beggar’s Opera and The Trojan Women.

Tel: 020 7943 4743www.theatremuseum.org

Masks in Action is a beautifully illustrated resource pack for teachers which explores the use of masks in creating scenes and plays. Practical advice guides the uninitiated in group work, commedia dell’arte and other skills, including mask-making.

www.tradingfaces.org.uk

A new website developed by the National Theatre and funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport provides access to rehearsals at the National Theatre, Birmingham Rep and Bristol Old Vic and information about all kinds of backstage skills.

www.stagework.org.uk