Dorothy Heathcote was ahead of her time. Her work continues to provide models, inspiration, and challenges. Her vision - of a revolution in the way we think about education - seems even more urgent now than ever.​

 

Dorothy outlined four “contexts” or “models” for active learning, using drama-based methods – with the aim of forging links between schooling and society. They are:

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Model 1: Drama used to explore people, circumstances and events

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​Model 2: Mantle of the Expert

… where children / students are asked to think of themselves as an “expert” team of some kind

 

​Model 3: Rolling Role

… a group of teachers develop a shared programme of work, based around a fictional context

 

​Model 4: The Commission Model

… where staff and students respond to a “real life” commission from the community

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This website is dedicated to these four models. It provides teachers and practitioners with tools to use them in their own practice.

If you follow the links, you will find sections on:

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The Core Principles of Dorothy's work, including: "now" time, "bondings" and "stewardship"

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Drama for Learning

The "building blocks" of drama work, including "sign," "frame" and the "conventions"

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A Guide to Mantle of the Expert

A guide to the Mantle system, including videos, and examples of schemes of work

 

The Commission Model

A practical guide to the Commission Model 

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Rolling Role

A practical guide to the Rolling Role system