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. This website is dedicated to her work.

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Over one hundred people attended the recent Dorothy Heathcote Now 2022 conference, organised by Midland Actors Theatre and University College London, in association with the Mantle Network and the Institute of English Studies, University of Lodz. There was a full programme of talks, discussions and practical workshops. There was an international line-up of presenters including Cecily O'Neill, Stig A. Eriksson, Maggie Hulson, David Allen, Geoff Readman and Carmel O'Sullivan. Videos and other materials from the conference will be posted shortly.

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: drama used to explore people, circumstances and events; Mantle of the Expert; Rolling Role; and the Commission Model.

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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 click on the following titles, 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