Drama lessons can help children perform better in other subjects, claims research from North academics.
 The study by Mike Fleming, Christine Merrell and Peter Tymms, from Durham University, compared primary schools that took part in drama workshops involving the National Theatre, with schools which had not studied the subject. The report's authors say that many schools are reluctant to take part in drama as they prefer to concentrate on subjects like literacy and numeracy which are measured with SATs and league tables. But the schools involved in drama actually saw improvements in other subjects, particularly mathematics. The researchers believe that the stimulating nature of participating in the arts improves children's self-confidence and say that general attainment is also likely to improve. Dr Fleming said: "Most people agree that drama has considerable value in the primary curriculum. It enriches pupils' lives, teaches important skills and develops personal qualities. "Despite this, teachers know they will be largely judged by their pupils' progress in basic numeracy and literacy. Many teachers worry that, despite all the other benefits, devoting teaching time to such activities as classroom drama, the school play and links with theatre companies may detract from progress in the basics. "Our research showed that far from being a distraction, pupils' work in drama actually improved their performance in other subjects, including mathematics. "Our research examined the impact of the National Theatre's work in two primary schools and compared results in schools which were not engaged in the project. "Assessments developed by the Curriculum Evaluation and Management Centre based at Durham, which are widely used by schools across England, were administered to the pupils. "We found that the scores of pupils in the drama schools group were frequently higher. The difference in progress in mathematics was particularly significant." Though the research is based on only a handful of schools, Dr Fleming said it was "encouraging". The study took place over a two-year period, measuring pupils' reading, mathematics, picture vocabulary and non-verbal ability. At the end of the project, the researchers found that test scores in pupils in the schools that had taken part in the drama project were frequently higher than those in the other schools. Scores in maths in particular were much higher. Earlier this year, researchers at Northumbria University published research which suggested that exposing children to drama at an early age could improve their communication and cognition skills. Many schools have reduced the time spent on subjects like drama and music since the introduction of league tables and the National Curriculum. | 
Northumberland
