NATD – The National Association for the Teaching of Drama

NATD is an association of teachers from all phases of education. At its heart is the pedagogy of Dorothy Heathcote and the methodology of Drama in Education although all forms of Drama and Theatre are embraced.

NATD is committed to developing a child-centred, humanising curriculum with an internationalist perspective. We are constantly asking ourselves ‘what does the child need to know’ in order to be ‘at home’ in the world.

What brings us together is our passion for education and our conviction that all young people, throughout the world, now more than ever, deserve an education that meets their needs. NATD stands for a Living Curriculum, not a National Curriculum.

“The mind’s various elements – reason, emotion, imagination, instinct, the perception of public and private – have no naturally integrated relationship. The relationship is created culturally – which is to say we create the ‘self’ socially. It is this which makes us human. It is achieved through Drama and other arts and cannot be properly achieved by other means.” Edward Bond

What leading educators say about NATD:

“As an association the NATD is different from many others – fundamentally its heart is the children we teach. As a school we benefit from ideas, support and a network of those who want to bring depth to learning experiences in and outside of the classroom.”

Richard Kieran – Headteacher, Woodrow First School

“Belonging to a subject association is a vital step for those who want to keep at the leading edge of their practice. For Drama teachers that is especially important. In my experience they are disproportionately among the best teachers I have ever encountered and they often have few colleagues and need to belong to a wider group in order to replenish the magic they weave in school and to keep the flag of drama flying.”

Sir Tim Brighouse

“Joining NATD has been one of the most important decisions I’ve made as a teacher. The Association has brought me into contact with like-minded people from across the country and the world, who have challenged me to reflect deeply on what and how I teach. It’s much more than an association of drama teachers; the focus is on empowering child-centred pedagogy. Be warned, conferences are exhausting but you leave feeling inspired and with a renewed belief in the value and potential of teaching.”

Matthew Milburn, Headteacher – Saddleworth School