Saskia, Year 7, is part of the Northgate News Team. She decided to interview Miss Martinez who is currently acting Head of Drama and Dance. Here’s what she had to say in response to Saskia’s questions.
What is the best thing about teaching at Northgate?
I love the students’ energy and it’s very rewarding.
What do you like about being head of the department?
It’s a new challenge and I enjoy bettering myself as a teacher.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you?
I am a fully qualified scuba diver which I started at age 12.
What do you enjoy most about teaching drama?
I love seeing the students’ confidence grow and watching them fall in love with the subject. Every day is different with a new challenge and a new opportunity to be creative.
What do you find most challenging about teaching drama?
When students say they are not good at it and helping them see that actually they can do it and they become great at it.
What makes a good drama lesson in your opinion?
A lesson that is fun, engaging, joyful and most of all creative.
What skills do you think students learn in drama that help them in other subjects?
Communication, group work, problem solving, creative and critical thinking just to name a few.
Do you have a favourite play, musical, or performance?
It is definitely too hard to pick just one so I think I’ll have to choose multiple; Funny Girl, West Side Story, Hamilton, Wicked, and The Sound of Music.
What’s a memorable moment you’ve had in a lesson or performance?
Watching everybody perform the Wizard of Oz as it was my first solo show and I am very proud of what we achieved.
If you weren’t a teacher, what job would you like to have?
A makeup artist.
If you could be in any play or film, which would it be and why?
Hedda Gabler because she is one of the most interesting female characters of all time.
How can drama help students in everyday life?
It can help with confidence for everyone.
Quick Fire Questions:
Chocolate or sweets – Chocolate
Fruit or vegetables – Vegetables
Cat or dog – Dog
Summer or winter – Summer
Birthday or Christmas – Birthday
Vacation or Stay-cation – Vacation
A big thank you to Miss Martinez for taking the time to answer Saskia’s questions. It is always interesting to find out a bit more about our teachers here at Northgate. We look forward to finding out who is next.