It is a very real privilege to have the opportunity to discern the unique God-given potential in someone, and enable them to discover, as they grow in confidence, what they are truly capable of. Whether one has an instinct and natural gift for performance or not, Drama seems to have a way of opening the door to reveal the delights of unseen talents in whatever area of life they will be used in the future. Confidence is all. ​ For some, it is the written word which is the stumbling block, but the happy truth is that with time, patience and encouragement, and allowing pupils to write their own spellings of words next to the text, any hesitations in reading are easily overcome. Again, unlike the more confident, there are those who feel they can achieve very little, and are hesitant to speak at all. Gradually, however, I have seen smiles begin, a voice being heard,  a conversation taking place, and then enthusiasm. Confidence increasing. Finally, they realise they have much to offer, that they can both listen and respond, and communicate with clarity. Every student, of whatever age -be it six to eighty six - starts with what they prefer, and feel safest with. This may be simply discussing a favourite picture or piece of prose with me, or telling me about their favourite place to be, whilst others choose to dive straight into a Shakespeare text.  ​ Having been an actress myself, I know the thrill of exploring words, the richness of them, the clues found within them about characters, feelings, and situations, and then using the acting skills learned in class and over time to understand and become that person both vocally and physically in front of an audience, to empathise with a different human being, and share their experience with hundreds of others. It is a joy to teach and watch pupils as they make their journey in this world of words and imagination, gradually harnessing the skills being taught, as they become more confident and finally feel thoroughly able to share and live the gift they have, be it on a stage, or in another sphere of life.  Drama has helped them become articulate, clear communicators, confident as they walk forwards into the future.