Chelsey Seymour

Hello! My name is Chelsey Seymour and it is my pleasure to join GFS assuming the role of an Assistant Headteacher for teaching and learning and contributing to GFS’ development of a brand new Drama department.

I completed both my BA in Drama, Applied Theatre and Education and PGCE Drama at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. I began my teaching career in a Grammar School in Berkshire where I was able to share my love of theatre studies and refine my practice to the highest standards in a high achieving setting. During this time I also became an AQA GCSE Drama examiner for the written paper which was invaluable in developing my practice. 

In my second year of teaching I was presented with the opportunity to design and build a drama department in a new academy school in response to the shortage of secondary school places for students in Berkshire. I was able to build a momentum behind the drama department that fostered a love of theatre resulting in highly subscribed GCSE and A Level classes, achieving excellent progress and higher than the national average outcomes. I pride myself in making theatre accessible to all my students through providing them with industry experience such as regular theatre trips and extensive extra-curricular provision including performance opportunities from whole school professional productions to festivals and competitions. 

My biggest achievement in my career thus far is having some of my students and I picked to rehearse and perform an extract of a Shakespeare play for HRH the Queen a part of her jubilee celebrations as recognition of the quality and innovation of our work in the Shakespeare School’s Festival. I was also honored to be invited to the House of Commons and House of Lords respectively to celebrate the “the invaluable impact” my participation in the Shakespeare School’s Festival has on “young people’s lives.”

I wholeheartedly advocate the power of a drama education due to the capacity it has to open young minds and eyes to what they can achieve, alongside facilitating the growth of creative and emotional intelligence. The extensive range of transferrable skills students acquire through drama lessons really does give them edge and prepare them to navigate their futures with confidence, creativity and self-discipline. 

More recently, I assumed the role of the Initial Teacher Training Coordinator where I designed professional learning programs to support the continuing professional development of PGCE students and Newly Qualified Teachers. Here my passion for teaching and learning came to fruition as I was responsible for developing and guiding new teachers through the first years of their career whilst challenging them to continually develop, refine and reflect on their pedagogy.

I am incredibly excited to raise the profile of the performing arts at GFS and look forward to supporting many of our students foster their talents and find their voice whilst developing into confident, creative and articulate young people preparing to become our future innovative and inspiring leaders.