Working with Student Teachers in Dublin - November 2003

‘The training done by Single Image was excellent. The students were captivated by the performance and saw an example of how to simply and   effectively bring a story alive. The practical work that followed was engaging and challenging. Some students who normally find drama work difficult got really involved. The only regret, voiced by the students and I, was that the sessions could not have been longer. (The company did not dictate the time slot).
Many of the students asked for the details of the company and whether it was possible that they would return. I feel that they recognised the enormous value of such a company to their work and realised that this company present the training in a way that encompasses the need for these skills with the   practicalities of the classroom.’

Una McCabe, Head of Drama in Education,  Froebel College of Education, County Dublin, Ireland.

This was a most creative experience for the students.  At present there are not enough opportunities for students in teacher education programmes to explore their own artistry and creativity. This is directly linked to good teaching. Single Image provided the student with a fresh and engaging way of accessing and enjoying his/her individuality.’

Paula Murphy, Head of Drama in Education, St. Patrick’s College of Education, County Dublin, Ireland.

‘Single Image have a well-focused and well-thought out quality to what they do. The emphasis on gentleness, inclusiveness and the spiritual dimension to the work, which was not tied into a       particular religion, but was all-embracing, is also what our students need. I would consider their input invaluable as an inherent part of the course.’

Mary Howard, Lecturer, Drama in Education, St. Patrick’s College of Education, County Dublin, Ireland.

‘It was refreshing to see the students work in a   physical, non-verbal way and to see the group work truly in their imaginations, without the filter of verbal interaction which can clarify but also distort the purity of experience. Emily Dickinson said that “the imagination lights the slow fuse of the Possible.” In this interaction the students were guided to the place where this became real for them.’

Colm Hefferon, Lecturer, Drama in Education, St. Patrick’s College of Education, County Dublin, Ireland

The students said that they found the work:

‘...meditative; relaxing; made you think; nice gradual development, not rushed, gentle; in Drama you think about movement, actions and emotions.'

‘Wonderful… superb… I stepped out of life and forgot about everything.
One student was struck by “pupils on one side, teacher on the other, discourse joins and knowledge arises.”
The storytelling was great, the eye contact made it seem she was talking to each of us individually. Very encouraging; a boost to see what you can achieve… I’d hope to do it with kids.
Brilliant storytelling, just two people and few props.
A very unique experience, I just thought I found …it was comfortable…to sort of disappear into  another world!
The music was vital, something happened when we heard the music. It reminds you of say, outer space. A buffer to the place we were in.’

Student Teachers, St. Patrick’s College of Education, County Dublin, Ireland