Leeds teacher encourages clowning about
Most teachers would be annoyed if you clowned about in their lessons.
But not Steve Ward.
The West Leeds High drama teacher has just picked up one of the top accolades in his field after being made a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.
The award, given in recognition of his promotion of circus arts in education, means Mr Ward has joined the ranks of Charles Dickens, David Attenborough and Nelson Mandela at the revered institution which was founded in 1754.
"I had always had a fascination with circus, particularly with clowns, ever since I was a boy," Mr Ward told the YEP. "I started using circus in schools when I began teaching in the 1970s.
"I use things like comedy slapstick and juggling for educational purposes. It can give pupils confidence and improve their self esteem, while sustaining their interest."
Since entering the profession more than three decades ago, Mr Ward has built up an international reputation for his ground-breaking work.
He began his work in educational circus with a schools project in 1978 and was the founder of the National Association of Youth Circus before becoming director of the group Circus Zanni.
He has also directed many festivals in both the UK and across Europe.
During his career, Mr Ward has travelled widely researching circus arts, including a period in 1991 looking at circus training at the Hungarian State Circus School in Budapest.
His work has also included lecturing on educational circus and writing many papers and articles, including a PhD into how circus effects child development.
Mr Ward has taught in Leeds for 33 years, the last 16 at West Leeds High in Armley, where he oversees the school's major annual production and helps with the city's annual youth festival Breeze.
"Having a member of staff who is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts is a great honour for Mr Ward and the school," said head teacher Steve Kelsy.
Posted: Thursday, October 02, 2008
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