![Maurice Halder]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1614674651/uwcdilijanorg/tkx1lbfxlug2lvjxcbim/Maurice_Halder.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1614674651/uwcdilijanorg/tkx1lbfxlug2lvjxcbim/Maurice_Halder.jpg","width":397}])
Teacher of Theatre
Education
- BA in English Literature (minor in Theatre), Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
- Diploma in Teaching, Auckland College of Education, New Zealand
- MA in Media-Assisted Language Teaching, Brighton University, England
Bio
A passion for theatre started early. Active in cooperative theatre companies while at university lead to me being on the board of the National Students' Arts Council. My first job was as head of Drama at Wellington High School. Then I went exploring; Japan language teaching, an MA in the UK, then the chance to introduce Theatre Arts to Hong Kong‘s UWC. and MYP Drama for PTIS, Thailand as Head of Arts and examine for Extended Essays and English Literature. Returning to the UK, I worked as CAS Coordinator at Sussex Coast College. Having tried on a few ‘IB hats’ I now welcome the chance to return to the rich world of a UWC and Theatre.
What is the favourite part of the course you teach?
Working alongside students creating and devising original performances.
Which teaching method you prefer and why?
The phrase 'controlled chaos' cropped up in discussion with another arts teacher. This possibly best describes what I would consider the ideal teaching and learning environment - there might be all sorts of activities taking place but students are engaged fully in their own part of the project. There is energy, enthusiasm and commitment.
What advice would you give to a student of your subject?
Trust yourself and be prepared to take some risks. Don't worry about making mistakes but just give it a go. The more you commit to it, the more you will get out of it.
Who is your role model or mentor or who inspires you?
I am a great fan of Arundhati Roy. I have many times taught her book 'The God of Small Things' which deals with those marginalised by society with such tenderness and creativity but more than this, is her passion for social justice which she converts into real political action. So much so that there was a huge gap between her first and second work of fiction. She was far too busy advocating on behalf of those, to whose suffering the system seemed to be blind.
What is your life motto?
Could not decide - these might be a couple:
Treat others as you want them to treat you.
There is no harm in random acts of kindness.
What are the three things you can't imagine your life without?
Imagination, Friendship, Nature
What do you like to do in your spare time?
All sorts of things!!
Obviously I love to go to really powerful theatre performances when I get the chance and can get completely lost in them. However I equally love to go out hiking in the countryside or finding a really good book then parking myself somewhere comfy to read. I love the chance to travel and am particularly interested in indigenous cultures. (Travel also allows me to indulge in a another interest; food). And in all of these (with the possible exception of the book) being in good company just adds to the experience.