A LITTLE BIT ABOUT VICTORIA MAITLAND

Victoria grew up in the west country, but headed to the big lights and big city just after turning 18. After training professionally in acting and musical theatre she became somewhat of an expert in historical dance and can be seen being lifted, twirled and thrown around in the background of many a period drama.

Victoria brings a wealth of experience, working with children and young people in education and community organisations. She has written and delivered sessions on literacy, STEM, history, politics with some of the country’s leading education workshop providers.

She has a background in performing arts and has delivered literacy sessions to children using creative improvisation and drama. Victoria has also helped develop performance and presenting skills with adults and her background in theatre and voice development is of real benefit for improving confidence and communication skills.

Recently, Victoria’s work has centred on encouraging young people to consider careers in STEM and engineering with personal effectiveness skills at the centre of her teaching.

Victoria is passionate about engaging young people in learning through humour and laughter and always ensures her sessions are lively, interactive and that children leave feeling happy and confident. Furthermore, she delights in sharing techniques with teachers, so that classrooms can become fun and engaging spaces to aid learning.

As well as regularly running our children’s workshops, Victoria has worked with adults in many different schools, as well as colleges and universities, including:

For Adults (INSET days):

Burlington Junior School – FLIP it thinking
1851 Trust Maritime Roadshow for Girls – Growth mindset
NWG Innovation Festival - Wellbeing
Rochester College – Unconscious bias Cambridge University – Communication skills

And finally…

Victoria is a history geek, who loves chatting about all-things-past with anyone else who’s interested. She can also touch her elbow with her tongue!

Favourite children’s book?

The Naughtiest Girl in the School – Enid Blyton.

Funniest school-related moment?

Embarrassing myself in some kind of PE demonstration, kicking the bench over and hitting my head.

Favourite teacher?

I can’t pick just one! I’ll settle for two – Mr. Jenkins for dressing in a toga and becoming Brutus and Mr. Austin for creating German nicknames for us students.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Vet, linguist, actor. There were always too many to choose from. I remember being disappointed when I found out I couldn’t get paid to go to University and travel the world …

What’s your go-to power pose and mantra?

I put on ‘One day baby we’ll be old’ and have a bit of a head bang as a reminder to seize the moment.

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Dave Keeling

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Victoria Maitland

Selina Brown

Selina used to work with Great Ormond Street Hospital, which ignited her passion for working with children. She was also a children’s entertainer, dressing up as princesses and clowns for loads of excitably bouncy, sugar-fuelled kids. She says it sounds scarier than it was. Yeah, we believe you, Selina!

Danielle Downey

Danielle has a degree in animation and a passion for comedy. She enjoys performing, illustrating, writing and leading workshops. After winning a scholarship to study at Sylvia Young theatre school, Danielle appeared in many West End shows as a child/teenager. She’s too modest to mention which ones though…

Alison Carter

Alison has been working with young people since graduating from drama school 12 years ago. Her performing arts background means she’s no stranger to acting like a clown to get the giggles going!

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