Drama

Statement of Intent

Through drama and performing arts, we aim to share our passion for theatre, arts and culture to develop a student’s capacity to be artistic, creative, physically challenged and critical thinkers. Involvement in class and extra-curricular opportunities develops students’ sense of team work, caring for others, respect, exploration, inspiration, independent learning, leadership and ambition. Drama is delivered throughout key stage 3, 4 and 5 and we aim to provide fun, thought provoking yet challenging lessons in which we expect all our students to participate fully.

Our focus within key stage 3 is upon mastering the skills of devising, performing and evaluating drama. Students learn to develop meaningful characterisation through interpretation of a range of play texts and scenarios. They learn about how theatre has evolved over time and consider theatre conventions and practitioner influence. They become adept at improvisation from a variety of stimuli and become skilled at solo, duo and small ensemble work. Teamwork and collaboration are key, as is their ability to take on the roles of performer, director, choreographer and designer to support their wider understanding of vocational roles. Finally, students develop their ability to evaluate critically their own and others’ work by employing drama terminology. Speaking, listening and presentation skills have strong links with National Curriculum English and performance opportunities enable students to gain confidence for life through presenting to an audience. Dance, movement to music is built into the curriculum for enjoyment and to enhance artistic skills further. Opportunities for cross-curricular arts work are built into the curriculum whenever appropriate eg Holocaust links with History.

At key stage 4 students can opt to take GCSE Drama (OCR) or BTEC Tech Award Performing Arts (Dance) courses. Both courses extend their ability to devise/choreograph, perform and evaluate. Students work on projects as a mini theatre company and gain invaluable collaboration and teamwork skills. They study a range of practitioners including Stanislavski (Naturalism), and Brecht (Epic Theatre) for drama and Martha Graham and Bob Fosse for dance. Live theatre and digital performance opportunities are threaded throughout the two years to instil confidence as a performer and to facilitate performance analysis.

At key stage 5 students can opt to extend their skills further through studying the level 3 vocational course entitled Performing Arts Practice Acting or Dance routes. This course enables them to develop high level creative and performance skills to a variety of briefs. Assignments add challenge and relate to the arts industry with robust criteria to drive depth and detail. Arts industry careers are a key area of study as a platform to ensure students are familiar with the wide range of careers available.

Extra-curricular opportunities:

Drama Club, Main Production – Sept to February, Love Digital Theatre Club, Technical theatre Club, Dance Club, Gifted and Talented Dance Company, Theatre Trips