Drama
Subject Overview
Drama reflects and affects the world in which we live. It fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence through performance and theatrical exploration.
Curriculum Intent
To develop students as performers, directors, and designers who can think critically, create meaning through theatre, and engage with themes that shape society. We aim to inspire students to become reflective and creative individuals that have the confidence to explore and question different aspects of life and the world they live in.
We want our students to
- To develop a love for Drama
- To understand the world of the theatre through exploration of practitioners and current topics
- To develop their literacy skills through writing in relation to performing and designing performances
- We promote core skills in teamwork, communication, cooperation, and empathy.
Curriculum Implementation
The curriculum is delivered through structured lessons, hands-on learning, and regular formative assessments. Lessons are sequenced to build on prior knowledge and prepare students for examinations.
Students at KS3 have a lesson once a week and five times over a 2-week period at KS4. The drama curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge students and is tailored for each pupil’s individual needs.
Our pupils will be able to
- Develop their understanding of key acting skills such as the use of vocal, physical and performance skills
- Understand how drama skills are transferable and can be used in other areas of the curriculum
- Explore a variety of topics and themes such as The Suffragette Movement and Shakespeare
- Engage in extracurricular activities after school, working towards performances inside school and outside.
Curriculum Impact
We measure the impact of our curriculum through internal assessments, external qualifications, and student feedback. Our aim is for all students to achieve their full potential.
We aim to inspire students to become reflective and creative individuals that have the confidence to explore and question different aspects of life and the world they live in.
Our pupils will be able to
- Learn resilience and transferable skills to enable them to flourish in all areas of their school life.
- Pupils will meet or exceed their expected progress through tailored interventions
- Pupils will develop a love for drama and the theatre and will have the opportunity to experience live theatre through their course of study
Curriculum Map
Enrichment Opportunities
Students have access to a drama club which runs once a week. Students who attend have an opportunity to be involved in school shows as either a performer or a designer. Students have an opportunity to go on theatre trips in KS3 and KS4 as part of their GCSE course. We offer the opportunity to have guest speakers to attend to speak to students about the world of the theatre. We also have other enrichment activities such as monologue competitions to broaden their understanding and enthusiasm for the subject.
Supporting Students
We support SEND, EAL and more able learners through differentiation in all our lessons and resources that the students use. We use live marking and regular assessments to enable targeted support in a timely manner for those that need it. Furthermore, to push our more able students we use extension opportunities within the lesson as well as home learning.
How Parents/Carers Can Support Their Child Support your child by attending performances with them and helping them rehearse lines. Ask your child about what they are studying and discuss characters and storylines to aid interpretation.
Useful websites:
- BBC Bitesize – Drama
- National Theatre at Home
- Drama Notebook
Assessment and Feedback
KS3: Students are assessed on group work, improvisation, and performance skills. Feedback includes peer and teacher critiques to improve vocal and physical performance.
GCSE: Practical performance (60%) and written exam (40%). Ongoing feedback is given on rehearsal process, characterisation, and evaluation of live theatre.
Future Pathways
Drama supports careers in acting, theatre production, media, public speaking, teaching, and the creative industries. It enhances confidence, collaboration, and communication skills.