Why is Drama important?
Our objective in the Drama department is to produce imaginative, passionate and inquire
Our objective in the Drama department is to produce imaginative, passionate and inquisitive individuals, who have developed an interest and appreciation of drama, theatre and performance. Drama gives young people an opportunity to express themselves in performance as well as in group work, in rehearsal, working on attention to detail; discovering how reflection, analysis and making improvements can end with a more satisfying end result and a strong sense of achievement. Fostering essential transferable skills such as collaboration, cooperation and time management alongside creative thinking.
Focus is also given to how Drama and Theatre can enrich lives. Drama encourages self-awareness and communication skills by analysing and extending their expressive range. Students collect and use a descriptive vocabulary to express creative opinion and critical awareness. Demonstrating empathy through a perceptive understanding of character, transfers to owning this essential trait and characteristic in life, in school and beyond.
The cross-curricular links in Drama are numerous, strategically placed and highlighted throughout KS3. Topic links include: Macbeth, Kindertransport and Current Affairs are threaded throughout. It is a highly enabling subject for students wishing to pursue a career that involves any aspect of theatre including Set Design, Sound design, Lighting and Costume Design. Also, the transferable skills gained are essential to careers in law, education or any customer facing role. Business employers like to see drama on a prospective employee’s CV, because it suggests a high level of presentational and interpersonal skills which they consider to be vital in today’s competitive working environment.
sitive individuals, who have developed an interest and appreciation of drama, theatre and performance. Drama gives young people an opportunity to express themselves in performance as well as in group work, in rehearsal, working on attention to detail; discovering how reflection, analysis and making improvements can end with a more satisfying end result and a strong sense of achievement. Fostering essential transferable skills such as collaboration, cooperation and time management alongside creative thinking.
Focus is also given to how Drama and Theatre can enrich lives. Drama encourages self-awareness and communication skills by analysing and extending their expressive range. Students collect and use a descriptive vocabulary to express creative opinion and critical awareness. Demonstrating empathy through a perceptive understanding of character, transfers to owning this essential trait and characteristic in life, in school and beyond.
The cross-curricular links in Drama are numerous, strategically placed and highlighted throughout KS3. Topic links include: Macbeth, Kindertransport and Current Affairs are threaded throughout. It is a highly enabling subject for students wishing to pursue a career that involves any aspect of theatre including Set Design, Sound design, Lighting and Costume Design. Also, the transferable skills gained are essential to careers in law, education or any customer facing role. Business employers like to see drama on a prospective employee’s CV, because it suggests a high level of presentational and interpersonal skills which they consider to be vital in today’s competitive working environment.
What does a good student look like?
We want to guide our students towards a more insightful understanding of the creative world that surrounds them and make them feel at ease in a cultural situation as an informed audience. Our pupils will explore different creative styles practically and develop an educated appreciation of genre, drama and theatre practitioners and cultures.
The Drama curriculum prepares students to become independent and creative young people who are equally comfortable working in a group. They are confident and have the courage to step out of their comfort zone and work with attention to detail. They have a wide vocal and physical expressive range to communicate effectively in varied contexts.
Students will recognise transferable skills and explore them in practice. Build a sense of self-worth, encouraging confidence and resilience through topics such as public speaking and presentation. Developing an understanding of the essentials of respect, tolerance and openness needed in working relationships and group work. A Drama student will be more self-aware, demonstrate self-discipline, control and focus allowing them to grow into well rounded adults and communicators. Fostering professionalism and an awareness of career opportunities within the Performing Arts sector and beyond.
What can I do at home to help me achieve in this subject?
There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities that students can participate in and we actively encourage them to see live performance events on a regular basis through organised visits and residential trips.
Students are introduced to a range of opportunities to develop their knowledge of drama and theatre through extra-curricular activities such as the school musicals, local Theatre In Education projects national events and inter-school speech competitions. Students should explore all of the transferable skills, empathy and awareness in a wider setting, at home and with friends to experience more effective and productive relationships to reach their potential.