Welcome to the Drama Department
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Jackie Clarke - Curriculum Leader of Drama and Media
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Miss Melina Nicolaou - Classroom Teacher
What is Drama and why is it important?
Drama is the study of human nature, of empathy, of storytelling and the study of the history of mankind. Before we learnt to pick up a pen, Homo sapiens and Homo erectus would gather round fires and recreate their day and their histories for their audience. We have an instinctive need within each of us to share experiences. Theatre helps us to see things from a different perspective, developing empathy from experiencing, exploring and analysing. There are not many other environments where people come together – performing or watching – which are collaborative to such a large extent. Especially nowadays, when our world is becoming ever more virtual and impersonal, being fully in the moment with a group of living and breathing people is more important than it ever has been before. A myriad of studies over the years have shown that students who participate in theatre do better in school.
The creative industries have been growing three times as fast as the national economy, drama helps young people develop key skills for a growing workforce. Drama improves verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Learning to act, and drama skills can help children develop their language, communication, creative thinking, collaboration, and presentation skills, which are vital skills for a well-rounded, employable citizen of the 21st century!
What do students learn in Drama?
We study the art of theatre; analysing and appreciating how and why theatre is created. Students explore a wide range of theatrical genres and styles, understanding how techniques and choices made by the theatre makers can influence and communicate meaning to an audience. Students are taught how to adopt and experiment with these skills, developing their ideas and collaborating with others. Students learn to develop the transferable skills of teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, dedication to detail, communication, self-reflection and working towards the end goal of a performance they can be proud of. Literacy skills are an integral part of the curriculum, whilst cross-curricular links are evident through a wide range of subjects through script selection, backstage skills development and thought-provoking devised pieces.
Challenge and support in Drama
Students are challenged in drama by being given open-ended tasks that allow students to explore and deploy the skills taught with their own creative energy and voice influencing their pieces. Students are taught backstage skills and are encouraged to consider how these can influence the audience and enhance the performance. Creativity is encouraged and students are supported to experiment, research, and develop their talents and skills. A variety of support is available for students in drama, collaboration with others, alternative texts, and tasks broken into small steps can encourage all to thrive.
How is Drama assessed?
Students are assessed at KS3 at the end of each unit of work. They are assessed on four elements:
- Understanding
- Level of Skills Demonstrated
- Quality of Outcome
- Work Ethic
In Key Stage 4, students are assessed based on the three components of the drama GCSE.
| Component 1 – 40% Written exam | Component 2 – 40% Devising Coursework | Component 3 – 20% text in Practice |
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Learning beyond the classroom
There will be a school production every year, as well as drama clubs to get involved with. We strongly believe in the importance of seeing live theatre as an inspirational tool for performance work and a great way to develop reflective and evaluation skills. We also invite theatre practitioners into school to stimulate the students to explore new styles.
Theatre For Life
Home learning in Drama
Project Style Homework activities are completed in both year 7 and 8, that relate to the unit we are completing. Students in Key stage 3 are also asked to learn lines at times.
In key stage 4, there is a weekly homework that extends students’ thinking, gives them preparation time for assessments and encourages them to be independent learners exploring a range of productions and literature to develop their theatrical skills and understanding.
Where can Drama lead?
Students can go on to study A Level Drama & Theatre Studies or BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts/ Musical Theatre/ Production Arts.
Careers in Drama include actor/actress, director, stage manager, technical design, arts administrator, drama teacher, Youth theatre worker, TV/ Radio work, law, public relations, journalism, diplomacy, politics, social work, hospitality, leisure and tourism, and many more.