We prepare students to pursue their specific discipline, and we also enable all students to explore their creative talent and imagination throughout their career at the school.

We, in the Performing Arts department, firmly believe that Drama offers highly advanced forms of expression that provide an opportunity for self-expression and the development of the following aspects of personal development: raising self-esteem; language and communication skills; technological skills; analysis skills; independent study skills; cultural awareness and social interaction skills.

Developing dreams and making the best of ourselves in a world that is fraught with uncertainty. A child or young person may never be aware of what inspires them unless they are given the chance to explore for themselves and identify the fact that they too can be inspired.

Creativity: It is every child’s right to be given an opportunity to express themselves creatively. Creative outlets can help unlock some of the major problems that children are facing at school, such as low self-esteem, lack of confidence and confusion over identity. By helping to develop a sense of worth in children through the arts, creative activities not only stimulate learning but also promote a strong awareness of self and citizenship.

Opportunity: By providing a platform for children and young people to work with leading arts organisations, practitioners, directors and filmmakers, we offer them the opportunity to learn unique skills, giving them the chance to aspire to greater things.

Achievement: Part of personal growth is the recognition one gets for working hard, pushing back boundaries and overcoming new challenges. This gives the achiever a sense of well-being and contentment that drives them to want to do better and work even harder!

Key Stage 3

Drama at Key Stage 3 is built on three inter-related activities:

• Making (encompasses the many processes and activities employed when exploring, devising, shaping and interpreting drama)
• Performing (covers the skills and knowledge displayed when acting, presenting and producing dramas)
• Responding (incorporates reflecting on both emotional and intellectual reactions to the drama)

Key Stage 4

• Exam Board AQA
• C1: Written Exam (worth 40% of total marks given)
  • 1 hour and 145 mins written exam, students will have to review a live theatre performance.
• C2: Devising (worth 30% of total marks given)
  • Teacher assessed practical work (12-hour workshop)
  • Written documentary evidence in a practical workshop
• C3: Texts in Practice (worth 30% of total marks given)
  • Students perform 2 set texts to a visiting examiner.

The two years of Key Stage 4 are going to be a very busy time for your child, and your support in making sure that coursework deadlines are kept is vital. Within Drama, your child will be spending extra time after school rehearsing and time at home preparing their character(s) or learning lines.

How can you support this work?

• Ask them about the play that they are making, or are in. This will give them an opportunity to talk through the story and help them use ‘Drama Vocabulary’
• Ask them about the character they are making - this will help them to familiarise themselves with their character outside the classroom
• Help them to learn lines by taking the script from them and reading through the scene to see if they know what to say and when.

Letters will be sent in the post about when they will be showcasing their work. We look forward to seeing you at these events.