Purpose

The practical Drama curriculum for Years 7, 8, and 9 (making, performing and response) aims to develop students' creativity, communication, and collaboration skills through engaging performance-based activities. By exploring a variety of dramatic techniques, students build confidence, empathy, and an appreciation of different perspectives. Our curriculum fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities as students devise, rehearse, and perform original and scripted pieces. The practical experience gained in Years 7, 8 and 9 lays a strong foundation for further study in Drama, enhancing students' overall personal and social development.

Content

In Year 8 Drama students begin by studying a wide range of stylised techniques. The techniques are then used in devised performances created by the students themselves. We follow this by studying the historical physical theatre of the Commedia Dell-Arte. Students make masks and use them to perform comedic scenes for the traditional characters covered. We also make puppets in Year 8 and use them in performances of a selected script. Finally, students work in a range of subjects on their Shakespeare Festival performance piece. This is a highlight of the year and leads to an evening where everyone in Year 8 has participated in Shakespeare - performers, directors, sound, lighting, media and design are all covered.

Beyond the classroom

School Play / Musical - We open auditions to students from Year 8 and above (depending on the piece) and this means Y8 students have the chance to participate in the whole school production if successful.

Year 8 Shakespeare Festival - See above.

Junior Drama Club - once a week with the Drama Captain and Prefects - a chance to mix with students from Year 7 and 9.