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

Year 9 Drama students cover skills that ultimately lend themselves to the sort of skills required at GCSE. We look first at stage fighting and create exciting scenes with tension and physicality involved. This is followed by two practitioner modules - Stanislavski and Brecht. Aspects of the Stanislavski Method are covered and also the chance to use his techniques in the exploration of short scripts. Brecht's methodologies are taught in conjunction with a devising topic. Students use his Verfremdungseffekte to ensure their audiences leave performances discussing the play and thinking deeply about the issues covered. Finally, students finish their Year 9 compulsory Drama by exploring a script and presenting scenes from it. 

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.

Tech Club - This club runs every year in the production term (September - December) and is open to Year 9 and above. It is a chance to be creatively involved with the school production - set, costume, props, lighting, sound, media and stage management are all important skills covered in this club.

Junior Drama Club - once a week with the Drama Captain and Prefects - a chance to mix with students from Year 7 and 8.