Aims
In the first 2 years we aim to develop:
- The use of a range of dramatic forms to express ideas and feelings, with pupils responding creatively and constructively to a variety of stimuli.
- The ability to communicate effectively through the language of space, movement and words.
- Imagination, characterisation, devising and performing skills.
- Confidence in the pupils’ own abilities, particularly in the areas of independent working, verbal and non verbal communication and team work.
- Evaluating skills of the pupils’ own work and the work of others.
Staff and facilities
Drama is taught by a fully qualified Drama teacher. At present, Drama is housed in a well-equipped temporary classroom during the development of the new Woodsmoor building. Many of the school’s large spaces are used for extracurricular productions, including the main hall, Hallam Hall and the quads.
How much time will I spend on this subject per 10 day cycle?
- Lower School – 1 lesson (1 hour)
Drama in the Lower School
A number of drama skills are taught alongside each other throughout the curriculum. A new topic is taught each half term which will engage pupils with its narrative and characters. Specific skills such as acting, staging, devising, or theatre genre will be taught. Pupils will work individually, in pairs, small groups and as a whole class. In most lessons they will participate in active independent learning, to create pieces of drama which they, their peers and their teachers will evaluate. Developing skills such as teamwork, time management, focus and control will be integral to each lesson.
Extracurricular activities
Drama clubs are organised at lunchtime for the Lower School.
Opportunities for acting are offered in both traditional and innovative school plays such as Blood Wedding, We’ll Meet Again and, most recently, the moving pupil-devised piece Homeless.
Currently, musicals are produced jointly with the Music department. Most recently this involved performances of Les Misérables and Fiddler on the Roof. A full-scale production of Oliver is planned for March 2012.
Sixth Form pupils traditionally direct, organise and act a play at the end of the summer term. These productions are opportunities for leadership, teamwork and enjoyment. Recent plays have included Absent Friends, Present Laughter, A Chorus of Disapproval and See How They Run.
