Drama
Drama Curriculum Overview
Our Drama curriculum develops creativity, confidence and communication through practical performance, collaboration and critical reflection. Students explore a wide range of dramatic traditions, theatrical styles and influential practitioners while developing performance, devising and evaluation skills. Through practical exploration and performance, students learn to express ideas, work effectively with others and engage in the creative process, preparing them for further study and a wide range of future pathways.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Students build a strong foundation in performance skills while exploring different genres, practitioners and theatrical traditions from across the world. Practical work forms the core of learning, supported by reflection and written assessment.
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Greek Theatre | Social Drama | Stanislavski's Naturalism through Titanic |
| Storytelling and Twisted Fairytales | Pantomime | Brecht's Epic Theatre through Doctor Faustus |
| Shakespearean Tragedy | Commedia dell'Arte | Emma Rice and Modern Fairytales |
| Dreams and Nightmares | The Crucible | Physical Theatre |
| Darkwood Manor | Gothic Horror | Augusto Boal's Forum Theatre |
| Puppetry from Around the World | Heroes and Villains in Literature | Devised Performance Project based on a chosen practitioner |
Throughout Key Stage 3, students engage in practical explorations, rehearsals and performances before completing reflective written assessments that support their understanding of dramatic techniques and theatrical conventions.
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Students follow the GCSE Drama course, developing their knowledge of performance, devising and theatre-making while studying influential practitioners and dramatic texts.
| Component 1: Devising Theatre | Component 2: Performance from Text | Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Theatre practitioners including Berkoff, Brecht, Stanislavski and Emma Rice | Study a published play text | An Inspector Calls |
| Research and development processes | Rehearse scripted extracts | Character, plot and theme analysis |
| Devising and rehearsal techniques | Develop artistic intentions | Stagecraft and theatrical interpretation |
| Performance creation | Perform for assessment | Staging and production decisions |
| Evaluation and coursework completion | Refine characterisation and performance techniques | Written examination preparation |
Assessment
Assessment is embedded throughout the curriculum through:
Practical workshops and explorations
Individual and group performances
Rehearsal and devising projects
Written reflections and booklet assessments
GCSE coursework components
Mock examinations
Final practical and written examinations
Enrichment and Careers
Drama develops confidence, creativity, teamwork, communication and leadership skills that are valuable across all areas of education and employment. Students gain experience in performance, directing, devising and theatre production while developing resilience and self-expression.
The curriculum supports progression into careers in acting, theatre production, teaching, media, broadcasting, events management, marketing, public relations, law and many other professions where confidence, communication and collaboration are essential.