What matters most in Drama and Performing Arts?

Drama fosters an environment of creativity. Everywhere we look in the world around us there is elements of performance whether that be TV, Film, adverts or even social media, learning to perform and present is crucial to many future careers. What matters most in the classroom is that we build a sense of growing confidence in the students and provide a safe environment for exploration of emotions, situations and expression. Drama provides a practical opportunity for students to get up on their feet, working on communication both physically and vocally. Drama has been shown to improve memory, contraction and literacy as we work on different methods of learning content to be recited, while also practising written skills. Practically we will look at how to create theatre through idea generation, working from concepts to produce brand new pieces. We will also look at how to adapt pre-existing work to make it our own. Taking a holistic approach, we will also develop make up and costume designs.

Prior Learning

  • For KS3 no prior learning is needed although any experience of watching theatre or performing is very welcomed.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum Concepts

What we study in KS3 Drama 

  • Year 7: Term 1 – Introduction to drama, Term 2 – Pantomime, Term 3 – Shakespeare (A midsummer night’s dream), Term 4 – Cabinet of Curiosity (Cirque du Soleil), Term 5 – Murder Mystery, Term 6 – Costume Design 
  • Year 8: Term 1 – Horror, Term 2 – Vignette, Term 3 – Blood Brothers, Term 4 – Mischief theatre, Term 5 – Brecht, Term 6 – Set Design
  • Year 9: Term 1 – Stanislavski, Term 2 – DNA, Term 3 – Curious incident (Physical Theatre), Term 4 – Make up design, Term 5 – Devising, Term 6 – Musical Theatre 

Key Concepts throughout – creativity, collaboration, storytelling, performance, audience engagement, themes, characters, plot, emotions and so much more.

Subsequent Study

  • GCSE Drama – This course allows students to delve a lot deeper into the world of theatre: analysing and reviewing theatre, producing shows and performances, working to create new ideas and concepts while developing their acting.

Beyond Study

After KS5 level students could go onto university level drama or dance or use the skills developed in these courses to peruse and alternative career for example teaching, advertisement, social media, management and so many more.