Aims and Rationale

Rationale

The breadth of content, challenge and opportunities for creativity and self-expression that drama offers make it one of the most popular subjects at both primary and secondary level. The study of drama falls within the national curriculum for English and it can be studied as a discreet subject at examination level in key stages 3, 4 and 5. Drama is utilised throughout key stage 1 and 2 to underpin the development of reading and writing: the national curriculum framework acknowledges the fundamental role that spoken language plays in pupils’ cognitive, social and linguistic development across the whole curriculum. At primary level, pupils adopt, create and portray a range of roles in storytelling and drama, and have the opportunity to create scripts for each other. They are also encouraged to improvise and devise their own original performances. Involvement in drama activities can be particularly effective at improving social skills and group cohesion. Participating in school plays is also an integral and memorable part of the primary school experience. At secondary level, drama continues to support spoken language development in the form of presentations, debates, role play, and work on scripted and original performances. The process of rehearsal, refinement, and evaluative response underpins the development of social and academic skills across the curriculum and in extra-curricular activities such as school plays.

Drama develops social and emotional skills and it is integral to our school culture and LIGHT values. LOVE – INTEGRITY – GENEROSITY – HOPE - TOLERANCE

Like the other subjects in the Faculty of Arts, the Drama curriculum has been mapped into three areas:

• Making (Heart)

• Performing (Hands)

• Responding (Head)

Aims

Excellence in Drama is achieved through 5 key areas:

• Whole school improvement

  • • Where drama is valued and embedded across the curriculum and beyond, it can have a positive and measurable impact on pupil outcomes, particularly where used as a tool to improve and invigorate teaching. Drama provides all pupils the opportunity to flourish and find methods of self-expression.

• Inclusion and diversity

  • • Drama supports and encourages personal expression and the exploration of a wide range of cultures, experiences, perspectives, and the world in which we live.

• Building skills for life

  • • Drama allows pupils to develop transferable skills in leadership, communication, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. At examination level, drama offers pupils, of all abilities and interests, a range of opportunities in subject-specific skills including performance, design and technical roles. The demands of theatre provide exceptional links to science, technology, engineering and maths, given the technical and innovative nature of contemporary theatre practice.

• Cultural experiences

  • • As audiences and participants in drama-based activities, young people develop a lifelong appreciation and understanding of drama and theatre and its interplay with other art forms. Participation in drama activities increases pupils’ cultural capital and helps them succeed in life.

• Mental health and wellbeing

  • • Involvement in drama activities can have a positive effect on the mental health and wellbeing of pupils, staff and the wider school community. It creates cohesion and facilitates relationships across year groups and subject areas. By creating space for self-expression and the exploration of emotions, involvement in drama enables pupils to develop empathy, confidence, enhanced communication skills and an understanding of what it means to be a valued member of society.