Drama is taught to all Year 7 and 8 pupils, it is part of the mini options in Year 9 and as a GCSE option in Years 10 and 11 (OCR). 

Drama is a statutory part of English in the National Curriculum, and we strive to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to participate in and gain knowledge, skills, and understanding associated with the artistic practice of Drama. Our curriculum ambition is to provide an academic Drama curriculum that develops knowledge, skills, and cultural capital. The coherent planning is sequenced towards pupils collaborating creatively to confidently present their ideas for an audience through live performance. We aim to develop pupils’ interpersonal skills and to stimulate their imaginations to explore issues beyond their own experience, in a safe and supportive environment. 

Educational Goals 

By the end of their secondary education, students should acquire a comprehensive set of knowledge and skills in Drama, including academic, social, and emotional development. They will develop confidence in public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.  

Rationale 

The rationale for Drama in Years 7, 8, and 9 is skill-driven and aims to build personal competences which can be relied upon to succeed, not only in drama lessons, but beyond school life and in future employment. Our curriculum is designed to care for and include all students, aspiring to develop them into deep thinkers, lifelong learners, numerate and literate individuals, leaders, and culturally aware citizens. The Drama curriculum is essential as it reflects the school's values and ethos, preparing students for their future by fostering creativity, empathy, and resilience. It equips students with interpersonal skills and the ability to navigate complex social situations, which are crucial for success in both personal and professional life. 

Coherence and Sequencing 

The curriculum is structured to build knowledge and skills progressively over time. Starting with foundational skills in Years 7 and 8, students gradually move towards more complex tasks in Year 9, such as devising their own performances and working with scripts. This logical sequencing ensures that students develop a deep understanding of Drama and its applications ready for GCSE level.

Inclusivity 

Drama promotes self-esteem and provides all pupils with a sense of achievement regardless of academic ability. The Drama curriculum is successfully adapted and developed to be fully inclusive and as ambitious as possible, and to meet the needs of all, including PP and SEND pupils. It centres on social and communication skills which enable pupils to enjoy and achieve. Our Drama curriculum is designed to be accessible and challenging for all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, ensuring that everyone, including PP and SEND students, can participate fully and achieve their potential. 

Cultural Capital 

Drama places unique demands upon the critical thinking and emotional engagement of participants. It challenges pupils to move from a superficial response to texts and situations, to a more sophisticated response. When pupils are emotionally engaged, they experience for themselves roles, tensions, and dilemmas while being able to step outside a text or situation to gain an additional perspective. Developing this ability to participate and observe means that, given a new situation, text, or dilemma, pupils are able to transfer their analytical skills to them. The curriculum helps students gain a broad understanding of the world, enhancing their cultural awareness and appreciation. Through exposure to a wide range of cultural experiences, students develop their cultural capital, which includes understanding different perspectives and appreciating diverse forms of artistic expression. 

Assessment and Evaluation 

These skills include: 

• Confidence speaking in a group and individually 

• Working as part of a team 

• Formulating and sharing their opinions 

• Adapting their language to suit the situation 

• Being respectful to others 

• Showing empathy and understanding 

• Staying on topic and developing a deeper understanding of what is being discussed 

• Listening to others and responding appropriately to what is said 

• Communicating their wants, needs, and ideas effectively 

Student progress is assessed through a combination of practical performances, written evaluations, and teacher and peer feedback. The effectiveness of the curriculum is continuously evaluated and improved based on student outcomes and feedback, ensuring that it remains relevant and effective in meeting the needs of all students. 

We intend for pupils to explore, experiment, and express themselves in a safe and non-judgmental environment. In Drama, pupils can expand their thought processes and learn to articulate their ideas, opinions, and feelings. Because of the variety of options within the subject (performance, design, director), all pupils have the opportunity to thrive. 

Students also experience Drama as an art form and can identify elements they can relate to, as well as being exposed to a wide range of cultural experiences to develop their cultural capital. They will have experienced: 

• Being in performances on different scales (within lessons, school productions, productions outside of school) 

• Critiquing drama they see, and having their own work evaluated 

• Technical elements of drama (lights, sound, costume, make-up, props) 

• Working as an ensemble 

• Making links with other art forms and subjects 

• Devising their own work from given stimuli 

• Working from scripts to create performances 

• A range of different styles and genres of drama 

The Drama department aims to develop individuals who are confident members of our society, aware of their own worth and value, and able to creatively problem-solve to make the changes necessary in their lives for their world to be a better place. 

Preparation for Next Steps 

The Drama curriculum prepares students for their next stage of education, employment, or training by developing essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. These skills are transferable and valuable in various fields, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavours. Drama is the inspiring, rigorous, and practical subject which prepares all young people to live and work with confidence in the wider world. The Drama curriculum is designed to promote the creativity, empathy, and problem-solving skills needed for life beyond school. 

Linking to Future Careers and Jobs 

Studying Drama opens a wide range of career opportunities. Beyond traditional roles in acting and performance, students can pursue careers in directing, producing, stage management, technical theatre, arts administration, and drama therapy. Additionally, the skills developed through Drama—such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking—are highly valued in fields like education, public relations, and business management. This broad skill set ensures that students are well-prepared for various professional paths, making Drama a versatile and valuable subject for future career success.