Drama

Welcome to our Drama Department, where we believe theatre is more than just acting. It is about finding your voice, building confidence, developing empathy and understanding the world around you.

Our curriculum is designed to inspire a passion for the performing arts, empowering pupils to explore complex ideas, express themselves creatively and evaluate both their own work and the work of others. From Year 7 onwards, pupils are encouraged to be brave, collaborative and imaginative. We use drama as a space for exploration, a platform for self-expression and a place where every pupil can develop confidence and achieve success.

Through practical performance, discussion, reflection and creative problem-solving, pupils develop valuable communication, teamwork and leadership skills that support learning across the curriculum and prepare them for life beyond school.

Aims of the EA Foundations Drama Curriculum (Year 7)

Drama is introduced in Year 7 as part of the EA Foundations curriculum, where pupils begin to develop the fundamental skills, knowledge and understanding needed to become effective performers, creators and communicators.

Through a variety of practical workshops and performance opportunities, pupils explore a range of dramatic techniques, storytelling methods and performance styles. They learn how to communicate ideas and emotions effectively, work collaboratively with others and use drama as a tool to explore real-life issues and different perspectives.

A strong emphasis is placed on oracy, enabling pupils to develop spoken language skills, build confidence when speaking in front of others and articulate their ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Pupils are encouraged to take creative risks, reflect on their work and respond positively to feedback.

Our aim is to foster a lifelong appreciation of the performing arts while developing pupils who are articulate, resilient, compassionate and culturally aware.

Aims of the EA Horizons Drama Curriculum (Years 8-11)

As pupils progress through EA Horizons, they build upon the skills and knowledge developed in Year 7, developing greater confidence, independence and creativity as theatre practitioners.

Throughout Years 8 and 9, pupils continue to explore a diverse range of theatrical styles, genres and performance techniques. They create original performances, interpret scripted material and examine how drama can be used to communicate messages, challenge viewpoints and reflect the experiences of different communities and cultures.

In Years 10 and 11, pupils deepen their understanding of theatre through more advanced practical and analytical work. They develop their abilities as performers, creators and evaluators by studying dramatic texts, exploring live theatre and creating their own original work.

Pupils learn how to devise performances from a range of stimuli, document and reflect upon their creative process, and collaborate effectively to realise artistic ideas. They also refine their performance skills through both scripted and devised work, developing confidence in a variety of performance contexts.

The curriculum encourages pupils to think critically, work creatively and communicate effectively. By the end of Year 11, pupils will have developed the practical, analytical and collaborative skills needed for further study, employment and lifelong engagement with the arts. They will leave with the confidence to express themselves, the ability to work successfully with others and an appreciation of the impact that theatre and performance can have on individuals and society.

Subject leader: Holly.Knox@excelsiornewcastle.org.uk  

Drama Curriculum