DRAMA
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Arts for All
The Drama Department is a vibrant, creative space where imagination is brought to life. We are passionate about inspiring every learner to develop confidence, sensitivity and a strong sense of self-expression through performance.
At the heart of our department is a commitment to exploring powerful ideas and sharing them in bold, exciting ways. Through drama and performance, students engage with different cultures, perspectives and real-world themes – building both artistic skill and personal understanding.
Our team of specialist Drama staff bring a dynamic range of professional expertise, spanning acting, directing, musical theatre, script writing and community theatre, alongside physical theatre and devised performance. This diversity allows us to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, where students experience multiple styles, disciplines and creative processes. By drawing on real-world practice and industry-informed approaches, we empower students to experiment, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice with confidence.
Beyond the classroom, our thriving extra-curricular programme provides even more opportunities to perform, create and shine. From productions and showcases to clubs and workshops, students are encouraged to take risks, collaborate and develop their unique voice.
We celebrate every success and take pride in nurturing talented, creative and confident individuals who not only enjoy the Arts but value its place in the world.
Learning Journeys: Drama
Click/ tap on the years below to see the relevant learning journeys diagrams.
Click HERE to download the overall learning journey diagram.
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Clicking on the buttons below will download a PDF including a further breakdown of topics covered in the subject:
Curriculum Aims
Our curriculum is designed to inspire confident, creative and reflective performers who are able to communicate ideas with clarity, purpose and impact. We encourage students to collaborate effectively, think analytically and engage critically with both their own work and the work of others.
Through a balance of devising and the exploration of scripted plays, students develop a wide range of theatrical skills while gaining a secure understanding of performance. They explore how meaning is created and communicated on stage, building knowledge of key roles, processes and conventions within contemporary theatre.
Students are supported to take creative risks, pursue their own ideas and refine their work with increasing independence. As they progress, they develop the confidence to direct, shape, and evaluate performance using appropriate theatrical vocabulary and techniques. Alongside this, we nurture expressive, versatile performers who are able to embody a range of characters and styles.
Our commitment to high-quality arts education is reflected in our continued achievement of Artsmark Gold, recognising the strength and richness of our provision. Students benefit from a wide range of professional partnerships and live experiences, including work with The Lowry, National Theatre and Royal Exchange Theatre, as well as practical workshops led by companies such as Frantic Assembly, Paper Birds and West End musical theatre performers. These experiences deepen understanding, raise aspiration, and connect classroom learning to the professional world of theatre.
Ultimately, our aim is to develop students who not only enjoy performance, but who value its role in exploring identity, culture and the world around them and who leave us as confident, creative and thoughtful individuals.
Teaching and Facilities
Our department is led by a team of experienced Drama specialists who bring a wide range of professional expertise and subject knowledge to their teaching. Mr Taylor, Head of Drama, is a specialist in Musical Theatre, with a strong focus on performance, vocal technique and stagecraft, ensuring students develop both confidence and precision in live performance.
Miss Hartley is a specialist in Script Writing, supporting students to develop original, imaginative and well-structured dramatic work. Her expertise enables students to refine their storytelling skills and understand how language, structure and intention shape performance.
Alongside them, Mrs Lipton plays a key role within the department, contributing her extensive experience in devising, theatre practitioners and broader expressive arts leadership, including her work across whole-school arts development and performance opportunities.
Together, the team deliver a curriculum that is ambitious, supportive and creatively rich, ensuring students are both challenged and nurtured as they develop their skills.
Drama is taught for one hour per week in Years 7, 8, and 9, providing a strong foundation in performance and creative exploration. At Key Stage 4, students who choose Drama study the subject for three hours per week.
The department benefits from state-of-the-art facilities, including a fully equipped drama studio, a dedicated theatre space and an outdoor amphitheatre. These outstanding learning environments allow students to rehearse, devise and perform in a variety of professional-style settings, supporting both classroom learning and large-scale productions.
Enrichment
Enrichment is a central strength of our department, offering students regular opportunities to extend their learning, develop their confidence and experience theatre in a range of exciting and meaningful contexts.
A key highlight of our provision is the annual school musical, which brings together students from across year groups to create ambitious, high-quality productions. Recent performances have included Lion King Jr, Peter Pan Jr, Shrek Jr and 9 to 5 Jr, all of which have provided students with invaluable experience in large-scale performance, teamwork and professional rehearsal processes.
Our Drama Club offers a creative and supportive space for students to explore performance beyond the curriculum. Here, students collaborate on a variety of performance projects throughout the year, building confidence, friendship and a genuine sense of enjoyment in drama.
We also provide access to the National Theatre Film Club, allowing students to engage with a wide range of professional productions and deepen their understanding of performance styles, practitioners and staging techniques.
In addition, students have the opportunity to take part in the National Theatre Connections Festival, working on challenging contemporary scripts and experiencing the process of rehearsing and performing work written for young people on a national platform. This experience is highly valued for the insight it provides into professional theatre-making and ensemble performance.
Reading Beyond the Classroom
External Links (click on the picture to be taken to the relevant Website)
Pearson: This is the exam board for the BTEC Tech Award Level 2 in Performing Arts. On the website, you can download the specification for further information on the course.
