Drama allows us to explore issues, ideas and dilemmas relevant to children’s lives, and through it, our children can investigate the behaviour of individuals and the nature of relationships. The very nature of drama, means it is a social activity, where our children learn communication, cooperation and collaboration, developing skills and confidence.
In class, we explore and create stories, read scripts, investigate characters, discuss staging and use choreography and improvisation. In Years 3 to 6, activities often relate to the historical periods being learnt in class, such as Ancient Greece in Year 3 or Shakespeare in Year 5. In our younger year groups, classrooms have a range of costumes, props and creative spaces where children can perform and role play.
Performance lies at the heart of our Drama provision. From the very beginning of their school journey, pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, creativity, and communication through performance.
In Reception, the foundations are laid as our youngest children present a simple musical during the Lent Term, incorporating themes from their classroom learning. Year 1 delight audiences with a lively, song and dance filled Nativity in the Michaelmas Term, while Year 2 pupils collaborate on a topic-themed Assembly, showcasing their growing performance skills.
As children progress through the school, they take on greater responsibility within their productions. Year 4 rehearse and perform a play in the Stahl Theatre, including a dress rehearsal for the school and an evening performance for family and friends. Year 5 immerse themselves in a ‘Play in a Day’ Workshop, which culminates in a performance for parents. Year 6 lead the Remembrance Assembly each year and also take on an ambitious Musical, staged in the Stahl Theatre as the highlight of their final year.
Beyond these productions, pupils have further opportunities to develop their speaking and listening skills through our annual Speech and Drama Competition. After auditioning within their year groups, six finalists from each year perform on the school stage before an invited judge, as well as parents and families, during the exciting Grand Final.
Theatre trips form an important part of our Drama curriculum, ensuring that every child experiences live performance each year. Pupils attend productions by touring companies at the Stahl Theatre, as well as additional trips when opportunities arise, for example, to see a Royal Shakespeare Company production on tour or a Horrible Histories show brought to life on stage.
