Drama

Rationale

Drama at The John Wallis Church of England Academy gives pupils the opportunity to explore stories, ideas and human experiences through performance.

Pupils learn how to create meaning on stage, using voice, movement, space, character and dramatic conventions with increasing control. They work with scripts, stimuli and devised material, learning how performers, directors and designers shape an audience’s experience.

Drama is also a subject of collaboration. Pupils rehearse, respond, adapt and refine their work with others, developing confidence, discipline and an ability to listen carefully to different perspectives. Through this process, they become more thoughtful communicators and more assured performers.

As pupils encounter a range of theatrical styles, practitioners and live or recorded performance, they begin to understand drama as both an art form and a powerful way of examining the world. The subject builds imagination, empathy and resilience while opening pathways into further study and the wider creative industries.

Aims

Through Drama, pupils will:

• develop confidence and control as performers

• use voice, movement, gesture and space to communicate meaning

• create and develop characters with clarity and purpose

• explore scripts, stimuli and devised material

• understand how dramatic conventions and theatrical techniques shape performance

• collaborate effectively during rehearsal and performance

• refine work in response to feedback and evaluation

• analyse the choices made by actors, directors and designers

• experience and respond to a range of theatrical styles and practitioners

• develop creativity, empathy, resilience and self-expression

• communicate ideas clearly to an audience

• build the knowledge and skills needed for further study and participation in the performing arts.