At St Edward’s, our exciting curriculum will equip our students with the skills to build presence, grow confidence and understand how to communicate effectively, both independently and as a team.

Curriculum Intent

In Drama we have built a curriculum that has creativity and self-expression at its heart. We want our students to develop confidence, empathy, and communication skills. We seek to inspire a passion for the arts and foster an understanding of different perspectives and cultures. We value and encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate ideas clearly.

In each year at St. Edwards, students will engage in a diverse range of theatrical practices, from improvisation and scriptwriting to performance and stagecraft. They will explore both classical and contemporary works, develop their own creative pieces, and participate in various productions that showcase their talents and learning.

As Drama teachers, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. We aim to nurture each student's individual potential and to instil a lifelong appreciation for the dramatic arts.

Course Contact

Mrs Lauren Keene
Head of Performing Arts

Key Stage Three

During Key Stage 3, students develop a robust foundation of skills that prepare them for GCSE or equip them with valuable transferable skills in communication, presentation, and teamwork. Students will study both texts and topical issues, perform their findings and develop through improvisation. These activities enhance their independent research abilities, problem-solving skills, and their capacity to devise, script, perform, and evaluate both their own work and that of their peers. Drama is a highly practical subject that empowers our students to engage audiences and communicate effectively.

Year 7

In Year 7 students will explore the following subjects:

Greek theatre
Perseus and Medusa
Evacuees
Wolves- an investigation
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Year 8

In Year 8 students will explore the following subjects:

Darkwood Manor
Bullying
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
The Stones
Sweeney Todd
Macbeth

Year 9

In Year 9 students will explore the following subjects:

Woman in Black
The London Riots
Noughts and Crosses
Let Him Have It
Frantic Assembly
Practitioners

Key Stage Four

This course offers an immersive journey into the heart of theatre, where creativity knows no bounds, and every student has the chance to shine on stage and behind the scenes. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a budding director, or someone passionate about the technical aspects of theatre production, GCSE Drama is your gateway to discovering and honing your talents.

Students will engage in:

Devising Drama: Working collaboratively to create original pieces of theatre. (30%)
Scripted Performances and Exploration of Practitioners: Bringing published plays to life through performance, studying the methodologies and impact of influential theatre practitioners. (30%)
Performance Analysis: Developing critical thinking by analysing live and recorded performances. (40%)

One of the most significant benefits of studying GCSE Drama is the development of transferable skills that are invaluable in various aspects of life and career paths. Here are some key transferable skills you will gain:
Communication: Drama enhances verbal and non-verbal communication skills. You'll learn how to express ideas clearly and confidently, both on and off the stage.
Teamwork: Collaboration is at the heart of drama. Working in ensembles teaches you to listen, negotiate, and contribute effectively within a team.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: The process of devising and performing requires innovative thinking and the ability to solve problems creatively.
Emotional Intelligence: Understanding characters and their motivations deepens empathy and emotional awareness, important for interpersonal relationships.
Time Management: Balancing rehearsals, performances, and coursework develops strong organizational and time management skills.
Critical Thinking: Analysing performances and texts sharpens your ability to evaluate and critique constructively.

Embark on a transformative educational experience with GCSE Drama. This course is not just about theatre; it's about equipping you with a toolkit of skills that will serve you throughout your life, no matter where your future takes you. Join us and let your creativity soar while you develop abilities that will open doors to countless opportunities.

Method of Assessment

Exam Board: OCR

Practical Assessment: 60%

Written Examination: 40%

Key Stage Five

BTEC Drama aims to develop your understanding of the theory and practice of Drama and consider the social cultural and historical contexts from which the plays derive. Through the study of a wide range of plays you will gain a detailed knowledge and understanding of the ways in which playwrights use the dramatic form, structure and language to communicate meaning to an audience. You will examine the theatrical canon, and explore the impact the theatre has had on past and contemporary societies.

Learn more

Future Pathways

Drama is a subject that is celebrated and appreciated in all walks of life and proves advantageous to an eclectic range of careers. Universities and employees widely acknowledge that Drama is the unification of both an academic and practical subject, and one which helps empower people by improving their written and oral communication, self-confidence and empathetic skills. Successful Drama students have gone on to use their skills in acting and technical theatre, law, medicine and heath service, public relations, teaching, the police, tourism, journalism, presenting, management to name but a few.

Student Testimonials

"Drama has really helped me come out of my shell. I used to be so shy, but performing in front of my classmates has made me more confident in speaking and expressing my ideas. It's my favourite class because it's fun and I feel like I can be myself."

KS3 Drama student

"Studying Drama for my GCSEs has been amazing. It’s not just about acting; it’s about understanding different perspectives and working as a team. The skills I've learned, like communication and problem-solving, are useful in all my subjects and will definitely help me in the future."

KS4 Drama student

"Drama at A-Level has been incredibly rewarding. It has pushed me to think creatively and critically. The collaborative projects have improved my ability to work with others, and performing has boosted my self-confidence immensely. I feel prepared for both university and any career path I choose."

KS5 Drama student