Drama

Philosophy

Drama forms an important part of a child’s education. It is seen as a spontaneous response to play in the youngest pupils, developing into the early stages of theatre skills in the older classes. It can be an improvised activity, a part of a game or a carefully rehearsed performance. Drama is considered an integral part of the language development programme, and is also used to explore a variety of other subject areas. It can be used to examine a particular theme or a drama project may be an end in itself, but always viewed as an experience of value and part of an ongoing process.

Drama skills are an important part of creative expression. Students are able to communicate through a combination of movement, music, language and gesture. As they develop their physical, social, emotional and intellectual skills, they are able to demonstrate greater self-confidence and independence. Through rehearsals and workshops they improve the acting skills needed for performance and provide a creative input into the final production.

Aims

The drama curriculum will enable students to:

• make sense of their place in the world
• become more self-aware
• understand the feelings of others
• improve their social skills
• work as part of a team
• participate in presentations
• improve their acting skills
• develop techniques in costume making, props, make-up and scenery
• participate in group, class or school productions

Years 1 and 2

Students participate in improvised drama through pretend games, e.g. dressing up, play house and shop. They take part in mimed games, action songs and playground games Students re-enact fairy stories, traditional tales and poems. They perform short plays written by or adapted by teachers. These are presented to parents and peers at special assemblies. Participation in larger events includes the winter festival and end-of-year productions.

Years 3 to 6

Improvised drama and drama workshops are used to develop characterisation, movement, gesture, expression and voice. These, as well as play readings, may lead to more formal presentations to peers or parents. The results of social studies research or science projects can also be presented through the medium of drama. Plays, written by students and/or teachers, as well as commercially available sources, are rehearsed and performed by classes for assemblies, seasonal festivals and end-of-year productions. Students also learn about techniques in stagecraft, i.e. make-up, costume, props and scenery.