“I like performing and enjoy working with different people in the group. When we show our work it is really exciting. I have begun to use more theatrical words when talking about the work we do and feel more confident about acting in front of my friends.”
Year 7 student
Drama is taught throughout the school and is a popular subject that focuses on students developing their social and dramatic skills. Through drama structures, students gain confidence by expressing their ideas and working with others in a positive environment. Drama is perceived as a developmental subject at Bishop Stopford and is also used as a method of enhancing other areas of the curriculum. The skills we seek to enhance are not just acting/directing/lighting or sound based but has regard to the students whole being; increasing confidence and positive team working are central to our aims.
Key Stage 3
Students are taught in blocks by a trained Drama teacher. Initially the focus is on encouraging students to trust each other and learn to work productively towards a deadline. They respond to a number of genres through the creative process including music, poetry and even mythology!
Key Stage 4
Students work from the published syllabus from Edexcel
Qualifications : GCSE : Drama : Edexcel http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/drama-2016.html
40% Coursework devising
20% Performance from text practical
40% Theatre Makers in practice written examination
Enrichment Opportunities
- A Drama club runs once per week after school.
- Students who have produced a particularly strong piece of work in lessons are encouraged to show it to an invited audience at lunchtime during an “Open Studio” presentation.
- Students in Key Stage 4 regularly visit the theatre to further inform their experience of drama and theatre
Mrs Emma Fraser – Head of Drama
Mrs Julia Bamford – Teacher of Drama and Theatre Studies