Upper Shirley High School
Home » Curriculum » Physical Arts » Drama » Welcome to Drama!
Welcome to Drama!
Aims and philosophy
Drama is not just about acting on a stage. It is about learning valuable life skills that are needed while at school and after. Drama is now an important part of the curriculum and it plays a crucial part in the education of young people. Through self expression, understanding morals and the building of their confidence, pupils can become part of a group and explore and develop their own personal attitudes towards life. Grow the confidence to be a public speaking and learn the valuable listening skills needed for appraising and evaluating.
Schemes of work are devised to cover a number of different topics and are there to cater for a variety of learning styles. A broad range of skills are studied through out Key Stage 3 and 4. These include scripted and devised performance, physical and contemporary theatre including movement, non-naturalistic, mime and mask work. Within these they develop the required key drama skills, techniques and explorative strategies.
At Key stage 4 there is a unit on theatre research incorporating the works of theatre practitioners and their methods such as Stanislavski, Brecht and Boal, that have been a large influence in the world of theatre.
In Drama we also like to give the pupils chance to see live theatre. From a trip to the Pantomime in year 7, to a two day visit to London to experience the delights of the West End! There are a number of drama associated extra curricular activities available including Drama club, talent shows and the whole show performance, which grows ever bigger and more professional each year. Pupils are also given the opportunity to work in a back stage capacity and learn the trade. Including lighting and back stage management and set design.
