Drama has an important role to play in the personal development of our students. The skills and qualities developed by students in drama, such as teamwork, creativity, leadership and risk-taking are assets in all subjects and all areas of life. Drama stimulates the imagination and allows students to explore issues and experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
It is vital to create an atmosphere of security, trust and concentration. Drama promotes self-esteem and provides all students with a sense of achievement regardless of academic ability.
It’s all about social skills, communication skills and having fun – we learn by doing!
Each pupil should
- identify with characters and actions through role-play, (for example, a dramatised story/and as spectators of the performance);
- have the confidence and ability to put across a particular point of view;
- learn how to work with others to solve human and practical problems
- create and take part in improvised scenes in order to explore issues;
- invent and develop convincing roles in specific situations;
- know how to structure dramatic sequences in order to convey meaning;
- be aware of the need for dramatic conventions (eg. light, dark, movement, pause, sound, silence);
- be aware of and use a variety of dramatic forms and techniques, to express ideas and feelings (eg. mime, movement, costume, make-up, props, set-design);
- appreciate drama in performance, both as participants and as spectators;
- understand the educational, cultural and social purposes of drama;
- develop a vocabulary of theatre/drama;
- explore the variety of human emotions through drama;
- learn to listen and concentrate;
- learn to respect and where appropriate, depend on, others (eg. trust skills);
- develop awareness (sensitivity) and enjoyment of the ways groups work (eg. decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation), willingness to accept responsibility, a democratic approach;
- evaluate his or her achievements as an individual and through groups in which he or she works; learn critical awareness;
- appreciate the values and attitudes of their own and other communities, recognize social conventions and stereotypes – be prepared to examine them;
- explore cross-curricular themes
Good drama requires a clear sense of discipline and direction from both teachers and pupils; all are equally responsible for the quality of learning that takes place.
Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3)
Each pupil in Years 7 to 9 takes part in a weekly Drama lesson. They are given the opportunity to perform in a variety of genres and styles to experiment with different performance techniques: improvisation; working with scripts; melodrama; physical theatre techniques and dance. In addition, pupils will also explore theatre design and production areas: Costume design; Set design; Make-up design; Mask design; Lighting and Sound design; Stage management; Directing
Year 10-11 (GCSE)
Examination Board: EDUQAS
This is a very popular subject where students can develop an insight into and an understanding of a wide range of activities. Drama is an exciting, creative and challenging course and our lessons have been designed to meet those challenges.
GCSE Drama requires candidates to study one complete performance text plus one additional key extract from a second performance text. The interpretation of the complete performance text will be assessed through written examination. Candidates will also participate in two performances, one devised and one text. The devised piece should be based on the work and methodologies of a theatre practitioner or genre in response to a stimulus provided at the beginning of the course.
Students can study a range of performance or technical elements including acting, costume and make-up, lighting, sound and scenic design.
INSPIRED Sixth Form (A Level)
Click here for the INSPIRED Sixth Form A Level Brochure.
Other information
Westholme has a very strong drama tradition and its school productions are renowned. There is a major production held in July each year with a second show in November. They are both major events in the school calendar and involve massive effort and dedication from both staff and pupils.
