Our bodies are our gardens – our wills are our gardeners.
Drama
Drama lessons at the Draper's Centre focus on exploring, rehearsing and performing dramatic pieces from a variety of traditions and on building up performance skills which can also be used in other situations. Each session gives opportunities for improvisation, acting in character and working as part of a group. Pupils will also learn how to critically evaluate their own and others’ performances, and work on solo, small group and ensemble pieces. Drama is taught to pupils in years 7-9 and is delivered on a rolling program to ensure that pupils do not repeat a unit.
Reintegration
Through the subject of drama we aim to develop confidence, creativity, teamwork and understanding as well as introducing pupils to a broad range of different types of dramatic works. Drama teaching at KS3 will prepare pupils for continuing the subject at GCSE if they so wish, but should also encourage those who may wish to pursue it as a hobby. Additionally, it will provide a firm backing in skills which can be used across many subjects and in life in general. Finally, the drama curriculum should give pupils a wider knowledge of key cultural references in terms of influential plays, playwrights and types of performance.
Strengths
Drama lessons are an opportunity to step out from behind a desk and get creative. They encourage confidence in speaking in front of others and also in recognising how thoughts and emotions are portrayed through body-language. Our topics often link to subjects covered in English lessons so help to reinforce these themes. Finally, these sessions give pupils the chance to explore important issues through the medium of drama.
Pupil View
For some pupils, performing and speaking in front of others can be daunting, and it is for this reason that drama lessons must be fun, engaging and feel like a safe space to take risks. Many pupils love the opportunity to take part in a session where they are encouraged to move around and express themselves more freely. Each lesson starts with a number of games and warm-up activities designed to get pupils comfortable with moving, talking and performing in front of each other; these often lead to unusual and humorous situations which are very much enjoyed by all. Conversely, some elements of the curriculum relate to more serious issues and are appreciated as they allow pupils to express themselves openly in a safe environment.
Enrichment
The Drama curriculum is enriched through trips and visits which tie in with the English curriculum including trips to Wimbledon theatre, or to central London to see Shakespeare, modern plays such as ‘Blood Brothers’, 'Poetry Live', and adaptations of novels such as ‘A Christmas Carol’. We also live stream RSC theatre productions wherever possible.