Drama
OVERVIEW
Drama is a vital subject, offering pupils the chance to explore the world through creative expression.
All children from Year 3 to Year 8 have weekly drama lessons, where imagination and practical activities are encouraged. The focus is not just on performance skills but on developing confident, thoughtful individuals who use drama to better understand and express themselves. Key life skills, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and empathy, are nurtured throughout.
OUR SYLLABUS
The drama curriculum is built around three main skills: Making, Performing, and Evaluating. Each year group explores various themes, with units designed to help pupils develop their dramatic techniques. For example:
- Year 3 – Become tiger experts searching for a missing animal.
- Year 4 – Step into the shoes of Roman gladiators.
- Year 5 – Master the art of mime.
- Year 6 – Experience the role of WWII evacuees.
- Year 7 – Study bullying through the play The Fate of Humpty Dumpty.
- Year 8 – Learn the skills of Commedia dell’arte.
Through these diverse activities, pupils develop an understanding of drama conventions, preparing them for further study at GCSE level. They are also encouraged to evaluate their own performances and set personal improvement goals.
WHY STUDY DRAMA?
Drama lessons foster creativity, collaboration, and confidence, creating a space where pupils feel safe to express themselves. Many pupils find that drama helps them understand difficult concepts, such as history or emotions, by turning them into tangible experiences. Drama lessons are often some of the most memorable, allowing pupils to step out of their comfort zones while learning in a fun, supportive environment.
To deepen their understanding of the subject, every child at King’s Prep is given the opportunity to experience live theatre. Regular trips include visits to the Brewhouse Theatre, Bristol Hippodrome, the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, and occasional excursions to the West End in London. Recent productions include Pinocchio, Twelfth Night, Hamilton, and War Horse.
- Productions: Children in Year 4, Year 6, and Year 7/8 participate in performances, giving them the chance to showcase their skills in front of an audience. Recent productions include Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Oliver, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
- Dance: From ballet classes to complex choreography routines for productions, dance is a key part of the drama curriculum.
- Speech and Drama: Many pupils take part in Speech and Drama exams, working on solo performances, poetry recitals, and group pieces.
- Arts Week: A celebration of all things creative, Arts Week features a range of activities tied to a specific theme, such as Puppets or Cultural Diversity.
Drama helps pupils develop a wide range of soft skills that are essential both on and off the stage. These include:
- Self-expression and confidence
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Effective communication and problem-solving
- Emotional intelligence and empathy
- Creativity
- Perseverance and resilience
