Drama

Our vision is to provide our students with an inspiring experience of Drama at Carshalton Boys. Our aim is to enable students to develop their understanding, participation and appreciation of Drama and the Performing Arts. We believe in the value of creativity and the importance of developing the whole person alongside young people's imagination. We encourage our students to think beyond their own experiences and recognise the power of Drama to broaden perspectives and liberate the mind.

We know from experience that the skills developed through Drama are transferable across the whole school curriculum. Alongside the study of play texts, students are given the opportunity to express themselves and their views of the world through issue-based drama. They communicate, collaborate and develop their skills in research, analytical thinking and evaluation. We believe Drama plays a vital role in developing both self-confidence and emotional intelligence in young people.

Our Curriculum

At Key Stage 3, students embark on their learning journey in Drama through our Technology rotation.

Pupils in Years 7 and 8 study a performance unit for two hours per week during one half-term of each academic year. These units provide an exciting blend of Drama, developing speaking and listening skills from the English Key Stage 3 National Curriculum, and Dance, drawing on the Physical Education National Curriculum.

In Year 9, Drama is offered as a taster option for one hour per week. During this course, students are introduced to set texts, examine the work of influential theatre practitioners, experience live theatre and develop the performance skills and subject knowledge required for the transition to Key Stage 4.

At Key Stage 4, students can choose to study GCSE Drama. The course develops both performance skills and subject-specific knowledge through practical and written work. Students devise original drama, interpret and perform two set texts, and deepen their understanding of a range of theatrical styles, including Naturalism, Epic Theatre, Physical Theatre and Melodrama. The qualification combines coursework, practical examinations and an externally assessed written examination.

Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities

We believe that the performance work we create in school should reflect the work of contemporary theatre-makers. Students from every key stage are encouraged to take part in school productions, which combine elements of Drama, Dance, Music and Media. Throughout the academic year, students have opportunities to attend live theatre performances and participate in industry-standard workshops. Drama plays an important role within the wider school community and regularly features in assemblies and awards evenings. Students are also offered a wide range of extracurricular opportunities in Dance.

Subject leader: Alix Clarke - aclarke@carshaltonboys.org