DRAMA
Aims The Drama course enables a practical and critical study of theatre and performance, encouraging students to become confident, imaginative, and expressive individuals. It aims to develop a lasting enjoyment of drama, alongside an understanding of how creative ideas evolve from page to stage. Students explore the roles of actor, director, and designer, learning how performance can communicate ideas, emotion, and meaning to an audience.
Skills Students gain a broad range of skills that develop both artistic ability and intellectual curiosity. They learn to perform and communicate effectively in front of an audience, and to collaborate closely with others during rehearsals and creative projects. Analytical and reflective thinking are strengthened through the exploration of texts, performance work, and discussion of artistic choices. Students also gain practical experience of stagecraft, discovering how lighting, sound, set, and costume can be used to create atmosphere and support storytelling. Throughout the course, they are encouraged to experiment, to respond thoughtfully to feedback, and to refine their work in pursuit of artistic clarity and impact. The confidence, creativity, and teamwork fostered through drama provide students with a valuable foundation for many areas of future study and life beyond school.
Content Students develop their understanding and appreciation of drama through a combination of creative exploration and critical reflection. They work practically across the key areas of creating, performing, and evaluating, approaching theatre as both artists and audience members. Over the course of their studies, students devise original performances inspired by a range of ideas and stimuli, and they interpret extracts from plays to explore how text, movement, voice, and design contribute to meaning in performance.
Students gain insight into the creative processes of theatre-making by examining how directors, actors, and designers collaborate to bring stories to life. They explore how physical and vocal choices, stage space, rhythm, and pacing affect the audience’ s experience. Written and practical tasks support the development of clear and purposeful artistic choices, encouraging students to combine imagination with critical awareness as they create and perform their own work.
Enrichment Students’ appreciation of drama is enhanced through a variety of enrichment opportunities. Theatre visits and workshops provide the chance to experience professional productions and explore different theatrical styles and techniques. Recorded performances are used to deepen understanding of performance and design, and to encourage discussion about creative interpretation.
Beyond the classroom, students are invited to take part in the vibrant co-curricular drama programme. The Middle School and Senior productions offer opportunities to work collaboratively in a performance setting, while drama clubs and societies allow students to experiment with new ideas and develop their skills in a supportive environment. These experiences strengthen students’ confidence, creativity, and cultural understanding, fostering a lifelong enjoyment of drama and performance.
THE MIDDLE SCHOOL | AT SEVENOAKS 29