Drama
The Laurus Drama Vision is for all students, regardless of background or circumstance, to be inspired to be makers and appreciators of culture, to be empowered to have a voice in the world today, to recognise what it takes to succeed creatively, and to acquire the knowledge and qualities that not only open the door to future success but allow our students to walk through it.
Powerful Knowledge in Drama
There is more to drama than being able to perform on stage. Opportunities are embedded for students to develop and refine performance talent but equally important is the ability to understand the purpose of the theatre we create and be able to analyse and evaluate the work of others.
Methodologies of theatrical practitioners are introduced throughout the key stages to enable students not only to ‘re-enact’ but to shape and express their own unique, creative ideas with a greater understanding of the need for style, audience intention and appreciation of a broad range of cultural perspectives.
Embedded within this exploration of theatrical and cultural knowledge is the opportunity to build personal qualities which can be relied on to succeed, not only in drama lessons but beyond school life and in future employment. At the heart of drama is the development of these qualities in all our students; communication and oracy, creative imagination, emotional literacy, clarity of expression, autonomy, leadership, confidence and collaboration.
Curriculum Features
The composites of the drama curriculum are selected to provide students with the opportunity to create, perform and evaluate a broad range of theatrical styles, texts and conventions.
Lessons are designed to encourage students to be theatre makers, with theoretical knowledge being embedded through practical exploration and development of dramatic components. The curriculum structure is both horizontal and hierarchical; whilst each composite introduces new key conventions and knowledge through different cultural topics, practitioner influences and texts, retrieval opportunities throughout the key stages are designed to build complexity and depth of knowledge, enabling progression in our students’ understanding and appreciation of theatre.
Co Curriculum Enrichment
At Priestnall, Drama offers a rich variety of co-curricular opportunities for students to develop their skills and explore their passions.
A highlight of the school year is the biannual whole-school production or play, an inclusive event where students of all abilities can participate and experience the excitement of live performance, whether on stage or behind the scenes.
For younger students, The Platform (Year 7 and 8 Drama Club) introduces the fundamentals of drama, while Maelstrom, our resident theatre company for Years 9 to 11, focuses on honing performance skills by exploring different styles, genres, and play texts.
Beyond acting, our Technical Assistance Group (TAG) allows students with an interest in theatre production to work alongside industry professionals, learning to manage and operate lighting and sound.
For those who enjoy watching theatre, The Playhouse Reviews offers the chance to view world-class pre-recorded performances.
Additionally, students interested in scriptwriting, producing, directing, or hosting an episode on the school’s radio station, The Priestnall Frequency, can get involved.
All electives encourage students to develop professionalism and performance discipline. Students can also take on leadership roles by becoming Performing Arts Ambassadors, helping to plan and deliver Drama Club sessions.
Finally, we offer a variety of Dance and Movement classes, designed to develop technique and encourage movement for fun. With such a wide range of opportunities, Priestnall ensures every student can engage with Drama, whether through performing, technical skills, or theatre appreciation.