Department overview

The Drama Department provides a creative, inclusive and engaging environment where students develop confidence, collaboration and communication skills through performance. At KS3, students build foundational skills in voice, movement, characterisation and devising, while exploring a range of theatrical styles and genres. At KS4, students deepen their understanding of performance and theatre-making through practical workshops, scripted study and devised work, developing analytical and evaluative skills alongside performance technique. At KS5, students follow the CTEC qualification, gaining hands-on experience in performance, rehearsal processes and the creative industry. The course supports progression into further education, apprenticeships and careers within the performing arts sector. Across all key stages, students have opportunities to participate in school productions and showcase events, fostering resilience, creativity and a lifelong appreciation of theatre.

Key Stage 3 curriculum

At Key Stage 3, students develop the core skills needed to become confident, thoughtful and creative performers. Across Years 7 and 8, pupils explore a range of drama techniques including improvisation, physical theatre, script work and devising. They study a variety of scripts and theatrical styles, developing their understanding of character, stagecraft and storytelling while building teamwork and communication skills.Written work is embedded across all year groups to develop analytical and evaluative skills. Students learn how to reflect on their performances, analyse scripts and use subject-specific vocabulary accurately. In Year 9, the curriculum begins to link more closely to GCSE Drama. Students explore more structured rehearsal processes, deepen their analytical writing and take part in devised and scripted performances that mirror GCSE expectations. This helps bridge the gap between Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, enabling students to make informed choices about continuing with Drama at GCSE and fostering a lasting passion for the arts.

Key Stage 4 curriculum

At Key Stage 4, students follow the GCSE AQA Drama course, which develops performance, creativity and analytical skills through both practical and written components.

The qualification is made up of three components:

Component 1: Understanding Drama (40%)

A written examination at the end of Year 11. Students study a set text and analyse live theatre, demonstrating their understanding of performance, design and directing using subject-specific terminology.

Component 2: Devising Drama (40%)

Students create and perform an original devised piece inspired by a stimulus. This includes a written devising log documenting their creative process and evaluating their work.

Component 3: Texts in Practice (20%)

Students perform extracts from published plays, showcasing their ability to interpret character and bring scripted work to life.

Across the course, students develop rehearsal discipline, collaboration skills and increasingly sophisticated written analysis, preparing them for further study in Drama and the performing arts.

Key Stage 5 curriculum

At Key Stage 5, students study the CTEC Performing Arts qualification, a vocational course designed to develop practical performance skills alongside an understanding of the creative industry. The course is assessed through a combination of internally assessed coursework and external assessment. Students explore a range of performance styles and practitioners, take part in workshops and rehearsals, and develop their skills in interpreting text and creating original work. They analyse professional repertoire, refine their technical and expressive skills, and evaluate their own progress using industry terminology. Students gain insight into the rehearsal process, professional practice and the expectations of working within the performing arts sector. The qualification supports progression to university, drama school, apprenticeships or careers within theatre, performance and related creative industries.

Catholic Social Teaching

Drama actively supports the principles of Catholic Social Teaching by encouraging students to explore dignity, justice and the common good through performance. Through the study of diverse scripts, themes and characters, students examine moral choices, social issues and the impact of inequality, developing empathy and respect for the inherent dignity of every person. Devised work often responds to contemporary issues, giving students a voice to explore topics such as human rights, community, responsibility and solidarity.

Collaborative rehearsal processes promote teamwork, mutual respect and service to others, reflecting the importance of community and participation. Students are encouraged to reflect critically on the world around them and consider how theatre can challenge injustice and inspire change. Through creative expression, Drama nurtures compassion, confidence and a commitment to contributing positively to society.

Enrichment opportunities

Annual Whole-School Production – Pupils can shine on stage, work behind the scenes in lighting, sound, costume, set design, or take on front-of-house roles. KS5 students even get the chance to direct the show, bringing their creative vision to life.

KS4 and KS5 students benefit from extra rehearsals and written catch-up work to master both practical and analytical skills. Rehearsals take place at lunch time to ensure it is accessible as possible creating a real sense of teamwork and excitement.

Theatre Trips – KS4 and KS5 students visit professional productions, experiencing live theatre and exploring performance styles up close. These trips bring learning to life, inspiring creativity and deepening understanding of drama in the real world.

These enrichment opportunities ignite passion, build confidence, and give every student the chance to be part of something spectacular.

Curriculum road map

Year 7

TERM 1 - Foundations of Drama

TERM 2 - Darkwood Manor – Devising

TERM 3 - Live Theatre Review – Shrek

Year 8

HALF TERM 1 – The Terrible Fate of Humpty Dumpty

HALF TERM 2 – Melodrama

HALF TERM 3 – The Heist

HALF TERM 4 – Devising from a stimulus

HALF TERM 5 – Joy Riding

HALF TERM 6 – The Missing Class

Year 9

HALF TERM 1 – DNA – Script Work

HALF TERM 2 – County Lines – Devising

HALF TERM 3 – Wonder.Land – Live Theatre Review

HALF TERM 4 – Film and TV – Script Work

HALF TERM 5 – Devising from a stimulus – Devising

HALF TERM 6 – Billy Elliot – Live Theatre Review

Year 10

Component 1 – Understanding Drama – Blood Brothers

Component 2 – Devising Drama

Year 11

Component 1 - Understanding Drama – Live Theatre Review – Jane Eyre

Component 2 – Texts in Practice

Year 12

Unit 3 – Influential Performance Practice

Unit 2 - Proposal for a Commission Brief

Unit 8 – Performance Repertoire

Year 13

Unit 1 - Preparing to Work in the Performing Arts Sector

Unit 4 – Combined Arts

Useful websites

• BBC Bitesize Drama
  Interactive guides for KS3 and GCSE Drama, including theory, performance tips, and exam advice.
• National Theatre Education
  Resources, videos, and workshops from professional productions to support practical and analytical learning.
• Drama Toolkit
  Practical ideas for devising, scripting, and acting exercises suitable for all key stages.
• The Guardian Theatre Section
  Reviews, interviews, and articles to inspire students and develop critical thinking about live theatre.
• Quizlet
  Customisable flashcards and study sets for drama terminology, key practitioners, and script analysis.

Careers

• Studying Drama opens doors to creative, dynamic and unexpected career paths! Of course, there’s acting, directing, stage management, playwriting and working in professional theatre or TV. But the skills you gain—confidence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation—are valued far beyond the stage.
• Students go on to thrive in journalism, marketing, public relations, event management, law, teaching, leadership roles, and even digital content creation. Drama can launch careers in film, radio, creative media, arts administration, or any field where creativity, collaboration and self-expression make you stand out.
• Whether on stage or in the boardroom, Drama equips students with the tools to succeed and shine in a wide range of modern careers.