Drama additional info

Drama and Imaginative play

Drama encourages children to explore a variety of issues, ideas and values.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, the subject is taught by the Reception teacher who specialised in drama as part of her training. There is dedicated time in the Hall except at Nursery level where girls and boys remain in their classroom.

The Drama specialist who is part of the Performing Arts team, teaches Years 1 - 6. Skills and techniques are introduced and developed and are revisited so that progress can be monitored. Both drama teachers plan progression from one Key Stage to another.

In Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception, all children participate in a Nativity play which is performed to pupils, parents and guests. Other performances include assemblies and whole-school events. Child-initiated drama includes dressing up, role-play with props (themes altered on a regular basis), small-world play and puppets. Adult-led activities take place in a dedicated 30 minute session each week.

Years 4, 5 and 6 have participated in a music and drama workshop relating to the International Year of the Rights of the Child run by the CMS drama group. This encompassed issues relating to PHSE and RE. Visiting professional groups run exciting workshops and the year is interspersed with trips to performing arts venues and actual performances.

There are 4 drama productions each year: Separate Nativity plays for the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1; a production in the spring Term for Years 3 and 4 and a production in the summer Term for Years 5 and 6. Every child is involved in some capacity in dance, drama and music.

At Christmas we entertain at an old folks home and also welcome other groups of the elderly to our school. We invite neighbouring schools to our productions and actively encourage local people to come into school to share their interests. This year members of Year 6 performed alongside Woodcote House boys in their production of 'West Side Story'.

Our local infact school enjoy attending various drama productions. All of the above foster an awareness of the community helping our pupils appreciate respect and belonging.

Drama skills are assessed and summative assessments are made for the purposes of written annual reports and parents’ evenings. Particular skills in drama are rewarded by casting in school productions and trophies and prizes are awarded annually.

Pupils may, from the age of seven, elect to take LAMDA lessons.In Drama. The level of attainment in LAMDA exams is regularly at distinction and merit level in all age groups. Participation in the Speech and Drama section of the Chobham Festival brings high accolades and medals.

We also participate in national competitions e.g. BBC Performance Poetry.

On Speech Day prizes are awarded for all areas of arts education. In a further celebration assembly certificates and colours are awarded for further achievements in the arts.