Form Ones: The Form Ones will are introduced to the key themes of Drama and learn to use Drama as a way to explore other subjects. We explore basic dramatic devices and modes of performance including Mime and Facial Expression, Improvisation with and without props, Voice Projection and Enunciation, and Characterisation. In the Summer Term Drama lessons are used to rehearse a year group production (this enhances our ability to rehearse the children properly despite the pressures of a full Abberley timetable).

Removes: In the Autumn Term we rehearse The Junior Show. Over the following two terms the Removes extend their experience of drama by re-capping the key devices covered in the Form Ones. They also begin to use drama to explore the themes behind and appreciate literacy texts (for example Shakespeare’s King Lear).

Shells: The Shells are expected to develop the skills gained so far as well as looking more closely at more classic texts. In the second term they will be taking part in three workshops introducing an accessible approach to Shakespeare. These workshops emphasise Shakespeare as Theatre rather than literature and offer active and flexible approaches to language, themes and performance. The Shells will also be introduced to some of the skills needed in devising their own pieces of theatre. The Shells show takes place at the end of the Summer term and rehearsals take place during evening activities. This allows the pupils to experience working with children from other classes within their year group.

Cross-Curricular: Each term Drama workshops are used to support pupils’ preparation for the Prose, Speech and Poetry Competitions as part of the English syllabus. Many workshops also explore themes liked to PSHE and Citizenship.

Extra-curricular Drama: Drama is offered as an activity in the Autumn Term to the top two years in order to rekindle and develop the skills acquired earlier in their school career. In the Spring and Summer Terms activity times are used for rehearsals in preparations for the different productions.

LAMDA (London Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts): A large number of pupils take acting classes with Rebecca Fitzpatrick, a peripatetic Speech an Drama specialist. Rebecca is responsible for private lessons in school time. She coaches children through examinations and general solo acting, sometimes taking small groups through duologues and sketches.