Drama
Drama Rationale
At Westhaven, we encourage learners to cooperate and collaborate with one another. We focus on key skills such as listening and responding and working in small groups. We explore different ways to communicate and show respect to others. Our learners will join in and perform in ways that are appropriate to the individual.
We understand that the curriculum is key to determining the life chances and choices for our students and therefore we will not compromise on providing the very best. We achieve this through Drama by enhancing the spoken language and confidence of each learner.
Intent
Cooperate: Learners are encouraged to cooperate with others by listening to each other’s ideas and opinions and being able to adjust their own mindset to accommodate the ideas of their fellow classmates and peers.
Collaborate: We cover many activities where learners will need to work together. This collaboration will allow further confidence to grow within each individual.
Communicate: Communication is a key skill that we will cover in many forms, including listening, responding, and contributing to a discussion.
Perform: Learners will have opportunities to perform in front of their peers, the wider school, and parents. Performance in drama is essential in valuing each learner’s voice.
Implementation
Learners at Westhaven are exposed to many elements of drama and spoken language through our English lessons. In KS1 and KS2 each learner has opportunities to write and perform their own stories. This is through the programme Helicopter Stories. Our younger learners all have ample opportunity to explore role play, singing, and storytelling.
When learners reach KS3 they will engage with Drama every two weeks for thirty minutes. The themes are closely linked to the Key English texts which allows for further understanding.
In KS4 (Manchester class) and KS5 (W6) learners will engage with thirty minutes of Drama every week. These lessons build upon previously learned skills.
Learning is recorded on Evidence for Learning and is uploaded regularly. Wider performances such as celebration assemblies will be recorded by the IT department.
Learner’s Feedback
Useful Links
Drama Curriculum Map