We are Actors!
Drama Curriculum Intent
At St Martin’s all pupils have the opportunity to participate in and gain knowledge, skills and understanding associated with the artistic practice of drama. The children will improvise, devise and script drama for one another and audiences, as well as to rehearse, refine, share and respond thoughtfully to drama and theatre performances. Drama is taught in its own right and can be used as a tool for understanding in subjects across the curriculum. Drama provides many opportunities for children to experiment in adopting and creating a range of roles and characters, speaking, listening and language through many theatrical strategies. The children also develop in confidence and self- esteem and expand their imaginations by becoming creative individuals.
Drama is taught through all subjects, in order for the children to gain an understanding of the world and others. Additionally, the children will gain understanding through social interaction with each other in the playground, creating games and communicating with each other and finding ways to problem solve.
School Values
Kind – Drama provides children the courage to not only be themselves, but will also give them opportunities to step out of their comfort zones. Role activities help children to develop empathy, expression and control of feelings. This will increase their self-confidence and through exploring emotions, feeling and thoughts through narrative, characters and stimulus, will embed the value and importance of being kind to one another.
Respect – The children learn about respect for one another, through positive and constructive criticism. They also learn about the world in which they live in, through exploring characters from all backgrounds and in a wide range of historical and cultural situations, this will spark their interest in the world and make them more inquisitive.
Responsible – In drama, the children will take responsibility for their own learning and will be encouraged to identify their own strengths and weaknesses through different conventions in a safe, comfortable environment. Through drama, children will find and develop their voice and will be able to express themselves when thinking about their learning. The children will wield relationships through drama and take responsibility for their choices.
Mental Health and wellbeing
Under different characters, children can express their true feelings or sense of personality without fear of being judged or criticised. They can work on personal issues or solve personal problems while in character, which can simply help their overall well-being. Allowing children to get things off their mind, further releasing emotion and tension and most importantly gives them a safe space to be who they want to be.
Confidence and Independence
Children who regularly participate in drama based activities throughout their education will have a better understanding how to problem solve and therefore will develop stronger self-confidence and independence. This is due to the children being able to communicate and problem solve, when working together on a drama based activity. Developing their understanding of the world and giving them the tools and confidence for them to become independent.
Emotional Intelligence
Increasingly the power of Drama is recognised as one of the most effective ways to develop soft skills and emotional intelligence in children and young people, skills that are often not developed through the traditional education system. Drama promotes communication skills, teamwork, dialogue, negotiation, and socialisation. It stimulates the imagination and creativity; it develops a better understanding of human behaviour and empathy with situations that might seem distant. It allows the development of a critical thinking and allows them to make better and more conscious decisions; it encourages them to use their bodies and voices, it encourages and inspires them to speak up.
The Drama subject lead is Miss Rowe