Drama *
“I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
– Oscar Wilde
Drama brings out expression in people, allowing them to be their most authentic and honest selves. The fundamentals behind this expression are collaboration and creativity, which is something that we strive to nurture at Harris Academy Ockendon by consistently practising and using these skills. Pupils who study Drama at Harris Academy Ockendon will learn not only about the history of theatre and how it has developed, but also how they can take that knowledge and use it to become more confident and passionate about the subject. Studying Drama also emphasises the importance of understanding how best to express our inner-most feelings and opinions, as well as working effectively with other people, a skill which will become integral later in life.
Throughout Key Stage 3, pupils will be introduced to a wide variety of plays from both modern and historical authors, giving them a well-rounded appreciation for how theatre was first formed and how it has been developed since then. They will also study a plethora of skills and techniques, through which they will be able to express themselves and explore situations and stories that they won’t have been familiar with before, broadening their awareness of the world they live in. Studying Drama will also give pupils a better awareness of where theatre started and how that links to the theatre that we watch and perform in now, enabling them to understand the theatre that’s available to them.
During their time studying the KS3 Drama curriculum pupils will encounter scripts from William Shakespeare, as well as use a variety of engaging stimuli. Through the study of these plays and stimuli, pupils will encounter many differing styles of theatre, skills and themes such as; comedy, tragedy and mythology. A running theme throughout the curriculum is also working with others, learning how to properly collaborate with peers and work in differing roles, such as; performer, director and designer.
By the end of their study of our KS3 Drama curriculum, pupils will be better prepared to work with others in a successful way. Pupils will also have a better understanding and appreciation of how theatre has developed over time, as well as a well-rounded knowledge of the different genres of plays that are available. This will greatly prepare them for GCSE Drama, should they choose to take it as well as bettering them as individuals by giving them the skills they need to be successful in social situations and when working with their peers.