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Y7 Intent
Over the course of Year 7, our students will study and learn the following:
| Topic/Study Focus | Knowledge/Skill Focus |
| Introduction to Drama | Expectations, collaboration, rehearsal etiquette, performance confidence and the role of drama. |
| Drama Techniques | Freeze frames, thought tracking, hot seating, narration, mime, improvisation and other dramatic conventions. |
| Voice, Presence & Public Speaking | Projection, pace, pitch, pause, tone, articulation, audience awareness, confidence and clear communication. |
| Character Types & Dialogue | Understanding different character types, creating believable dialogue, developing relationships and building dramatic tension through interaction. |
| Subtext | Exploring hidden meaning, character intentions, motivation and communicating emotion beneath dialogue. |
| Historical, Social & Cultural Context | Exploring how drama reflects different cultures, societies and historical periods, and how context influences performance and interpretation. |
Y7 Implementation
Our students secure this knowledge through carefully planned practical lessons and schemes of learning that provide a broad and engaging introduction to Drama. Students study Drama every other week throughout Year 7, with each lesson building upon prior learning to develop confidence, creativity and communication.
Planning for lessons and schemes of learning ensures that every Drama lesson provides opportunities for:
- Building confidence through practical workshops and collaborative performance.
- Developing core vocal and physical skills to communicate effectively.
- Exploring key drama techniques through rehearsal and performance.
- Creating original characters, dialogue and short performances.
- Quizzes to reinforce knowledge and develop understanding.
- Teacher modelling and feedback to support practical development.
- Reflecting on performances to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Students are encouraged to become involved in the wider life of the Drama department through our annual school musical. In November 2026, students will have the opportunity to perform in 13 JR. Alongside performing opportunities, students can also take on a range of backstage roles, including lighting, sound, stage management, props, costume and front of house, allowing them to develop practical theatre skills and contribute to productions in a variety of ways.
Y7 Impact
In Year 7, ongoing assessment of learning in Drama is undertaken during every lesson through practical activities, rehearsal and performance.
Students receive regular verbal feedback from their teacher to support their progress and improve the quality of their performances. Every lesson also includes a short quiz, allowing students to revisit key knowledge, strengthen their recall and identify areas for further development.
At the end of each unit, students complete an assessed practical performance, enabling them to apply the knowledge and skills they have developed. Following assessment, students reflect on their performance and teacher feedback, allowing them to refine and improve their practical work over time.
By the end of Year 7, students will be able to communicate effectively through voice and movement, devise and perform original drama, create purposeful dialogue, explore subtext and demonstrate an understanding of how historical, social and cultural context influences performance. They will have developed confidence, resilience, creativity and collaboration, providing a strong foundation for further study in Drama.
Y8 Intent
Over the course of Year 8, our students will study and learn the following:
| Topic/Study Focus | Knowledge/Skill Focus |
| Stanislavski & Naturalistic Performance | Exploring Stanislavski’s techniques, including objectives, given circumstances, character motivation and emotional truth, before applying these skills to create believable, naturalistic performances. |
| Bertolt Brecht & Epic Theatre | Understanding Brecht’s theatrical philosophy and applying Epic Theatre techniques, including narration, direct address, placards, multi-rolling, freeze frames and breaking the fourth wall. |
| Verbatim Theatre | Creating performances based on real-life events and testimony while exploring contemporary social and political issues through drama. |
| Shakespeare’s Villains | Exploring Shakespearean villains through character, language, motivation, performance and historical context. |
| Live Theatre Evaluation | Analysing and evaluating live performance using appropriate theatrical terminology and supporting evidence to justify opinions. |
Y8 Implementation
Our students secure this knowledge through carefully planned practical lessons and schemes of learning that build on the foundations established in Year 7. Students study Drama every other week, developing greater independence while exploring a range of theatrical styles, practitioners and performance techniques.
Planning for lessons and schemes of learning ensures that every Drama lesson provides opportunities for:
- Applying the techniques of key theatre practitioners in practical performance.
- Comparing contrasting theatrical styles and performance approaches.
- Experimenting with practitioner techniques to communicate meaning to an audience.
- Developing analytical and evaluative skills through live theatre and practical work.
- Quizzes to reinforce knowledge and develop long-term recall.
- Justifying creative and performance choices using appropriate theatrical terminology.
- Working with increasing independence to refine and improve performances.
Y8 Impact
In Year 8, ongoing assessment takes place through practical performance, rehearsal and evaluation.
Students receive regular verbal feedback from their teacher, alongside quizzes to reinforce key knowledge. At the end of each unit, students complete an assessed practical performance or evaluation, using teacher feedback to refine their work.
By the end of Year 8, students will confidently apply the techniques of key theatre practitioners, perform in contrasting theatrical styles and evaluate drama using appropriate theatrical terminology. They will have developed greater independence, creativity and analytical skills, providing a secure foundation for GCSE Drama.
