Curriculum Intent Overview
At Carr Hill High School, our Drama curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and highly engaging, designed to develop confident, creative and expressive performers. Students build a strong foundation in key drama skills including vocal technique, physical performance, characterisation and staging, which are developed progressively from Key Stage 3 through to Key Stage 4. Through a wide range of stimuli, from traditional theatre to contemporary performance styles, students explore how drama reflects the world around them and how performance can communicate meaning and emotion.
At Key Stage 3, students develop their skills progressively, beginning in Year 7 with basic drama techniques such as staging, spatial awareness, vocal skills and simple improvisation, before developing characterisation and performance through script work. In Year 8, students build on this through Shakespeare, pantomime and devised work, exploring character, status and storytelling. By Year 9, students apply these skills to more complex work, including production analysis, practitioner studies (such as Stanislavski and Brecht) and devised performances based on real-world issues.
At Key Stage 4, students follow the BTEC Performing Arts course, where results are consistently superb. Students refine their skills through performance, analysis and response to professional work, gaining a deeper understanding of the theatre industry. Drama at Carr Hill is a safe and supportive environment where students are encouraged to take risks, work collaboratively and develop confidence, leadership and teamwork skills.
How the Drama Curriculum Contributes to the School’s Curriculum Intent
Knowledge
Students develop a strong understanding of performance skills including vocal and physical techniques, staging, characterisation and script work. They explore a range of theatrical styles, practitioners and performance methods, applying their knowledge through practical and collaborative work.
Vocabulary Rich
Students are taught and use subject-specific drama terminology such as staging, proxemics, characterisation and projection, enabling them to confidently analyse, evaluate and discuss performance work.
Aspiration
Through theatre visits, workshops with professionals and links with colleges, students gain insight into the performing arts industry and future pathways, raising aspirations and broadening opportunities.
Character Building
Drama develops confidence, resilience and teamwork. Students collaborate, lead and support one another, building communication skills and self-belief within a safe and inclusive environment.
Love of Learning
A creative and supportive environment encourages students to enjoy performance, take risks and express themselves. Students develop a passion for drama through engaging, practical lessons and opportunities to perform.
Our Aims for All Students
- To develop confidence in performance and communication
- To become creative, collaborative and reflective performers
- To explore a wide range of drama styles, techniques and stimuli
- To build teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills
- To gain an understanding of theatre and the performing arts industry
Reading in Drama
Students engage with a range of scripts, play extracts and stimulus materials, developing their understanding of character, narrative and performance. Reading is supported through practical exploration, discussion and analysis, enabling students to interpret and bring texts to life.
Learning Beyond the Classroom in Drama
Students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including regular theatre trips, visits to London (including Pineapple Dance Studios), workshops with colleges and industry professionals, and participation in school productions and performing arts showcases. Drama clubs run across all key stages, and students have access to the drama studio at lunchtime, providing further opportunities to develop skills and confidence beyond the classroom.
