Studying Drama gives students opportunities to develop holistically: academically in terms of theatre making skills; on a personal level through the development of self-confidence, self-awareness and self-expression, and socially through the collaborative nature of the subject. 

By studying Drama at Stour Valley, students are provided with opportunities to learn a variety of different performance techniques & styles, explore scripts and devising skills in a practical way and learn about different theatre practitioners and styles, thus developing a diverse range of acting skills throughout both Key Stages. Those who wish to learn theatre craft such as lighting, set design and costume design are enabled to do so through the varied curriculum provided. In addition to the academic skills and knowledge students gain, inter-personal skills such as communication, self-reflection, confidence and collaboration are inherently developed through the study of our Drama curriculum.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

In Year 7, students learn a variety of techniques such as the basics of acting, approaches to performing a script and storytelling techniques. These skills are then enhanced in Year 8 by studying devising, using music in Drama and an exploration of two theatre styles. Additionally, Year 8 students are introduced to technical aspects of theatre such as basic lighting, set and costume design. During each year, students also have the opportunity to explore a complete play. Drama is taught to Year 9 on a rotation system with Music and Art, and students have the opportunity to develop their technical skills further as well as learning new performing techniques in both scripted and devised work.

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

GCSE Drama follows the EDUQAS syllabus. The course requires students to work in a group to devise and create an original performance in the style of a theatre practitioner or genre they study in Year 10. The second element of the course requires students to prepare an extract of a published play (again, working in a group), and perform this to a visiting examiner during Year 11. The third and final aspect of the course is to sit a written exam focussing on a set text they have studied and explored practically throughout the two-year course, as well as evaluate a live theatre performance they have seen throughout the course. Students who are more interested in Theatre Design, can choose to be assessed in either lighting, set or costume design rather than acting if this is their preference.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

Extra-curricular Drama provides a wide variety of opportunities for performing outside of lessons for those students who have a passion for the stage! There is a whole-school musical every two years, as well as Christmas Celebration concerts, Summer Showcase evenings, Pantomimes and Key Stage 3 Drama Club. We also participate in local professional theatre festivals, giving students the opportunity to perform on a professional stage. If students are keen to be involved in the technical aspects of theatre, there are also a number of extra curricular opportunities offered for students to develop and master lighting, sound and stage management skills.