- Learning Skills: Learning the basic foundations of Drama. Growing confidence through exploring the building blocks of creating a scene and mime
- Physical Theatre – ‘Not Now, Bernard’: Exploring the basics of physical theatre through exploration of the text ‘ Not Now, Bernard’. Using the body expressively in Drama
- Introducing song and Dance: Exploration of Unison, Canon, action, space, dynamics and formations. Preparing pupils for future musical theatre choreography
St Faith's Prep
Drama
Drama is taught by a subject specialist weekly from Year 3 to Year 8 and as a department we pride ourselves on group collaboration, unlocking young creative minds and encouraging curious thinkers.
We have two full scale productions per year, alongside multiple informal performances, and prep school showcases. Regular performance opportunities allow pupils to grow in personal confidence and bring joy to the school community. We have an inclusive policy for all productions and look to provide enriching opportunities, where ALL pupils can strive and thrive. Previous productions have included Aladdin Jr, Matilda Jr and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The Drama department benefits from a rehearsal studio, a performance space with high- spec lighting equipment and an in- house costume and prop cupboard.The Drama team, including our Performing Arts Assistant, work collaboratively with the music department to facilitate high quality musical theatre showcases.
Projects across the year include:
Year 3
Year 4
- Pantomime and Preparation for production: Begin rehearsals for a showcase of short pantomimes, looking at the origin of the genre and its development through history. Short Pantomimes, opportunity for public performance
- Harry Potter: Exploration of the Harry potter series. Embedding our drama knowledge through exploring key characters and scenes
- Fantastic Women who changed the world: Looking at important women in our history and retelling their stories
Year 5
- Preparation for Production – David Walliams collection: A dramatic exploration of the characters from the David Walliams Collection – The World’s Worst. A focus on choral speaking and ensemble action
- School Filled with Fear:An exploration of stereotypes, consolidating learning on choral speaking. Introduction of complicite travel techniques. Exploration of a moral dilemma
- Musical Theatre: Exploring the genre of musical theatre. Looking at key styles and exploring classic texts and songs from the genre practically
Year 6
- Preparation for production in collaboration with Music: An opportunity for pupils to work as a whole year group to bring a completed theatrical project to the stage. Page to stage
- Waxworks: An introduction to dramatic storytelling, SFX and lighting
- Physical Theatre – Archetypes and States of Tension: Physical theatre explored through personification and states if tension
Year 7
- Introduction to the St. Faith’s Arts Award – Melodrama: Taking Part in a theatrical project. Exploring the history and context of melodrama culminating in a short melodrama performance with Arts Award portfolio. Reviewing melodrama and starting Macbeth unit of learning
- Naturalism v Non- Naturalism: Exploration of naturalistic theatre scripts and the techniques of Stanislavski
- Commedia Del’ arte: Exploring the genre of Commedia through practical exploration
Year 8
- Trestle Theatre Company Mask Work: Introduction to the work of Trestle Theatre Company. Learning and exploring the basics of mask work
- Stage make up and lighting: A basic introduction to stage make up and lighting with practical application of special effects make-up
- Preparation for production in collaboration with Music: An opportunity for pupils to work as a year group to bring a completed theatrical project to the stage. Page to stage
We prepare our most committed and talented performers for drama scholarships at senior schools through our tailored and aspirational scholarship programme.
Speech and Drama is a popular activity within the school. During these lessons, the curriculum is enriched through one to one and small group teaching, leading to a termly examination, where over 90% of pupils regularly achieve distinction.
Drama is thriving at St Faith’s, and I believe that it gives pupils an abiding love for the Arts and skills that are invaluable in all aspects of life.
Becky McGregor
Head of Drama
Creative Arts at St Faith’s
St Faith's Stories
