Drama

Belong  

The Drama curriculum aims to provide an inclusive and cohesive education that enriches the lives of young people and strengthens their sense of belonging. It aims to ensure that students lead happy, fulfilling lives and contribute positively to their communities through creativity, expression and understanding the world around them.   

The curriculum is designed to develop students’ understanding of performance, theatre and communication through a wide range of styles, practitioners and texts. It nurtures imagination, curiosity and discipline while promoting cultural literacy and appreciation of diversity in dramatic expression. From foundational improvisation and characterisation in Key Stage 3 to advanced analysis and devised performance in Key Stage 4, students are supported to achieve excellence and creativity at every stage.   

Resilience is fostered through rehearsal, reflection and an encouragement for students to go beyond their comfort zone; Responsibility through collaborative performance; Empathy through character exploration; and Respect through valuing every voice and contribution within the ensemble.   

Thrive 

Do Now activities integrate retrieval practice to strengthen memory of key terminology, performance techniques and practitioner theories. Use of learning journey slides helps students to connect previous and current learning. The spiral curriculum embeds learning over time by revisiting and refining the most important knowledge, while ensuring that new material is introduced in manageable steps, enabling students to experiment creatively without cognitive overload.   

Within the curriculum, there is clear sequencing, adaptive teaching and continuous assessment. Practical work is supported by theoretical study to reinforce understanding of performance choices and production elements. Teachers model performance and evaluation skills in the I do stage, and use questioning to deepen thinking. Students’ understanding is checked through questioning in the We Do stage and through observation in the You Do stage of the lesson. Following the You Do, peer feedback takes place that enhances confidence and creativity. Regular reflection and self-assessment encourage students to take ownership of their progress and personal growth.   

Achieve  

Students leave Edgar Wood Academy as confident, creative and articulate individuals who understand the value of performance as communication and storytelling. They are able to consider and respect a wide range of different perspectives, including those that differ from their own. They can analyse, devise and perform with insight, applying knowledge of form, style and intent. This can be seen through assessment evidence, student voice and teacher observation.  

Drama supports personal growth, confidence, and social understanding - skills that empower students beyond the stage. Through Drama, students learn to imagine, to empathise, and to find their voice in a world that thrives on connection and creativity. 

Learning Journeys in Drama