Drama
The Waldegrave Drama Department is an exciting place, where learners develop in a creative and stimulating environment. Students respond positively to the freedom that Drama at Waldegrave allows, as well as valuing our outstanding resources which enable them to realise purposeful and sophisticated pieces of drama.
In Year 7 students are introduced to the full range of explorative strategies and drama techniques that enable them to access both thematic and text based schemes of learning. It is in this first year of Drama at Waldegrave that a foundation of shared knowledge and understanding is acquired and this paves the way into their next two years of study at KS3. In Year 8 students are encouraged to explore important themes ranging from bullying to refugees as well as revisiting and developing the key skills obtained in Year 7. In their final year at KS3 students can respond to more challenging stimulus material and develop leadership capacities which will help them in their future careers.
At GCSE and A level students are challenged to work to professional standards in an atmosphere of creative collaboration. The chosen exam syllabuses encourage students to study a number of theatre texts from Greek classics to contemporary drama. We seek to surprise, amaze and challenge our older students, not only through the stimulating work within the course, but through exposure to a range of other theatre experiences through workshops and theatre visits.
Central to Drama is the opportunity for learners to unleash their individual potential in a variety of ways; through their work in lessons, in extra-curricular Drama Clubs and in school productions and concerts.
Drama occupies a unique position in the school curriculum, providing students with opportunities to collaborate, debate and to realise creative intentions as a performer, director and designer, to the highest of standards. Encouraging students to take risks in their learning is central to our aims, as is fostering a sense of curiosity and critical thinking reflection. This ethos facilitates a creative process from which students create work with a sense of pride and achievement.
