OVERVIEW

Our aim is to provide a challenging and nurturing learning environment, which supports students to discover their voice, confidence and creativity.

In Drama lessons at Harris, students will learn to work collaboratively as part of a team. We aim to give all students and staff the opportunities to practice our Harris values alongside our Drama core values: team care, positivity, playfulness, desire and determination.

Our Drama curriculum is crafted to enable students to become leaders of themselves and of others too. High expectations are key to our success. Many Harris students have gone on to utilise the skills they have learnt in Drama in their professional life. Some students have pursued successful careers in the creative industries; 3 of our ex students are now professional directors, 3 are theatre technicians, 1 is an actor on a Netflix series, 1 a theatre designer, 1 a dancer, 2 work for the BBC and 3 are drama teachers.

Since 2014 100 Harris students have now taken a LAMDA exam on site and received coaching from our staff, specialising in Acting or Musical Theatre, 53 of whom have achieved a Distinction, peaking in 2019 with 6 Year 10 students achieving Grade 8 in Acting, 5 with Distinction (the highest accreditation possible).

KEY SUBJECT AIMS

Study in Drama encourages students to:

• explore their personal responses and opinions through stories and a Dramatic framework
• access their creative potential as actors and story makers
• work imaginatively to generate, develop and communicate ideas to their peers and an audience
• develop and demonstrate competence when making theatre and performing
• consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on Drama texts
• reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others
• develop a basis for their future role as active citizens in employment and society in general, as well as for the possible further study of Drama
• actively engage in the process of dramatic study in order to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

KS3 CURRICULUM

Our KS3 Drama curriculum develops students’ knowledge of key Drama concepts and topics including vocal and physical acting skills, the origins of Theatre across the world, slapstick comedy, mask and devising (making original stories). Students will also develop their understanding of key Theatre genres including Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre and Commedia Dell’Arte.

Year 7 and Year 8 Curriculum 2020-2021

KS4 CURRICULUM

At Harris, we follow the Eduqas GCSE Drama course, which provides a fantastic qualification, which develops and assesses their creativity and ability to create, perform and respond to Drama through writing.

Please find below an overview of the course components:

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN DRAMA

We are committed to teaching students to teach and to learn from each other. We believe that students’ needs are best met in an atmosphere that is supportive, purposeful and fun! Our staff are dedicated to enabling students to learn and grow feeling valued and knowing how they can improve.

Social development in drama also occurs through the developing understanding of aspects of society when analysing the characters and situations of texts and stories.

MORAL DEVELOPMENT IN DRAMA

Our Drama Core Values permeate all work in the department. These are the basis of development, progress and success for every pupil.

Our focus on the importance of group work teaches students how to overcome obstacles and understand what it takes to be a successful team player and leader. We utilise a range of Drama texts and stories, which provide stimulating opportunities for children to explore their personal responses and opinions.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT IN DRAMA

Spiritual development in drama occurs through the on-going analysis of what it means to be human through story and group work. In Drama we learn to be sensitive to the needs of others as well as our own, living out our Harris motto “While we have time let us do good to all”.

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN DRAMA

Opportunities for cultural development are second to none at Harris Church of England Academy. They include:

• Workshops for the LAMDA Acting Qualification
• Opportunities to take part in extra-curricular clubs and performances
• Theatre visits to local and regional venues
• Participation in local festivals and community projects
• Annual ceremony to celebrate our students’ achievements

@harrisdrama

Parents and carers can keep up to date with what’s happening in Drama via our Twitter account.