The Drama curriculum at Westfield Academy

Drama is a subject that allows students to gain an insight and understanding of a wide range of topics. Drama is an exciting, expressive and challenging course which enables students to work together in a practical way. Drama is not only a platform on the stage, but is also a confidence builder, a teamwork facilitator and a way of expressing ideas and opinions. Our drama studios are well-equipped with lighting and staging facilities. Students have the opportunity to get involved in the more technical aspects of theatre whenever possible. Extracurricular activities are an important part of our department and these include large-scale performances and theatre visits.

Drama offers an inclusive and creative space that allows students to work collaboratively with others to shape their work. Drama allows students to build practical skills while simultaneously developing their social skills. Students gain the transferable skills of confidence, teamwork, communication skills, time management and self-discipline studies which will benefit them in further studies or careers.

At key stage 3, all students study drama. They will study:

• Performance skills 

• Commedia Dell'Arte 

• Frantic Assembly

• Berkoff

• Stanislavski

• Stage Combat

• Brecht

• Theatre Project

GCSE Drama enables students to explore a practical and theoretical approach to drama. They will develop a range of theatrical skills and apply them to create performances. Students will work collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate their ideas. They will be encouraged to be independent and to reflect on their learning in order to make informed decisions in their work. They will also develop an awareness and understanding of the roles and processes undertaken in contemporary professional theatre practice, preparing them for further study or a career if they choose it.

At key stage 4, drama becomes an option subject. Students will use the WJEC/Eduqas specification and will study:

• Devising Theatre - acting or design

• Performing from a text - acting or design

• Interpreting Theatre - set text and live theatre review

Drama in the sixth form 

A-level Drama and Theatre consists of studying historical approaches to theatre and drama, understanding a variety of key practitioners, studying and reflecting on live theatre performance and producing a series of assessed performances in both devised and scripted options. Students will extend their ability to create drama and study plays, playwrights and live theatre.

At key stage 5, students will continue to use the WJEC/Eduqas specification and will study:

• Theatre Workshop - acting or design

• Text in Theatre

• Text in Action - acting or design

• Text in Performance