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St Winifred’s School* Drama Curriculum
This is an important part of the education offered by the school as it contributes greatly to
the development of pupil confidence and self-expression.
Opportunities for drama exist in the term and annual routines of the school.
Weekly class assemblies involve presentations and plays.
Drama lessons using the school hall are given specific allocation on the weekly timetable
(the Carol Service and concerts provide opportunities for drama items).
The main school production on Speech Day is a major focus for the entire school,
including Nursery. Extra rehearsals in preparation for this production take place
during the summer term.
Drama lessons consist of working at drama exercises appropriate for the age of the
child. These may include:
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music and movement;
mime;
improvisation on a given theme;
working from a script;
poetry recitation;
facial expression and gesture;
the use of tone and pitch of one's voice;
the use of sound effects and lighting;
make-up sessions;
the use of costumes and props;
making a radio or television programme; and
a number of drama games.
There are classroom sessions for older pupils to write their own plays and then act
them out in front of their peers.
Drama is used across the curriculum in role-play activities in PSHE, circle time, activities
in French lessons and in the pupils' preparations for the Trinity College Effective
Communication examinations.
Other curriculum areas are also involved, for example, the study of Shakespeare in
history.
Trips to the ballet or the theatre, visiting theatre groups, and the use of video and
CDROM material all contribute to stimulate the pupils' dramatic experiences and help
to enhance the children's enjoyment and awareness of drama.
Drama - Form 5
Drama is an integral part of the life of a school, it spans the curriculum and offers every
child the chance of success.
Drama promotes self-confidence and Children can explore a range of emotions in a safe
environment. It can help children think how people behave in different circumstances by
exploring different social situations.
*Note – ‘School’ refers to and includes After School Care, Before School Care, April House Nursery and
St Winifred’s School
Updated June 2000
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St Winifred’s School* Drama Curriculum
It can aid children's exploration of moral dilemmas in a safe environment. The choices
made can be reflected on afterwards which will give them more confidence as decision
makers.
It develops children's co-operation with one another. Beginning to work in groups they
learn that they have to rely on one another and appreciate the part that it is necessary to
play to be an effective member of a team. It can give children confidence in solving
problems.
Drama in Form 5 is used across the curriculum.
It is useful in developing insights into history, geography and science or into topic related
approaches. It is used as a stimulus for creative writing, art work and music composition. It
helps to develop language skills.
In Form 5 Drama takes the form of:
• Enacting stories and poems
• Presenting to audiences (Class and School Assemblies)
• Learning through making
• Communicating ideas and concepts
• Empathy
• Improvising role play
• Mime
• Evaluation
• Awareness of body language and the performing area
• Developing vocal expression.
Drama has an enormous value in the curriculum. Drama is not only a subject in it's own
right, but can be a part of a child's personal and social development as well as a vehicle for
access to other areas of the curriculum.
Drama Form 6
During this year Form 6 concentrate on the following topics: 1. Speaking in front of an audience in assemblies, for Trinity College examinations and
in preparation for Speech Day.
2. Non verbal communication, Expressions and actions that display feelings and
emotions leading to role play involving emotional situations.
3. Retelling a popular story by changing characters or modernization.
4. Improvisation using 2 chosen props.
Each year the pupils are taken to a local Pantomime in the spring term and the upper
school visit the Ballet at the Mayflower Theatre in the autumn term if this is appropriate.
We have also taken Forms 5 and 6 to Shakespeare performances again if appropriate.
Theatre groups visit the school at least once a year for the enjoyment of everyone.
*Note – ‘School’ refers to and includes After School Care, Before School Care, April House
Nursery and St Winifred’s School
Updated June 2000
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St Winifred’s School* Drama Curriculum
The Chaucer Man has visited and spoken to children of Forms 3,4,5 and 6 about
Chaucer’s language and the changes in language on several occasions.
Autumn Term
1. Retelling the story 'Chicken Licken'. Mask making only costume.
2. Using a cloak and crown and the line "Thank goodness we've found it".
Improvised play.
3. Assembly stories also introducing assembly and drawing it together at end.
4. Poetry for Harvest Festival Assembly.
5.
Mime without sound making feelings understood.
Spring Term
1. Role Play - Mime occupations
- Improvising situations in small groups
- Prepared situation plays in small groups
2 Trinity College Exam preparation
- Talks
- Role Play
- Introducing self
3 Assembly stories, poetry and speaking as before Readathon week of assemblies
Summer Term
1. Speech Day Play rehearsals - reading script and action.
2. Assembly stories, poetry and speaking as before. Final Assembly preparation
of memories, music, verse and games.
3. In groups of 2 or 3 create and perform adverts, 2 minutes maximum time. Talk
about what makes a good advert try to include these.
*Note – ‘School’ refers to and includes After School Care, Before School Care, April House
Nursery and St Winifred’s School
Updated June 2000
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