We believe that all students are valid and adept learners. They have the equal right to aspire to achieve beyond their target grades and levels through rigorous, differentiated, challenging and passionate teaching, both practical and analytical. There are no invisible students, and every student is supported by a safe, encouraging and positive learning environment in a climate where high expectations, collaboration, creativity and success are the norm. Our approach is holistic where we foster and nurture self-worth, self-esteem and promote self-confidence based on unconditional positive regard and respect for all. We aim to motivate, inspire and consistently build a culture of success where all students feel valued, important and empowered to take responsibility for being the best version of themselves. We aim to provide as many opportunities as possible to unlock creative expression, creative freedom and celebrate the creative process, using it as a springboard to develop intellect, emotional intelligence and tap into the infinite potential that every human possesses. 

“Imagination is the source of all human achievement”

– Sir Ken Robinson

Drama Curriculum Journey

Intent

Newton Abbot College’s Drama curriculum has been designed to develop students who are creative, ambitious, curious, enthusiastic, confident, resilient and wholeheartedly passionate about performance.  Our belief is that students should access a broad and engaging range of topics and styles which will allow them to develop a love for the subject and the wider Creative Arts. Our curriculum has been designed not only with the intent to nurture and grow a passion for Drama and The Arts, but also to equip students with the vital life skills required in order to be valuable and effective members of society.

 Our students achieve this by:

• Observing, analysing and evaluating live performance work with a critical and objective perspective
• Developing transferable skills that enable students to succeed in Drama and in their personal lives
• Learning how to maturely and sensitively share ideas from a range of thought-provoking stimuli during the devising process
• Reading, interpreting and performing a range of scripts which cover real-world themes and issues
• Developing analytical and evaluative written skills which are structured sophisticatedly using accurate Drama specific terminology
• Becoming familiar with and understand the rigors of planning, rehearsing, and reviewing performance.
• During class and group discussion – sharing and developing initial ideas and personal viewpoints clearly, confidently and respectfully

Implementation

At Newton Abbot College, our Drama curriculum is implemented through a classroom culture of inclusion and mutual respect alongside highly-effective teaching and learning. We meet the needs of all students including SEND and disadvantaged students by utilising personalised differentiation in lessons to support progress and allow every student to achieve their best in Drama.

This includes:

• A supportive, nurturing and inclusive approach to the teaching of performance and group work
• Teacher modelling, targeted questioning and conscious self-reflection to support understanding
• The teaching of a wide range of performance skills, explorative strategies and dramatic techniques to structure highly engaging performance work
• Accurate written and verbal feedback given often to support student target setting and progress

As well as this, our Drama curriculum is enhanced by:

• Establishing cross-curricular links with subjects such as English, Art, Music, Geography and more
• Organising theatre trips across all key stages for cultural enrichment and exam preparation
• Developing GCSE and A-Level students to support and lead in extra-curricular clubs – contributing to the department and acting as role models for the next generation of Drama students
• Producing regular school performances for a public audience, through showcase and exams evenings performed by students from year 7 to 13
• Allowing our students the opportunity to collaborate with other schools and participate in performance opportunities outside of the college
• Drama workshops with professional theatre companies and local Drama practitioners

 Impact

The impact of our Drama curriculum is that students will be equipped with a deeper knowledge and understanding of the Performing and Creative Arts. This knowledge will aid them not only in understanding how The Arts can be used as a vehicle for change in society but will also equip them with the transferrable skills necessary to excel in the workplace. Skills such as creativity, developing the confidence to step out of their comfort zone, risk taking, rigor and resilience and the ability to produce high quality results in collaboration with a wide range of individuals. We expect this comprehensive approach to empower our students, increasing the number of individuals taking Drama further in education at university and Drama schools around the country and understanding the importance that a Drama education has in the workplace and beyond.

‘We know what we are, but not what we may be.’

 – William Shakespeare