"Like theatre, drama in schools can unlock the use of imagination, intellect, empathy and courage. Through it, ideas, responses and feelings can be expressed and communicated. It carries the potential to challenge, to question and to bring about change."
Jude Kelly (Theatre Director and founder of Metal)
BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Performing Arts
Drama is currently taught in mixed ability groups at Key stage 3. It provides a safe and inclusive environment in which learners are encouraged to express themselves creatively as individuals and by working as part of a group.
All Year 7 students will have a discreet lesson each week and this will focus on building confidence, introducing drama conventions such as narration, thought-tracking and still-images and building up subject specific vocabulary. Schemes of work include mime and circus, text and character building, the evacuees and story-telling.
In Year 8 students continue to study Drama for half the year. Schemes of work include conflict resolution, crime and racism. These topics provide an ideal opportunity to explore elements underpinning Citizenship education. The dramatic exploration is more process-based and gives students the opportunity to understand and interpret for themselves their reactions to moral issues from a first person standpoint - whilst still allowing consideration of the ideas and views of others. This year introduces techniques such as spontaneous improvisation and hot-seating.
In year 9 students are following two different pathways. One pathway will lead towards the Baccalaureate qualification and students have the opportunity to opt to continue Drama all year.
Alternatively, year 9 students may follow a less academic pathway and they will continue to study Drama for half of the year. Both groups will study performance of scripted plays and be will work in more detail on character and play analysis.
St Patrick's is very proud to deliver the BTEC Performing Arts at Key Stage 4. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 learners attained 100% pass rate, with three distinction stars in 2011. This exciting course offers learners the opportunity to study not only acting but devising and the development of Theatre and students have the opportunity to participate in a theatre-in-education piece performing at our feeder Primary Schools and the opportunity to stage their own production towards the end of the course.
St. Patrick's also offers an extra-curricular drama club, theatre visits including a London Trip to the Globe and a West End Performance and the opportunity to be involved in our whole school Christmas production.
Check out our slideshow below for a selection of the photos from the 2009 school production of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Check out our slideshow below for a selection of the photos from the 2008 school production of the Wizard of Oz.
Check out our flickr album below for all the latest photos. Up at the moment photos from the production of Grease 2007.