Teacher of Drama

Drama at Ashlyns aims to produce creative thinkers who take a collaborative approach to produce high-quality pieces of theatre.  Our curriculum encourages students to work both independently and in groups, through all key stages, learning and applying innovative techniques which explore both traditional and contemporary work.

Our curriculum enables students to discover their full potential, building charisma and confidence that will transfer to a number of other subjects. We encourage a positive working environment, where our students feel safe to express themselves in a creative forum and receive feedback that is both supportive and constructive in order to excel.

We run a variety of exciting extra-curricular clubs allowing students to perform at different showcases throughout the year. Students are encouraged to see as much theatre as possible in order to fully embrace all that Drama has to offer; we therefore offer a number of theatre trips to see a wide range of productions. GCSE and A Level Drama and Theatre students are required to see a piece of live theatre as part of the course. The most exciting event of the year is the bi annual Whole School Musical where we see our talented students take to the stage and perform.

At KS3, the curriculum offers students the opportunity to improve their confidence and interpersonal skills through performing, at the same time as learning a variety of theatrical techniques by taking part in a diverse range of Schemes of Work.

We want to create an environment that will challenge pupils to think about a diverse range of themes and issues within their community and the wider world, exploring different styles of performance and the impact it can have on different audiences. It allows students the creative freedom to develop their imaginations and is also a lot of fun! In year 7, 8 and 9 students attend one drama lesson per week and students are assessed at the end of every half term on their core skills, such as; rehearsal, vocal skills, physical skills, characterisation and evaluation.

GCSE drama at Ashlyns is designed to unlock the use of imagination, intellect, empathy and courage. Through the study of the subject; ideas, responses and feelings can be expressed and communicated and whilst a largely practical subject it is an intellectual discipline requiring academic focus. It is through engagement in drama; students apply their imaginations and draw upon their own personal experiences. Their increasing knowledge and understanding of how the elements of drama work and enables students to effectively shape, express and share ideas, feelings and responses to various projects.

GCSE classes are mixed ability and follow the Edexcel GCSE course. Throughout this exciting course, pupils have the opportunity to be assessed as performers, writers, directors, designers and theatre observers.  Students are encouraged to work independently outside of lessons on performance work to ensure the highest grades possible are achieved.  GCSE Drama students also have the opportunity to visit professional productions both locally and in London’s West End to enhance their understanding of theatre, which is just one of the highlights of this course. Students doing GCSE Drama attend 5 drama lessons per fortnight.

The A Level course is an exciting blend of practical exploration, text study, devising and performance. The course aims to furnish students with not only a wide range of practical skills, but also with the academic understanding to support them. Students will have the chance to develop acting skills, with options to explore design and technical skills as well. They will also deepen their knowledge of Theatre Practitioners, a wide variety of classical and contemporary plays and performance styles. This course offers a spectrum of skills which are highly transferable to many career paths.