Curriculum Intent Statement

Department of Drama

The Vale Academy

We believe that students should have access to a broad and ambitious Drama curriculum, which embeds skills and knowledge of the theatre and performance process, which allows them to develop a love of the performance arts.  Our drama curriculum will give students the opportunity to:

  • develop core transferable skills that underpin successful drama
  • devise creative and imaginative performance
  • apply a range of conventions and styles to structure innovative performance
  • interpret and perform a range of existing scripts applying their own artistic vision
  • develop written evaluative skills embedded with subject specific language
  • appreciate live performance
  • participate in a range of performance genres, through performance and technical support
  • design imaginative set, costume, music, lights, make up and props to enhance performance
  • understand the process of planning, rehearsing and reviewing performance
  • in talk, articulate and express their ideas, views and opinions about a wide range of topics and issues clearly, confidently and respectfully
  • develop their individual character, including their confidence, resilience and independence contributing positively to the life of the school
  • explore contemporary issues, in a safe and environment
  • empathise and engage with others outside their own social, cultural and historical setting
PedagogyEnrichmentOther general principles
Our pedagogy is underpinned by:·         A rigorous, systematic and well-structured approach to the teaching of performance·         Use of teacher modelling, and the use of challenging modern and classic texts·         A range of strategies to develop innovative and imaginative performance·         Constant support and feedback for both written and practical work·         Opportunities for students to act upon feedback and improve and redraft work  We will enrich our curriculum by:·         Establishing cross curricular links·         Providing suitable, regular theatre visits·         Encouraging students to support and contribute to the department and the wider school·         Producing regular academy shows for public audience, through GCSE showcase evening and whole school productions·         Participate in performance opportunities out of school where possible·         Workshops with drama practitionersOur curriculum will enable students to:·         Learn in a sequential and progressive structure·         Develop new skills through a range of different contexts to engage them·         Understand what they need to do to improve·         Feel valued and respected for their contribution·         Develop a deeper understanding British values·         To explore and develop their spiritual, social, moral and cultural understanding