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Drama

Drama is an essential part of the One Curriculum because it encourages pupils to think and act creatively, which then develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in all areas of learning. Through drama, pupils are encouraged to take responsible roles and make choices – to participate in and guide their own learning.

Lower School – Key Stage 1

At Gad’s Hill School, drama is a vibrant and valued part of The One Curriculum, from the very start of a child’s journey with us. In Nursery and Reception, music and movement are woven into daily learning, supporting communication and physical development as part of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the Good Level of Development (GLD). 

As pupils move through the school, drama continues to develop key skills such as confidence, empathy, teamwork, and self-expression. Carefully planned lessons ensure progression of knowledge and performance techniques, with differentiation and challenge embedded to stretch every learner. 

Our approach blends creativity with high expectations. Whether taking part in a warm-up game, exploring a script, or performing on stage, every child is encouraged to take risks, work collaboratively, and find their voice. 

Enrichment opportunities include LAMDA speech and drama lessons and competitions. Our notorious annual Junior productions include: Joseph and The Amazing Technicoloured Dreamcoat, Cinderella and Beauty and The Beast. An extraordinary, sell-out event with West End-level ambition. These experiences build resilience and pride, helping pupils grow into articulate, imaginative, and self-assured individuals. 

Drama at Gad’s Hill offers more than performance; it nurtures essential life skills and unlocks potential, setting the stage for success in every sense. 

“Please, sir, I want some more.” 
– Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist 

Lower School – Key Stage 2

We place an emphasis on developing the whole pupil and recognise the important role that opportunities for creativity and expression play as part of this. Drama provides an opportunity to explore important issues and themes, linking to the wider curriculum and life beyond; with pupils developing an enhanced understanding of self, community, and culture.

Throughout the Junior School, pupils engage in a rich drama curriculum through weekly lessons with specialist teaching and resources. Opportunity is given to develop practical abilities that grow pupil’s character, confidence and inter-personal skills. Through engaging with a range of Drama activities, scripts and devising opportunities pupils develop literacy and key performance skills in verbal and non-verbal expression.

Each year pupils have the opportunity to be part of a full-scale summer production staged in our theatre, with pupils experiencing how the production elements of set, lighting, sound, and costume elevate a performance. Show rehearsals, led by our specialist Drama and Music teachers, nurture and develop pupil talent, inspiring creative passion and confidence of expression.

Drama embeds the school values of Gratitude, Respect, Equality, Aspiration and Tenacity, with pupils learning to work together effectively to explore stimuli and produce and analyse performance in an inclusive and respectful environment. Through a rich curriculum and expert teaching, pupils develop core life skills, which support their readiness for Upper School and beyond.

Upper School – Key Stage 3

At Gad’s Hill School, Drama is more than a subject; it is central to students’ personal growth and our school community. The Drama curriculum fosters creativity, empathy, and confidence while providing a strong foundation for future study.

In Key Stage 3, Upper Shell and L4 students develop their skills through a balanced mix of practical work and theoretical study. They explore a wide range of theatrical styles and practitioners, from Greek theatre to musical theatre, and study key texts including Ernie’s Incredible Illusions by Alan Ayckbourn, Face by Benjamin Zephaniah, and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Hamlet. This breadth of study encourages cultural appreciation and helps students understand how drama reflects and shapes society.

Students learn performance techniques, including vocal and physical skills, alongside stagecraft and the ways performance elements convey meaning. Drama provides a creative platform for self-expression, enabling learners to explore ideas, emotions, and characters imaginatively. Practical work builds confidence, resilience, and effective communication, encouraging positive responses to challenge and feedback.

Collaboration is central to Drama at Gad’s Hill. Group projects, performances, and workshops develop teamwork, mutual respect, and problem-solving skills. By exploring different roles and perspectives, students also enhance empathy and understanding of human experiences.

Structured scaffolding, informed by the Edexcel GCSE Drama specification, supports high-quality practical work and theoretical understanding, preparing students for GCSE Drama and beyond.

Beyond the classroom, Drama enriches school life. From Upper Shell, students can participate in the whole-school musical, working across year groups. Our thriving LAMDA programme offers examinations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Devising, and Speaking in Public from J4 to U5. At Gad’s Hill School, we are dedicated to providing a supportive, dynamic environment where every student can thrive and shine.

Upper School – Key Stage 4

In KS4 Drama, students build on the foundations from KS3 as they begin the Edexcel GCSE Drama pathway. In Upper 4th, learners explore a range of theatre practitioners and styles through practical projects, developing both performance and analytical skills.

In Lower 5th, students start the formal GCSE programme. They study An Inspector Calls, combining knowledge from Drama and English to gain a deep understanding of the text. Students also prepare for two practical Non-Exam Assessments (NEAs) and develop skills in performance analysis.

KS4 learners attend live theatre performances to enhance their learning. Recent trips have included Back to the Future: The Musical, Stranger Things, and My Neighbour Totoro. These experiences support theatre review skills, which are essential for the final exam.

Students also learn about theatre design, including costume, lighting, and sound. For Components 1 and 2, learners can choose to take on the role of a designer instead of performing, giving them a broader understanding of all aspects of a production.

The course concludes in Upper 5th with the final written examination, where students demonstrate their creative, analytical, and evaluative skills.

GCSE Breakdown

Component 1 – Devising Drama (40%): Create and perform an original piece and prepare a portfolio documenting the devising process, including research, creative intentions, and evaluation. Students may also contribute as a designer.
Component 2 – Performance from Text (20%): Perform two extracts from a scripted play, demonstrating understanding of character, form, and dramatic intention. Students may alternatively take on the role of a designer.
Component 3 – Theatre Makers in Practice – Final Exam (40%): Assess knowledge of set texts, performance analysis, and understanding of theatrical techniques.

Skills for Life and Work
Drama is not only fun but also develops skills that are valuable for the workplace and further study. Students gain confidence, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creativity, which help them succeed in any career or academic path.

Gad’s Hill School’s Drama curriculum nurtures creativity, confidence, and critical thinking, helping students thrive on stage and in life beyond school.