Drama
The Drama curriculum develops the whole child through expressive exploration and creative learning. The subject can empower young people in becoming excellent communicators in a world that is ever changing. The expressive art of Drama will develop core characteristics such as empathy, self-confidence and creative thinking.
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). EYFS also explore a rich variety of literacy through immersive storytelling and role-play, encouraging children to express themselves, build vocabulary and develop a deep love for language.
As pupils move through the school, drama continues to develop key skills such as confidence, empathy, teamwork, and self-expression. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Beyond the classroom, Drama enriches school life with whole-school musicals and House Plays. Previous productions have included Shrek, Sister Act and Matilda. Students can get involved in multiple ways. And of course continue their journey with LAMDA which offers examinations in acting, musical theatre, and devising and speaking in public.
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 Component 3 (theatre makers in practice).
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 (devising drama) and 2 (performance from text), 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.
KS4 Drama students are responsible for the writing and directing of the Summer term House Plays where the 3 Houses compete to showcase their acting, dancing and/or singing talents. LAMDA and the whole-school production continue to be memorable and favourite moments of the year for many of our students.
Gad’s Hill School’s Drama curriculum nurtures creativity, confidence, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, helping students thrive on stage and in life beyond school.
