Drama

Subject Intent

Performing arts are uniquely positioned to bring together intellect and feeling, enabling personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of our culture, past and present, performing arts helps students to understand themselves, relate to others and develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home, school and the wider world. Whilst performing arts are valuable in their own right, the study of them can enhance so much more: teaching transferable skills to develop well-rounded students. 

At Derby Cathedral School, our drama curriculum is challenging, inspiring and engaging, building resilient, curious, tenacious and independent learners. We do this by providing quality first teaching to each and every student, teaching each scheme of learning through performance, devising and appraising ensuring a comprehensive approach that really cements each student’s learning.  

In drama, students are given the opportunity to develop their understanding of drama practitioners and performance styles through evaluating and performing a diverse collection of dramatic texts, which span a range of genres. Imagination and creativity is developed even further as students are given opportunities for devising their own dramatic work. Students have the opportunity to watch professional and amateur productions of plays and musicals. 

Ultimately, the curriculum meets the needs of all our learners through rigorous assessment and feedback, practical teaching in which students actively learn through independent learning activities, and is supported by learning outside of the classroom through our extensive extra-curricular programme and opportunities to perform within the community. All performing arts subjects promote an overall appreciation of the arts, both inside and outside the curriculum, developing discipline, control, focus and giving students  ‘a voice’.  

The performing arts departments are outward-facing, making links beyond the school community including the local community of Derby and the world of work and careers. Derby is a renowned centre of innovation in many sectors, and the creative arts is a burgeoning area. We believe our school should play an important part in developing the creative arts in Derby through opportunities to perform within the local community and experience live performances outside of the school context through our links with Derby Cathedral, Derby Theatre and Deda.  

Our careers education informs students of possible careers within the arts, which raises aspirations and provides opportunities for students to develop their skills and experiences in these fields. We are working closely with a number of local providers as well as our cultural educational partnership to access local and national opportunities.   Our work with our cultural partner (based at Derby Theatre) also provides opportunities for students to thrive in Derby city and to experience a variety of cultural experiences to develop their skills, life chances and fulfil their highest ambitions. Additionally, our students are engaging with pathways beyond key stage 4 and 5 through our collaboration with a number of universities. 

Finally, our performing arts team are constantly researching new developments and teaching strategies within music and the performing arts to ensure students at Derby Cathedral School receive the best possible arts experiences matching the ‘vibrancy’ of Derby as a city centre, promoting self-worth, confidence, resilience and understanding of the world around them through a cultural and creative eye.  

Drama Long Term Plans