Drama

The Sacred Heart Drama department is passionate about building students’ cultural capital and as such, at GCSE and A Level students go to the theatre up to eight times a year. The plays they see range from West End shows to small fringe theatre productions, allowing students to gain a breadth and depth of what theatre is and can be; each time building their theatre literacy to use inside the classroom. Over the past 5 years, Sacred Heart students have seen close to 50 live theatre performances!

Drama at Sacred Heart is a popular and rigorous subject where students produce innovative, creative and entertaining performances to a high standard across all year levels. Through their experience of Drama both inside the curriculum and in the extra-curricular life of the school, students gain skills in collaborating, communicating, confidence, critical reflection and of course, creativity – the currency of the future!

Key Stage 3

In KS3, students work in role as storytellers to entertain an audience. They explore dramatic styles including:

Through the KS3 curriculum students develop skills in group work, characterisation, communication and evaluation - whilst also developing their understanding of dramatic forms and techniques. Over the three years students will study a range of theatrical styles including naturalism, silent movies, melodrama, mask work and physical theatre. In addition to this, Drama at Key Stage 3 is used to explore, challenge and deepen students’ understanding of wider issues. The schemes of work provide opportunities for students to reflect on topics such as peer pressure, bullying and difference. We believe that studying Drama at KS3 equips our students with the skills of insight and empathy. The curriculum allows them to explore, in a safe environment, how another person might view or experience the world; consequently allowing them to better understand their own place in it. 

You can read more about the Key Stage 3 Drama Curriculum here: Key Stage 3 Drama Curriculum

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

GCSE Drama is a popular option choice with students following the AQA syllabus.  The course places strong emphasis in developing students’ ability to create and shape their own performance work. Students will acquire a breadth and depth of knowledge over the two years; including an understanding of how contemporary and historical theatre practitioners and genres have shaped how theatre works. During the course, students’ will study at least two complete plays; see a vast amount of live theatre; take part as either an actor or designer in two formally assessed practical exams and develop skills in writing about and analysing theatre. The course provides a solid foundation for Drama and Theatre Studies A Level, whilst also being an effective platform for a range of career and study choices as it develops transferable skills such as creativity self-confidence, communication, evaluation and team work. 

Key Stage 5 (A-Level Drama)

Students may choose to study drama and theatre at university or to pursue vocational acting courses at drama schools and conservatoires. Students often select drama as a creative addition to their other subjects, enabling further development of critical analysis. Drama students can go on to every imaginable type of degree.  You can read more about our Drama A-Level on the Sixth form pages: here

Extra Curricular

Our GCSE and A-Level students are offered a rich programme of access to theatrical performances, thereby gaining a breadth and depth of knowledge of what theatre is and can be: building their theatre literacy for use in the classroom.

Students have opportunities to take LAMDA qualifications as well as performing in joint drama productions.