Drama at Arunside
“Dramatic activity is already a natural part of most children’s lives before they start school in the form of make-believe play, enabling them to make sense of their own identity by exploring meaningful fictional situations that have parallels in the real world.”
From ‘Learning Through Drama in the Primary Years’ by David Farmer.
CONFIDENCE – COMMUNICATION – TEAMWORK – FOCUS
DRAMA CREATES A SPACE FOR SHARED IMAGINATION!
At Arunside Primary School pupils benefit from Drama as a dedicated subject, delivered by a drama specialist. All participants explore a wide variety of creative experiences designed to enhance their communication skills, build their confidence, further their teamwork skills and develop social and emotional well-being.
Drama at Arunside combines harnessing drama skills and creative concepts with opportunities for cross-curricular learning which then supports topics and subjects pupils are learning about in the classroom. Drama develops speaking and listening skills and extends vocabulary whilst also encouraging pupils to understand and express different points of view. Crucially Drama requires an ability to listen to others and be adept at resilient collaboration in every session. As well as actively exploring curriculum examples we inquire into relevant issues and social matters in a vibrant, inclusive manner. Active learning gives children opportunities to explore, discuss and deal with difficult issues and express their emotions in a supportive environment. These developmental critical thinking and problem-solving skills can then be applied in all areas of their school day as they learn to take on roles of responsibility and make choices which enables them to guide their own learning. The fun aspect of the lessons also boosts the pupil’s self-esteem and helps them to express feelings and emotions, whilst developing respect for others.
AIMS
- For every pupil to find their voice and use it with confidence.
- To build confidence and self-esteem.
- To listen ‘Actively’
- To understand how to work with others in a team.
- To evaluate their own and others work
- To improve fluency through Text and Poetry.
- To support across the curriculum in some key subjects.
- To develop a love for Storytelling.
- To develop Performance opportunities for all.
IMPLEMENTATION
- Assessment opportunities to record pupils progress.
- Year 4 and 5 have all been able to participate in a full scale production with an audience.
- A drama Ipad has been available to record student work.
- Peer to Peer feedback is encouraged in all lessons.
- How to listen actively is reinforced by an audience in class performances.
- Performance poetry project for years 3,4 and 5 with an audience.
IMPACT
Pupils are familiar with all Dramatic Terminology and encouraged to use it in every lesson.
They have become a favourite activity for the pupils who are now confident enough to perform in front of an audience.
Extra Curricular Drama club is well supported.
All pupils participate fully in class and no one is left out.
Confidence has grown and pupils raise their hands to speak and are keen to express their opinions.
