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SMSC in Drama

Spiritual development in Drama

Students are encouraged to explore their own feelings, beliefs and ideas to find meaning and develop Drama work based on a wide variety of subject matters and stimuli. At Key Stage 3 students cover a variety of topics, one of which is Knife Crime. During the course of this unit students are encouraged to explore a range of perspectives to develop their compassion and empathy for others. At Key Stage 4 students interrogate and create Drama work based on a variety of stimuli of their choosing.

In past years students have explored and developed work based on the Holocaust, 9/11 (Josephine the Angel), eating disorders (Hard to Swallow), bullying and so forth. Issues covered in the work from these stimuli encourage students to interrogate their own beliefs and understand other perspectives. For example, students with strong anti-war beliefs could be asked as part of a hot-seating activity to represent a politician campaigning for war. Students regularly reflect on their work in progress, which demonstrates their willingness to improve and progress. Student feedback and lesson observations have proved students’ enjoyment of the use of imagination and creativity in their learning.

Moral development in Drama

As part of the curriculum students at both key stages are regularly given the opportunity and the motivation to investigate and offer reasons about moral and ethical issues. At Key Stage 3 students study Knife Crime, for which they will research local statistics, which they will then develop into devised Theatre in Education performances. These performances are aimed at educating a younger audience on the dangers involved with knife crime and how they can be avoided. Students also undergo extensive character development throughout all units of work e.g. Physical Theatre and Melodrama. They will explore character motivations, uncovering reasoning for certain behaviours and characteristics. This is further developed at Key Stage 4 where students’ individual investigative study of characters from given circumstances and scripts, requires them to extend their understanding of the circumstances, rights and choices of others.

Throughout both key stages students will further be encouraged to take responsibility for their own actions, by learning what is right and wrong through effective communication, cooperation and sensitivity.

Social development in Drama

Students are encouraged to develop empathy through themed collaborative work which requires them to look at a variety of different lifestyles and circumstances from a range of viewpoints. There is a strong mutual respect between students across the department based on a shared desire for success within drama and beyond.

Student groups are alternated regularly to ensure all students work with all other students within the classes, regardless of race, religion, background, gender or sexuality. Students will learn how to be respectful of the opinions of others,’ in addition to learning the skills required to successfully lead a group in a supportive and sensitive manner. Problem-solving is a huge element of Drama and students will be encouraged to communicate and cooperate effectively, to ensure progress is made each lesson.

Cultural development in Drama

Across both key stages students interact with a number of poetic and artistic texts to act as stimuli for their work, Blood Brothers being one of the most popular. Literary heritage is shared through the study of Shakespeare at Key Stage 4, if students desire to do so. Artistic heritage is shared through numerous theatre trips offered across the year.

Students pursuing Drama at Key Stage 4 are expected to contribute to the annual whole-school productions, with this being an option at Key Stage 3. Students are expected to show commitment to in- class and whole-school productions, by attending all rehearsals with energy and enthusiasm. Furthermore, there is a Dance club that runs weekly, from which a Summer Dance show is produced. This club is highly popular with our students and is a great addition to the Drama / Performing Arts Department.

Proud to part of the Bright Futures Education Trust
Cedar Mount Academy
Gorton Education Village
50 Wembley Road, Gorton, Manchester, M18 7DT
CEOP