Drama
At Bonus Pastor our Drama curriculum uses the power of performance to build the vital stage presence, self-confidence, and vocal skills students need to thrive. Through hands-on acting, text and script analysis, and live theatre, students explore diverse stories while learning to direct and devise their own original work. In addition, students dive into rich storytelling traditions from diverse cultures and eras. In our Drama studio, your child will collaborate in creative ensembles, and learn to thoughtfully critique live performance. We provide an inspiring environment where the study of Drama shapes confident, expressive storytellers with a passion for the stage.
Drama at Key Stage 3
Lessons are compulsory in Key Stage 3, and pupils receive 2 periods a fortnight, one double lesson, where they are taught a range of devising, performing and evaluating skills. Students are encouraged to develop creativity and collaborative skills through regular group work activities. The topics studied are extremely varied and students are introduced to theatre history from Ancient Greek theatre in Year 7, to Melodrama in Year 8, to Naturalism in Year 9. We use a range of stimulus material in topics, such as anti-bullying, Noughts and Crosses and global issues, throughout KS3 where pupils learn how to create and evaluate their own work as well as explore scripted material. All students are encouraged to develop their confidence through vocal and physical skills as well as learn how to be analytical through constructive criticism.
Homework is set regularly and will include written evaluation of work they have carried out in class, self and peer assessment, research tasks, learning of lines in preparation for the next lesson and assessments as well as focused improvement tasks.
Drama at Key Stage 4
Drama is an option subject at GCSE where students continue to develop their skills, knowledge, and understanding attained throughout KS3. Throughout the GCSE course, students are supported to develop confidence by devising their own group performance from a stimulus, perform extracts from scripted texts, and complete a written evaluative exam. The topics studied range from learning about different practitioners and performance styles where genres learned at KS3 will be revisited and built upon. Students can complete the course as a performer and/or a designer (sound/lighting/costume). Theatre visits are an essential aspect of ensuring that students can appreciate and evaluate live theatre as well as develop their own practice.
Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities
Each year we put on a College Production, where we have over 40 students, ranging from Year 7 to Year 11, involved and working together collaboratively. Students can take part as a performer, sound or lighting technician or member of the backstage crew.
The college production provides students with an opportunity to build confidence, develop creative skills, teamwork and concentration. It also creates a safe environment to shape positive relationships with other students. Students are also given the invaluable opportunity to work directly with professional sets in school, gaining hands-on industry experience.
Our previous productions include:
- February 2016 – Bugsy Malone
- February 2017 – West Side Story
- July 2018 – Our Day Out
- February 2019 - Les Misérables School Edition
- February 2020 - Little Shop of Horrors
- February 2022 - Aladdin Jr
- March 2023 - Sister Act Jr
- February 2024 - Beauty & the Beast Jr
- April 2025 - School of Rock
- February 2026 - Matilda Jr
We work closely with Lewisham Youth Theatre (LYT) where a number of our Year 7 – 10 students go on to become members of their Technical Theatre Production Group and Junior/Senior Youth Theatre Group. We have also developed partnerships with the Old Vic Theatre, through their Take The Lead program where students are enabled to use theatre techniques and creative workshops on five core skills: communication, self-management, self-belief, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Students are also provided with opportunities to audition with industry professionals such as visiting talent agent scouts, both in and out of school and a number of students have been successful. We also have partnerships with Go Live Theatre where students get to experience West End shows. This year students have had the opportunity to see a range of shows such as Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and Matilda the Musical.
The Drama department has worked collaboratively with St Dunstan’s offering LAMDA lessons as part of the More Able Scholarship Program. The lessons have helped boost confidence and help develop stronger speaking skills. Pupils work towards a graded LAMDA exam at the end of the year.
For more details please email our Head of Department.
Ms T Salami - tsalami@bonuspastor.co.uk
Teaching Staff:
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Ms V Clarke (Assistant Principal, Drama and English Teacher)
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