Curriculum Intent
At The Lowry Academy, the Drama curriculum is designed to inspire confident, creative and reflective young people who are able to communicate effectively, collaborate positively and express themselves imaginatively. Through practical exploration, performance and critical reflection, students develop theatrical knowledge and transferable life skills that support success both inside and outside the classroom.
Drama at Key Stage 3 provides students with a broad and engaging introduction to theatre, performance and storytelling. Across Years 7–9, students build confidence in performance while developing vocal, physical and creative skills through a range of exciting topics and styles of theatre. Students explore mime and movement, scripted performance, characterisation, devising, physical theatre and stage combat, whilst also studying themes such as myths and legends, dystopian theatre and Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The curriculum is carefully sequenced to allow students to revisit and deepen core dramatic skills over time. In Year 7, students are introduced to the foundations of drama through mime, movement and imaginative storytelling. In Year 8, students further develop devising and performance skills through genres including dystopian theatre and contemporary texts. By Year 9, students are applying advanced dramatic techniques through physical theatre, theatre in education and Shakespeare, preparing them for the demands of GCSE Drama.
Throughout Key Stage 3, students are encouraged to:
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with others
- Develop resilience, confidence and independence
- Use voice, movement and characterisation effectively
- Analyse and evaluate performance work
- Explore social, moral and cultural themes through theatre
- Develop creativity, empathy and communication skills
Assessment takes place regularly through practical performances, devising work and self and peer evaluation. Students receive opportunities to perform to audiences and reflect on their own progress as performers and creators.
At Key Stage 4, students follow the AQA GCSE Drama specification. The course builds on the foundations established at Key Stage 3 and allows students to deepen their understanding of theatre both practically and theoretically. Students study a range of theatrical styles and practitioners whilst developing skills in performance, devising and analysis.
The GCSE Drama course includes:
- Understanding drama and theatre
- Devising original performance work
- Performing scripted and devised pieces
- Analysing and evaluating live theatre
- Exploring set texts and theatre practitioners
Students are encouraged to become imaginative, independent and reflective theatre-makers who can communicate ideas with confidence and creativity. The curriculum supports wider personal development by promoting teamwork, empathy, problem-solving and cultural awareness, whilst also preparing students for further study and careers within the creative industries and beyond.
Drama at The Lowry Academy aims to ensure that every student leaves with the confidence to express themselves, the creativity to think independently and the resilience to succeed in an ever-changing world.