Drama
At Leadenham CE Primary Academy, drama is taught through a variety of conventions. In the early years, action songs, rhymes, call and response games, role-play and circle games are part of daily learning. Through these experiences, children interact in different roles and reveal drama through play in these imagined settings.
In Key Stage 1, drama is used extensively to promote oral language skills. Children learn how to select language and movement that matches the role. They also learn how to work constructively, use leadership skills, negotiation and how to blend several ideas.
In Key Stage 2, pupils build upon skills developed in Key Stage 1 and start to explore deeper themes and issues that link with their wider curriculum. Children explore how to convey character through voice, movement, gesture and mime. Drama is also used as a stimulus for written work and as a medium to explore contemporary issues.
Improvisation is a powerful empathy tool and enables children to gain a deeper understanding of behaviour, motives and mood.
Vocal projection and expression is a central element in our drama curriculum as the voice is the most immediate instrument. Children are given regular opportunities to showcase their vocal skills through public speaking, presentations, reading and acting.
Through the performance opportunities offered at different times of the year, all children have the chance to experience drama and performance with an audience. Children are also encouraged to take up wider roles to assist with production and management of projects as a whole.
Here at Leadenham CE Primary Academy, we believe very strongly that children deserve a safe and stimulating platform to feel empowered to express themselves. This is at the heart of our drama curriculum and is mirrored also through the entire life and ethos of our school.
The Arts: Intent
At Leadenham CE Primary Academy we believe that the arts offer opportunities for our children to explore, express and communicate their feelings whilst gaining experiences of the wider world. Our children are provided with opportunities to a wide range of arts experiences as part of and in addition to the curriculum. Through experiencing the arts, children develop their creativity, self-esteem and confidence. Our creative arts programme, including music, dance, drama and art significantly impacts cognitive development, increases self-esteem, and actively engages everyone in learning.