Drama assists in the creation of emotionally mature and well-rounded individuals whose experience of collaboration, performance and creativity will provide them with the knowledge they will need to lead teams, communicate effectively in business, present their ideas and concepts with confidence and tenacity and the resilience to get feedback and come back stronger.  

Students will complete their studies having learnt how to devise, appraise, empathise, collaborate and create performances, encouraging them to think outside the box through the freedom of their own expression. 

At Key Stage 3, year 7 and 8 students will study Drama for half the academic year. In year 9 students will have the opportunity to hone their skills and study Drama or Music for a full year. Drama is an option subject at both GCSE and A-Level.   

Drama at Manshead CE Academy is fully inclusive and develops every child’s ability to work cooperatively and creatively in a safe and supportive environment. It gives students a variety of skills sought after by employers and universities as well as growing them as a member of a wider community through group work, communication and enhancing self-confidence through various situations. Students will explore cultural issues, historical periods, theatrical practice/practitioners and a published play within their study of Drama showing that an appreciation of the arts aids learning in multiple areas across the curriculum and a wider knowledge and understanding of the world beyond the classroom.  

The main value of Drama at Manshead CE Academy is to create and develop students who are intuitive, creative, resilient, innovative, self-motivated and who challenge common misconceptions, opening up a world of expression and setting them up with the skills needed for a wide range of employment opportunities.

The Drama department offers a program of learning beyond the classroom. Our biggest project is the annual whole school production which is offered to students in all year groups within the school. The production encourages students to be involved both on and off stage with our school community running the technical, backstage and set design each year. This huge collaboration breaks down barriers and inhibitions between year groups and is a huge reward for all involved. 

Evenings of Drama are presented by exam groups and are open to friends and family to produce a supportive but more formal environment for exam candidates and their performance assessments.  

Throughout the year, Drama clubs for specific year groups offer further challenge and opportunity for those wanting to further their Drama experience.   

Theatre trips are arranged by the department at each Key Stage to allow access to professional work, inspire student practice and reward our hard-working community.  

Parents of Drama students are encouraged to support time at home for rehearsal, line learning and practice for this subject to enhance and further develop the learning experience.