Drama Department

The aim of drama at St Piran’s is to develop self-confidence, self-esteem and freedom of expression; all pupils have the opportunity to realise their dramatic potential. Our drama curriculum is able to reflect and enrich English, history and geography topics, and a wide range of dramatic skills are covered during lessons to learn about all aspects of drama, including characterisation and voice technique. Pupils are also given opportunities to play drama games, recite performance poems, speak in assemblies, perform monologues, create mini plays and contribute to discussions in class, just to name a few! In drama, Year 3 became superheroes and villains and explored characterisation using devised role plays through character-led narratives.

Shakespeare Workshops even made a welcome appearance in Upper School. Our talented pupils acted out the entire play of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, meeting each character and thinking through the twists and turns of the plot using physical performance and discussion.

Year 5 pupils were inspired by the true story of Baroness Floella Benjamin, who travelled from Trinidad to London as part of the Windrush Generation. The pupils were able to understand the historical, cultural context behind her story and used movement and physicality to explore the characters’ experiences, as well as exploring how mood and atmosphere are created and altered.

Some of their drama lessons were dedicated to rehearsing and performing The Listeners poem by Walter de la Mare. Pupils studied creative exploration through effective levels, spacial awareness, interaction with other performers and expression of mood. The pupils explored playscripts and developed their own unique character monologues to perform in front of an audience. They also entered a competition linked to Kensuke’s Kingdom and saving the orang-utans and have since adopted one through WWF!

As well as an inspiring online workshop on ‘The World of War Horse’, celebrating the classic story, Year 6 pupils developed their speaking, group discussion and interaction skills throughout the dramatic study of ‘The Highwayman’, through a range of dramatic techniques. Pupils were also able to participate in class discussions, to improvise and devise work, to create and sustain roles, and to respond thoughtfully to the work of others, enabling the poetry to be performed as part of the Year 6 Summer Showcase. In lieu of a conventional school production, the Showcase was a triumphant first at St Piran’s. The Showcase saw Year 6 reflecting on the monumental events that have shaped our lives in recent times. Featuring snapshots of these situations, we saw that amongst the sadness and frustration there were moments of hope, heroism, and even humour! The children were truly amazing during the Showcase filming, and the videographers were full of praise for them all. It was such a pleasure to watch Year 6 blossom in front of the camera and really give of their absolute best. Some children even became so involved that they took to stage directing, requesting effects, and even collaborating with the videographers to ensure that their visions were truly understood and could be brought to life. It was such a delight to witness as part of their leadership skills and development this year. The Showcase has delivered so much more than anticipated, and the children have had the opportunity to fully submerge themselves into the project and be creative.

We are always so very proud of our pupils’ achievements in our school’s academic and enrichment programme and opportunities. Their development in confidence and self-esteem throughout the year is clearly evident in the progression we see in drama. > Miss Galloso, Head of

English & Drama