The Drama Department fundamentally aims to provide each child with experience, knowledge and command of their physical, mental, emotional, and creative social selves. As a non-academic subject at this stage, this is achieved by a very practical and disciplined learning environment in which the highest levels of participation and energetic engagement are expected. It is, therefore, necessarily a positive, nurturing, and encouraging place of work in which the child feels safe to explore, perform, and achieve their very best. The department is committed to valuing every child's contribution to the whole, their unencumbered enjoyment and the pursuit of excellence. By the end of their dramatic careers at Cheam, all pupils should feel confident in themselves, in their ability to apply creative thinking, and in performance.
Other relevant information:
- All children from Years 3 to 6 are taught in forms for one double period of Drama per week in the Drama Studio.
- Pupils develop their skills through a stimulating and varied experience of different types of theatre and theatrical and film techniques. They learn through creation, performance, observation and evaluation.
- Members of the department will teach a balanced programme over the course of the year and teach for both challenge and success, according to the development of the group and the individual.
- Every child who has Drama classes will take part in a cross curricular Showcase performance, in tandem with the Music Department, in our theatre space.
- The department will organise workshops and other events by external agencies where possible and appropriate to broaden pupil's experience and knowledge.
- Every child from Years 3 to 8 will see one piece of professional theatre during each academic year, so they can see live, on stage the kind of theatrical accomplishments and skills they themselves learn in the drama studio.
- Children from Years 8 and 7 will be given the opportunity to audition for and perform in the senior play during the Spring term.
- The department will support and coach talented pupils attempting scholarships to their public schools.