Drama in schools

second edition

Like theatre, drama in schools can unlock the use of imagination, intellect, empathy and courage. Through it, ideas, responses and feelings can be expressed and communicated. It carries the potential to challenge, to question and to bring about change.

Jude Kelly (theatre director and founder of Metal)
Contents

Foreword 2

1 Introduction 4

2 Why drama in schools? 6

3 Recognising good drama 9 3.1 What does good drama look like at the Foundation Stage? 9 3.2 What does good drama look like at Key Stages 1 and 2? 12 3.3 What does good drama look like at Key Stage 3? 18 3.4 What does good drama look like at Key Stage 4? 22 3.5 What does good drama look like at post-16? 24 3.6 What does good drama look like in special schools? 26 3.7 What does a good drama enrichment programme look like? 27

4 Structuring drama in schools 32 4.1 Level descriptions for drama 33

5 Policy, facilities, resources 41 5.1 Useful points for schools managers and subject leaders to consider 41 5.2 What does a good school policy for drama look like? 42 5.3 What do good facilities and resources in drama look like? 44

6 Conclusion 46 Appendix 1 Drama and the early learning goals within 48 the Foundation Stage Appendix 2 The National Curriculum for England – English 50 Appendix 3 Drama within the Primary Strategy 54 Appendix 4 Drama and the Key Stage 3 National Strategy 58 Appendix 5 Inclusive education 60 Appendix 6 Ofsted’s guidance on inspecting drama 11–16 62 Appendix 7 Ofsted’s guidance on inspecting post-16 drama 65 and theatre studies Appendix 8 National initiatives in the arts that impact on drama 67 in schools