Drama at Aldwickbury plays a vital role in building every pupil’s confidence and self-esteem. From Reception through to Year 8, all pupils take part in weekly drama lessons designed to inspire creativity and personal expression.
Our vibrant drama curriculum introduces a wide range of performance skills while fostering a deep appreciation of theatre as both a social and cultural art form. Through role-play, improvisation and school productions, pupils are encouraged to explore their own identities and the world around them.
“The well-structured curriculum, along with various extra-curricular activities, allows pupils to pursue their aptitudes and interests, including in creative and aesthetic areas such as art, drama and music, positively affecting their self-esteem.”
ISI Inspection 2025
Award-Winning Drama Department
Aldwickbury’s commitment to excellence in drama is reflected in recent accolades. Our Head of Drama, Zelia Attzs, was honoured with the Drama Inspiration Award at the 2025 Music and Drama Awards in London, recognising her exceptional teaching and leadership.
We were also shortlisted for the Outstanding School Drama Department award, highlighting our School’s outstanding performing arts provision.
Drama Curriculum Overview
The drama curriculum at Aldwickbury ignites a passion for performance and offers a dynamic, hands-on learning experience for all. We provide opportunities for pupils to develop character, bring stories to life and perform with confidence.
The overview below provides a glimpse into our drama curriculum at Aldwickbury, showing part of the rich and varied curriculum that pupils enjoy.
- Reception pupils develop confidence and imagination through topic-based, teacher-in-role storytelling
- Year 1 pupils build creative and technical skills including vocal projection, expression and movement
- Year 2 pupils explore settings and characters, beginning to create structured scenes with growing independence
- Year 3 focus on audience awareness and clarity in action, dialogue and expression, building ensemble through games and poetry performance
- Year 4 refine performance skills and explore plot and character through text-based work
- Year 5 study key dramatic techniques and explore historical styles including Greek chorus, mime and silent film
- Year 6 begin with a full-scale production, followed by character development work and a summer Shakespeare project
- Year 7 explore performance styles, genre and mood, with opportunities to join the senior production and study text interpretation in depth
- In Year 8, pupils reflect on the wider role of drama, considering its use in advertising, education and social themes. They develop physical theatre skills, enhance their understanding of body language, and take on leading roles in the senior production.
Developing Skills through Drama
Drama at Aldwickbury has an immeasurable impact on our pupils, boosting their confidence and self-belief. By taking part in performances and working closely with others, they also develop strong communication skills that support academic success. These skills prepare pupils for the future, where effective communication is becoming increasingly important in the ever-changing world.
Drama Productions
All pupils from Reception to Year 4 take part in a class performance to showcase their developing drama skills. In Years 6, 7 and 8, pupils participate in full-scale productions, giving them valuable experience on stage and the opportunity to perform to a wider audience. Recent productions have included Robin Hood, Grease and The Lion King.
Watch some of our recent productions:
Make an Enquiry
To find out more about Aldwickbury School, please fill in our enquiry form. Our Admissions Team will be in touch, answer your questions and guide you through the admissions process.
