Trinity College London's UK Drama Subject Expert, Sue Clarke, explores why investing in Key Stage 3 will pay dividends; igniting students' passion for drama pre-GCSEs and bolstering longer-term commitment and engagement.
‘The opportunity to study drama is a gift I wish all children could have.’
Elise Chambers, Head of Speech and Drama, Dauntsey's School
Drama has often been misunderstood and labelled as a 'soft' subject by schools and parents. This reputation has encouraged drama teachers to work diligently in demonstrating the worth of their subject to students, parents and school leadership. Without effective advocacy, many drama departments are at risk of budget and curriculum cuts or worse, being removed as a GCSE subject altogether. However, drama holds tremendous value for students, especially those in Key Stage 3 (KS3), by playing a pivotal role in shaping young minds, building essential life skills and contributing to a holistic educational experience.
What is the value of drama for students at KS3?
‘Drama is an escape from the grades-driven world. It is an opportunity to play, which is important on a human level.'
Sasha Oakley, Trinity Drama Teacher, Walthamstow Hall School
At Key Stage 3, studying drama is an invaluable experience for students; it nurtures every aspect of a student's growth, including their physical, mental and emotional well-being. Through drama lessons, students are encouraged to express themselves freely and develop empathy for others.
At a time when many schools are undergoing significant transformations in their approach, with a growing emphasis on prioritising the well-being of their students and staff, it's crucial to consider how this shift can benefit younger students, including those at Key Stage 3 (KS3). Creative outlets such as drama and dance are increasingly recognised as essential tools for fostering healthy teacher-student relationships. Teachers have told us that this emphasis on well-being and creative expression is particularly important for certain groups, such as for boarders who may lack direct family support. Younger students may experience the positive effects of these changes more acutely, making them even more relevant in the context of KS3 education.
Drama is, of course, an academic subject. Beyond its artistic and expressive aspects, the academic value of drama is often overlooked, however analytical and reflective skills are required to examine scripts and study characters in detail, while narrative skills are honed in devising stories and plays. Drama can also enrich and strengthen other core subjects such as English and History, where it contributes to students understanding of texts. Additionally, drama graded assessments at KS3 provide a good opportunity to prepare students for GCSE study, by familiarising students with a formal examination process through a subject they find enjoyable and motivating.
Drama develops confidence that sets students up for life
The drama studio is a space where students learn to communicate clearly and collaborate effectively with others in a safe environment. Studying Drama and the wider performing arts not only cultivates valuable transferrable skills but also empowers students to be active learners, who are able to confidently vocalise their thoughts and opinions.
'If you are being taught Trinity Drama, you will always play a lead character.'
Sasha Oakley
Critical thinking and time-management are developed along the way, with the ability to give and receive constructive feedback on such aspects as body language, expression, and voice. All of which can enhance self-presentation awareness, crucial skills for both work and exam success. Drama lessons at KS3 instil confidence in students, laying the foundations for them to perform and speak in public without fear - a valuable asset in any career.
What is the value of drama for the school?
Drama teaching and learning has the potential to serve as a multifaceted asset to schools and can contribute significantly to various aspects of school life and student development. KS3 is the ideal time to start immersing students in drama, either through school productions and theatre trips, or partnering with other departments for Arts Weeks or performing arts festivals. Successful execution can gain greater recognition for your department and underscore the value of drama to senior management and parents alike.
Drama is an important marketing tool for the school
'We produce high standard productions, so the students have high expectations of themselves.'
Sasha Oakley
Drama teachers are often tasked ensuring that school productions can act as a promotional tool for the school. Involving KS3 students in shows not only enriches the students' journey but can also contributes to the creation of bigger, more impressive productions.
Capturing students’ talents via photos and videos enables the production to make a valuable contribution to the school’s marketing assets. It can be utilised in various ways, including school magazines, social media, and local media, all of which are essential for the school's marketing efforts – a top priority for senior leadership. This approach effectively highlights the school's strengths to parents, governors, and other senior stakeholders.
What is the value of drama in the ‘real world’?
Drama is an essential subject for students to explore their creativity and develop crucial life skills such as leadership, taking direction and problem-solving. However, the value of prioritising the teaching of drama techniques in school extends beyond this, as it prepares students for the 'real world' in many other ways.
Elise Chambers explains how she sets the scene with her drama students:
‘We're exploring rather tricky subjects together and that therefore you are going on a journey as a class together.’
By fostering an understanding of characters and their surroundings, drama encourages students to delve into real-world topics not always included in the core subject syllabus. This is particularly crucial during the early teenage years, a period when many emotions are being processed, and personalities are being explored. Whether it involves tackling social issues like homelessness or addressing personal challenges such as serious illness, drama provides a secure and supportive environment for such explorations. The importance of this cannot be overstated; it assists schools in moulding well-rounded, informed, and compassionate students.
'Drama for boys and girls is more important than ever. Drama provides a space to feel safe, to feel heard. It prepares them for the ups and downs of life.'
Elise Chambers
In addition to this, the process of owning their drama learning, such as selecting performance piece for drama exams, empowers students to express their own narratives, enhancing their self-confidence, and sense of identity.
In conclusion, drama at KS3 extends beyond traditional performance, nurturing confidence, communication skills, and self-awareness. Its academic and personal benefits empower students for GCSEs and enrich school communities with creativity and inclusivity. Moreover, drama serves as a potent marketing tool, showcasing a school's commitment to talent development and collaboration. Celebrating drama's multifaceted impact, we challenge conventions and embrace its transformative role in our students' lives and as an essential component of a well-rounded education.
Find out more about exam options for groups of students available with Trinity via our ‘Trinity Insights Pack - Group Drama Exams’. This collection of useful, free teaching resources offers:
- Sample programmes of repertoire suitable for Group Acting exams at Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced Grades.
- A handy checklist of the key dates and tasks you need to consider to successfully deliver drama exams for groups.
- A helpful guide to use in conversations with senior leaders and parents about the value of drama assessments.
Download all six free-to-access resources now from the Trinity website.
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