Drama
A journey of discovery
Drama helps every child to grow. It expands horizons through storytelling, increases confidence and courage through performance, and offers the satisfaction of creative expression. Your child will grow through each performance – whether that’s in front of classmates, in an assembly or on stage. They’ll learn to speak and perform confidently in public - and to respond positively to feedback and direction. All skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. From the first role play sessions in Nursery, through to the Leavers’ Play in Year 8, we celebrate drama as an important contribution to our valued sense of community in the school.
Drama in Pre-Prep (Nursery to Year 2)
Every child in Pre-Prep joins in performances, from Nursery class onwards. From role play during story-time, to singing and dancing together, through to taking the stage in front of parents, they all experience the excitement and satisfaction that drama brings.
From simple exercises to scripted performance, we nurture and celebrate each child’s increasing confidence as they develop their skills in self-expression as part of a supportive environment.
Drama in the Lower Prep (Years 3-5)
Your child will experience drama within the curriculum as they work on skills to enable them to build confidence and team work. This culminates in the Lower Prep Play during the Lent term.
Drama in the Upper Prep (Years 6 to 8)
As they move through the Upper Prep, each child learns more about the technical side of drama. They hone their script writing skills and begin to discover more about the wide range of theatrical genres.
The annual school musical, staged by Upper Prep children, is a highlight of the school year. All children are invited to audition for parts, and there are also opportunities to help with the lighting, sound, stage management, making props, and make-up. The experience helps to build children’s teamwork skills, as well as their confidence and courage. They experience huge satisfaction in joint endeavour and the thrill of that live performance brings.
Year 8 end their time in the Upper Prep by performing a play outside in an ‘amphitheatre style’.This is normally a comedy and has parents and staff in stitches. It is wonderful way to round off their Performing Arts development at Terrington Hall.
Drama beyond the curriculum
Children have the opportunity to work one-to-one with our peripatetic specialist drama teacher. They also have the opportunity to perform and compete at Harrogate Competitive Festival of Music, Speech and Drama, as well as undertaking examinations in Speech & Drama and Acting.
Pupils are supported to work on material that is both relevant to their personal interests and challenging, encouraging them to explore a range of periods, styles and genres of work. By undertaking recognised qualifications in Drama, they are able to evidence their commitment to learning. They will develop their communication skills, articulate their ideas clearly, develop a sense of personal growth and achievement, and ensure they leave a lasting impact wherever they go.
Tonight was very much part of the reason we chose Terrington. I loved seeing everyone involved and the opportunity for the children to try something new and challenge their comfort zones in a kind and supportive environment.