ARTS

Drama

Drama and performing arts are powerful tools for personal growth and the development of lifelong skills.

Through acting, storytelling, and stage production, students build confidence, enhance communication abilities and learn to express themselves with clarity and poise. Whether performing in front of an audience or speaking up in class, these experiences help students become more self-assured and adaptable. Drama also nurtures essential skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, which are invaluable both in the classroom and beyond. No matter the path our students choose, the skills they acquire on stage will support them in school, their careers, and life.

Primary

At St George’s, all students are given opportunities to perform, starting from Early Years. In Primary, each class performs an assembly or stage show for their parents every year. Students in Years 1, 3, and 5 also collaborate to put on larger shows with other classes in their year group.

The preparation for these assemblies and performances goes beyond simply learning lines and songs. Our youngest students explore the proper behavior needed during rehearsals and performances, while older students gain a deeper understanding of roles within a stage production and may even try their hand at stage management and production.

Secondary

Just like in Primary, every Secondary student studying drama has the chance to perform in front of an audience each year. From Years 7-9 (ages 11-14), all students are required to study the Arts, including a double period of drama each week. At the end of Year 9, students will select their courses for the next two years, with options to pursue either GCSE or BTEC qualifications.

In Drama, students explore a broad range of content and skills, from the origins of theatre to different staging setups, technical production skills, and team-based performances. They learn how to work together to bring a show to life, developing both their creative and technical talents.

I see our job as drama teachers as encouraging young people to have the confidence to use their voices—both literally and metaphorically. Our role is to nurture that confidence and allow them to express themselves in practical ways. Public speaking and confidence in front of others are key skills we promote, and there are performance opportunities every year where students are encouraged to perform in front of their peers and parents. These experiences help them become comfortable with performance, which is a valuable skill in many aspects of life.

Arron Lemon, Drama Teacher