Drama

At Ravenscourt Park Preparatory School (RPPS), drama plays a vital role in the holistic development of the children we teach.  Rather than teaching drama as a standalone subject, we instead ensure it is woven into subjects and activities across the entire curriculum with the aim to nurture confidence, develop communication skills, and foster creativity. Our approach to drama extends far beyond the traditional understanding of performance; it encourages students to explore their imagination, build empathy, and develop resilience through role play, improvisation, and character analysis. 

The provide an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their experience or ability, can engage with the subject in a variety of ways. We seek to foster a love of the performing arts, whilst also equipping students with practical skills that will benefit them both in the classroom and in life beyond school. Drama at RPPS is about building life skills, strengthening social connections, and developing the confidence to tackle new challenges. 

Through different subjects, our drama-based activities provide a wide range of creative opportunities for the children at every stage of their development. Beginning with foundational exercises in movement in subjects like PE, or clubs like Movers and Groovers and Street Dance, children develop a greater understanding of how to convey emotions through motion, gesture and expression. As the children get older, they are encouraged to explore a wider variety of dramatic forms, from hot-seating characters in English lessons, to writing and producing their own performance poems, and recreating historical events or religious ceremonies as part of their Class Assemblies.  

As they progress, pupils in Year Four have their first taste of performing in a year group production and these have covered themes and topics such as World War Two in the musical ‘We’ll Meet Again; the importance of recycling and protecting the planet in ‘The Island That Rocks’; and the importance of kindness and celebrating individuality in ‘The XTra Factor.’ During this process, the children learn the intricacies of group performance, including choreography, singing in unison and in parts, stage directions, the use of microphones, and the skills associated with learning and delivering lines. In Year Six, the children give their final performance in their end-of-year production which have included The Lion King, Matilda and Mary Poppins in the last few years. Led by a specialist Director, this production allows the children to experience the entire creative experience, from auditioning for roles, to rehearsing in small groups, designing and creating their own costumes and props, and finally performing in front of a live audience.  

Drama clubs throughout the school also give children the opportunity to write their own scripts and for them to learn more about musical theatre. They further develop their skills of collaboration, individual artistic expression and verbal and non-verbal communication. We also offer a LAMDA club where children gain confidence and experience in speech, communication, and performance, and our children relish the opportunity to complete their LAMDA examinations, often achieving Distinction which is testament to the quality of teaching and the passion the children have for the subject. 

We also use drama as a powerful teaching tool during awareness weeks like Anti-Bullying Week, and in educating our older children about drugs and how to keep themselves safe as they grow more independent and prepare for the transition from Year Six to Year Seven. 

Drama provides a unique platform for children to explore their identity, emotions, and viewpoints in a safe and supportive environment. We believe that every child has a voice and a story worth sharing, and our goal is to help them find that voice through self-expression. 

Through the careful planning of drama across the breadth of our rich and creative curriculum, we ensure that drama is accessible to all, offering differentiated activities to cater to a wide range of abilities and interests. Whether a student is a natural performer or someone who does not feel as confident to be in the spotlight, there are countless ways for them to contribute creatively. Through drama-based activities, students learn that their contributions, whatever form they take and however they choose to express themselves, are all equally valuable. 

Moreover, we recognise the transformative power of drama in building self-esteem and emotional intelligence. By encouraging students to take risks, step into different roles and outside their comfort zone, and explore diverse perspectives, drama empowers them to express themselves authentically, both on stage and off. 

By providing a wealth of opportunities for performance, collaboration, and personal growth, we strive to make drama a joyful and rewarding experience for all the children we teach. In doing so, we prepare them not only for future theatrical pursuits but also for life, equipping them with the skills and confidence to express themselves and engage with the world around them.