Drama is taught to all students in Key Stage 3 at Jess. Each student receives one 55 minute drama lesson per week. There is a particularly strong drive within the department to reach and appeal to every learner, regardless of initial levels of confidence or inhibition. Our process-based curricular approach means that assessment is only partly based on performance skills and achievement can be accessed through strong listening, thinking and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

Investigations may be triggered by literature, photography, journalism, film, play texts, masks, music or props. There is an emphasis on seeing the dramatic potential in all of these stimuli and the development of students’ imaginations. At Key Stage 3 Citizenship is a key area of focus in the department’s teaching schemes, both implicitly and explicitly.

We seek at all times to undermine stereotypical and generalised assessments of people and to reinforce the nature of the individual. Respect for all people is fostered and recognised as a crucial starting point.