Drama

Drama is one of the great forms of human expression: it involves imagination and feelings and helps us to make sense of the world.

Our Drama education at KPS begins naturally with learning through dramatic play; eventually, it includes many elements of theatre. The benefits from engagement in Drama and public speaking activities are numerous, the greatest by far being the way that drama helps develop self-confidence.

During the year, pupils have the opportunity to pursue drama and public speaking through a whole host of activities, from staging a performance to achieving success in internationally recognised exams. This year, the opening of our new 'Katy Pillinger Drama Studio' gave us even more desire to tread the boards.

FOUNDATION & PRE-PREP

During Foundation and Pre-Prep years, children are involved in class role-play and in speaking and listening activities. Familiar stories are re-enacted, favourite characters discussed and poetry shared. Additional time is given to preparing for participation in assemblies and ‘Nativity’ performances, where audiences range from peers to parents. There are also Drama workshops and special themed days where the chance to dress up is eagerly embraced.

YEARS 3-6

A formal ‘Drama’ lesson is introduced from Year 3 wherein children create, perform and respond to Drama either individually, in pairs or in groups.

Stories, ideas and situations are explored through a range of stimuli and games are played to encourage cooperation and trust. Areas of focus include mime, masks and monologues and themes such as ‘Belonging’ ensure the subject is totally relevant. The curriculum in Year 3 and 5 also includes a theatre visit to watch a live professional performance.

Every KPS child is involved in a yearly production. There is a Nursery ‘Nativity’ performance and Pre-Prep Christmas Production. For our Prep children, there are Year 3 class performances, a Year 4 musical and Year 5 group scenes. Our oldest children in Year 6 present an ‘Evening of Shakespeare’ in addition to their end-of-school musical extravaganza. Their special productions take place in the Kingswood Theatre. As well as honing acting and singing skills, these productions also give children a chance to design the set, arrange the choreography, create artwork for the programmes, make props, work backstage and take charge of sound effects. Hard work for all but certainly a highly enjoyable and memorable experience.

Stories, ideas and situations are explored through a range of stimuli...

Rachel M

CHALLENGE & ENRICHMENT

Keen speakers may choose to prepare for English Speaking Board (ESB) exams in our ESB Club.

The exam involves delivering a talk, reciting a poem, reading a passage and answering talk-related questions before a small group of peers and an external examiner. It gives an excellent introduction to more formal public speaking and early preparation for that first job interview!

Another extra-curricular club provides the opportunity for children to prepare for the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) acting or musical theatre exams, which involve pupils performing two prepared pieces, either solo or duo, before an external examiner. This year, our budding thespians took their exams in our beautiful Drama Studio.

Club students are also encouraged to enter the local Mid-Somerset Festival. Classes targeted are Verse Speaking, Reading Aloud, Memorised Prose, Solo Acting, Duo Acting and Mime. To quote one former participant, “Once you’ve done Mid-Somerset, you feel so proud of yourself!” Rachel M was our Mid-Somerset star this year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING:

Lamorna W Anna B Nina U Lily Blue J Charlotte H

Acting Entry Acting Entry Acting Entry Acting Entry Acting Entry

Harriet W W Aila-Mae M

Acting Entry Acting Grade 1 Bethany M D Acting Grade 1

Sophia M

Acting Grade 1

Florence H Ella P

Acting Grade 1 Acting Grade 1

Ella B Lachie S

Acting Grade 1 Acting Grade 1

Rachel M

Acting Grade 2

Jack M

MT Entry

Lucianna P Rose L

MT Entry MT Grade 1

Emily G Abigail M Lola G

MT Grade 1 MT Grade 2 MT Grade 2

India H

MT Grade 2

Sophia D Rose M

MT Grade 3 MT Grade 4 Distinction Merit Distinction Merit Distinction Merit Merit Merit Merit Merit Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Distinction Merit Distinction Merit Merit Distinction Distinction