Welcome to the Drama Department

Drama is a practical, artistic subject which involves the whole person, intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Drama offers students the opportunity to explore, represent and reflect upon their own experience and the lives of others.

Drama and Theatre Studies is taught from year 7-13 (not year 9) at Cardinal Newman. We aim to impart a sound body of skills in our drama teaching from year 7 upwards, as well as allowing our students ownership of the material we offer them, so that they are able to change and learn as part of the Drama process. As part of the overall aims of the school, Drama can be used to realise the potential of students by teaching them the value of commitment, taking responsibility for themselves and others and by building self-esteem. It can also help them to make sense of a rapidly changing world and to appraise their place within modern society. Students will have opportunities to empathise, reflect and gain an insight into other faiths, cultures and traditions, exploring issues and ideas, underpinned by their Christian belief and the school's motto, Caritas.

The Aims of the Drama Department are:

We aim to give students an experience which is balanced and broadly based by involving them in the three activities which constitute Drama: creating, performing and responding. Our schemes of work are designed so that students have the chance to explore an idea or a theme through Drama conventions, thus articulating it in dramatic form and making that important bridge between Drama and Theatre.

From time to time we are able to invite theatre companies into school to do performances (e.g. Macbeth by Black Cat in 2003, Flying Into Sunset by Cardboard Citizens in 2002, Frantic Assembly, 2002; English Shakespeare Company, 2002) and workshops with students, usually at very low cost.