Drama

Link to curriculum commitee report June 2009

Drama has always been a big part of both the curricular and extra-curricular activities here at Gospel Oak. Last year saw an increase in the number of successful school plays with something on in every term. The most recent of these was the Yr6 summer production of Mulan.

 
 
     

We are constantly looking for ways to increase the number of opportunities children have to perform and experience live performance. There is a particular emphasis this year on script writing which will see a number of our children having their own scripts developed and performed by professional actors at both the Hampstead theatre and the National.

Here at Gospel Oak we believe drama can be used, not just for school productions, but also as an effective tool for learning. Through drama, children are able to actively explore and interact with what they are learning as well as creating their own responses to it.

Ever wondered what it was like to be in an air raid during the war?

What was Rumplestiltskin really like?

How do seeds grow?

Below is an example of a year 2 class exploring the great fire of London through role play and freeze frames.

 

 

Within the school we regularly have visiting theatre groups to bring subjects to life. These range from 'Thorgil the Viking' (year 3 history) to 'Apples and Snakes' Beat poetry workshops (year 3 performance poetry).

 

As well as the drama activities we encourage within the school, we also endeavour to provide experiences of west end theatre for children deemed to be gifted/talented within the area of drama. The trip to see the Lion King was extremely popular as were the pre- and post-show workshops based around puppetry characterisation and set design. See pictures below:

The most recent trip was for the 8 finalists of the ‘Gospel Oak Storytelling competition’ who all got to go and see the musical ‘Wicked’ as part of their prize.

 

Do you have any drama skills to offer? We are always interested to hear from anyone who might be able to add to the children's creative experience at Gospel Oak. If so please contact Matt: m.bawler@gospeloak.camden.sch.uk