Drama is more than performance – it’s a powerful tool for developing:
- Confidence and self-expression
- Communication and collaboration
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Creativity and imagination
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Cultural awareness and appreciation
Pupils at Ballard benefit from specialist teachers for Expressive Arts and Drama throughout their journey at Ballard, as well benefiting from our outstanding facilities, which include a 200-seater Performing Arts Centre.
Drama is also enriched by our wealth of co-curricular opportunities, including LAMDA exams and drama clubs.
Pre-Prep
In Pre-Prep, Drama is often integrated into play-based learning and literacy. A firm favourite with pupils is building our own shadow puppet theatres where we act out our stories.
We focus on role-play, storytelling, movement, and expression. This helps develop skills in:
- Listening and responding
- Speaking clearly and confidently
- Exploring emotions and social situations
- Using imagination and creativity
Lower Prep
Pupils in Lower Prep begin to explore structured Drama activities and basic performance techniques through their Expressive Arts lessons.
We focus on character creation, improvisation, and group work and aim to develop skills in:
- Vocal projection and body language
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Understanding narrative and structure
- Responding to feedback
Pupils also have the opportunity to participate in annual Drama performances.
Upper Prep
Drama in Upper Prep becomes more formalised, with opportunities for performance and analysis.
We focus on script work, stagecraft, and dramatic techniques and aim to develop skills in:
- Interpretation of text and character
- Use of space, props, and costumes
- Reflective practice and peer critique
- Exploring social and historical contexts
Pupils also have the opportunity to participate in annual Drama performances.
Senior
Drama is offered as a GCSE subject and becomes a rigorous academic and creative discipline.
Senior pupils focus on performance, theory, and evaluation, where we aim to develop skills in:
- Advanced acting and directing
- Script analysis and dramaturgy
- Understanding theatre history and genres
- Preparing for public performance and exams
