The Drama curriculum at Castle Donington College allows pupils to develop a number of essential skills for life. Our expectations are that pupils consistently challenge themselves and take risks in the creation and performance of drama in their lessons. We wholeheartedly believe that drama can enable our pupils to grow into more rounded and self-aware young adults. It is a common misconception that Drama is for those who want to be ‘actors’. We believe Drama is a subject concerned with the development of transferrable skills that are relevant to all, in terms of personal and social awareness and future employability, whatever the ultimate career choice. 

Drama involves imagination and feelings and helps us to make sense of the world. Drama is a creative and cultural activity. The language of theatre is international, understood by everyone. It provides an opportunity for pupils to explore the world of people from other places, times and cultures, and to examine differences and similarities with their own environment. Drama has its own history and body of work, much of which has a unique and important place in our cultural life. Drama is highly regarded both in the world of higher education and of employment. 

Drama at Castle Donington College CVCC is exciting, interesting, practical and varied. Pupils have opportunities to devise their own work, use drama techniques to explore themes, issues and ideas, interpret the work of playwrights and theatre practitioners and realise text. Practically they develop their physical and vocal skills in performing to an audience and explore how meaning is communicated to an audience through choices of form, style and convention. Pupils develop both a theoretical, as well as practical knowledge of drama. They respond to a wide and diverse variety of stimuli, exploring a range of social, cultural and historic contexts. They also learn how to evaluate and discuss their own work and the drama produced by others including the work of professional theatre makers. 

Whilst our curriculum is designed to support pupils in the development of their skills in making, performing and responding, it is fundamentally about the growth of the individual. Drama is taught in mixed ability Tutor groups, one lessons a fortnight in Years 8 and 9 and offered as an option GCSE subject at KS4.