Drama Curriculum
At St Chris, our Drama curriculum encourages creativity, confidence, and collaboration from the moment students arrive in Year 7 through to A Level. Each stage offers new opportunities to explore performance, develop technique, and deepen understanding of theatre as an expressive art form.
| Year 7: Building Confidence on Stage |
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In Year 7, students are introduced to a variety of theatrical styles, genres, and acting techniques through engaging drama games and performance exercises. They develop both physical and vocal skills, gaining confidence by performing regularly in front of their peers. During the Christmas term, students enjoy exploring the fun and energy of pantomime, using scripts to develop characterisation and reading fluency. Later in the year, they discover how movement and dance contribute to storytelling in theatre, learning how performance can communicate emotion and meaning beyond words. |
| Year 8: Exploring Style and Structure |
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Building on the foundations of Year 7, students in Year 8 expand their understanding of theatre by exploring different forms such as melodrama and Theatre in Education. They learn how to adapt performance spaces for different audiences and purposes, developing a clear sense of dramatic intention. Students also begin to study play scripts in greater depth and experiment with writing and performing their own short plays. They learn to plan and structure devised performances, using a range of techniques such as mime, physical theatre, and narration to enhance storytelling. |
| Year 9: Understanding World Theatre and Performance |
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In Year 9, students take a global perspective, examining how world theatre traditions have shaped performance across cultures. They explore how drama can address real-world issues, communicate complex ideas, and inspire social change. There is a strong focus on performing to a live audience and using technical theatre vocabulary to analyse and evaluate performance work. Students refine their collaborative skills — sharing ideas, problem-solving, and supporting one another — while exploring and staging a variety of texts. |
| GCSE: Drama (AQA) |
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Our AQA GCSE Drama course develops both performance skills and critical understanding of theatre. The course is structured around three key components:
This qualification nurtures creativity, confidence, and analytical thinking, preparing students for further study and a lifelong appreciation of theatre. |
| A Level Drama & Theatre (AQA) |
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Our AQA A Level Drama and Theatre course offers an in-depth exploration of theatre in all its forms. Students combine practical performance with academic study, analysing texts, developing devised work, and exploring the theories of key practitioners. Students study set plays from both a performance and production perspective and attend at least four live theatre productions each year. While many choose to focus on acting, the course also supports those interested in design and technical theatre, including set, lighting, or sound design. This rigorous and inspiring course helps students refine their creative vision, technical understanding, and performance skills — equipping them for success in higher education and beyond. |
LAMDA Training
We are proud to offer onsite LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) to students aged 9 and over. LAMDA training is the UK’s largest Speech and Drama Board, recognised worldwide for excellence.
In 2025, 97% of students achieved a Distinction, and 3% achieved a Merit.
St Chris is an accredited LAMDA Examination Centre. Lessons are 30 minutes, and A Level candidates preparing for Grade 8 may arrange lessons of 50 minutes.
LAMDA lessons at St Chris are designed for any child interested in theatre, whether they dream of performing or prefer to work behind the scenes. Sessions take place weekly in the School Theatre and focus on developing confidence, communication and performance skills in a fun, structured way.
Lesson fees are as follows and will be added to your termly bill.
| 20 minutes solo (Junior School Only) | £16.00 |
| Solo per 30 minutes (All Grades) | £22.00 |
| Duo per 30 minutes | £17.00 |
| Group per 30 minutes 3+ students (All Grades) | £11.00 |
| Solo per 50 minutes (Grade 8 Seniors Only) | £35.00 |
To book sessions, please complete the below form.
The Wombles: Behind-the-Scenes Magic
Our students of all ages also can be part of the backstage magic with the St Chris Wombles. The students work directly with our professional theatre technician Mike Li, master sound and lighting, and discover the art of set and prop assembly. An excellent choice for those enchanted by the magic of theatre behind the scenes.
