Curriculum – Drama

KS4  Curriculum Information and Results

At Winston we are going against the national trend as our Key Stage 4 numbers have grown considerably over the last 4 years whilst nationally, they are falling. Statistically, one third of each year group take Drama as an option.

The central option for Drama is AQA GCSE Drama. 

GCSE Drama

At Winston students entering Key Stage 4 are able to opt for GCSE Drama. We study the AQA GCSE course in which students are required to devise, perform and analyse Drama. Students receive 5 hours-worth of lessons over our 2-week timetable and are able to access additional support through private directing sessions and the online curriculum.

KS3 Curriculum Information

At Winston students in years 7-9 receive at least 2 hours-worth of Drama over our 2-week timetable. Students study a range of topics and different styles during Key Stage 3, which focus on introducing and building key skills in devising, performing, styles, techniques and analysing Drama. Students are encouraged to work on different projects during Key Stage 3 so that they experience a broad, varied and engaging curriculum.

School Productions and Clubs

If you have any questions regarding extracurricular Drama at Winston, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team (please see the Contact Us section above):

Main School Production

The school has become well known in the local area for the high standard of its drama productions, all of which are open to the public. Each year, Winston goes takes their main school production to the Rhoda McGaw theatre.

Our main musical boasts a cast and crew of 300 students, each with specific roles and a part in the performance, it is a truly remarkable experience and a great way to meet other people in the school community. With Little Shop of Horrors marking Winston's return to the Rhoda in 2023 and School of Rock to come in 2024, the main school production is set to grow.

KS3 Production and Gifted and Talented Performances

Each year in the summer term the department alternates between a KS3 Production and the Gifted and Talented Performance. This gives each group of students a chance showcase their skills and develop in a leading role. Most recently, students have taken part in the G&T performance of SIX, which received fantastic reviews from the community.

Classic / Shakespeare Performance

Students will also get a chance to audition and take part in a classic's performance or Shakespeare throughout the year. Working on these scripts broadens each students appreciation for literature and can help enrich their experiences in other areas of school. In 2023, 'Midsummer' was directed by English Teacher Miss R. Townsend and this is followed in 2024 by Mr. D Fisher's 'Metamorphoses'.

Year 7 Drama Club

Experience a different environment through year 7 Drama club. This one-hour session after school allows older Drama prefects to run sessions for smaller groups of year 7's, allowing them to consolidate their skills and meet new people as they start their journey in secondary school.

Performing Arts Awards

Throughout the year The Drama Department, in collaboration with music, put on an event which celebrates the success of students from the Performing Arts family at Winston, this is a large-scale evening that invites parents and members of the public into the Performance Space to watch key performances, the presentation of select awards and memories throughout the school year. Invitations are sent out via golden envelopes in the spring term.

Student Leadership

Student responsibility is a core part of the Drama at Winston. We firmly believe in empowering students to further success through positions of leadership within the school. Alongside the mainstream prefect programme, students are also welcome to apply and interview for a position on the Student Leadership Team. These positions encompass a variety of positions and bespoke training is provided once their application has been successful. Students can apply for the following roles within Drama:

• Producer
• Event Manager
• Theatre Manager
• Dance Captain
• Stage Manager
• Vocal Supervisor
• Technical Director
• Drama Mentor

These positions become available at different stages of their Winston journey, and we encourage students to get involved in as many events and shows as possible should they wish to be considered. Students within these roles work with the Drama team to develop their working skills alongside their academic commitments to ensure that they receive the best experience the school has to offer.