Introduction

As schools have developed drama as a discrete subject within the curriculum, the subject itself has evolved. It is increasingly taught by focusing on skills, whilst also looking at the techniques, historical and cultural context and the practical applications of drama.

This is a move away from social and personal development which has traditionally been associated with drama in schools. For example:

Personal and social skills developed by drama

Drama can help develop a range of skills, including:

Appraising. Appreciation. Being organised. Confidence. Contributing. Developing language/vocabulary. Empathising. Listening. Meeting deadlines. Organising.

Putting across a point of view. Planning. Problem-solving. Research. Responding. Selecting material. Being sensitive to an issue. Speaking. Supporting. Working in a group.

Publications such as the Arts Council England’s Drama in Schools (Second Edition) (2003) and the DfES’s Drama objectives bank (0321/2003), amongst others, have emphasised this skills-based new direction. In particular, Drama in Schools (Second Edition) has recommended assessment criteria separate from English, and has provided a range of new ideas for curriculum structure.

Complete Drama KS3 also takes into account what school drama aims to do:

Aims of drama

Drama can help develop the following:

• An understanding of values.
• Appraisal skills.
• Appreciation of text in a working context.
• Communication of ideas.
• Confidence.
• Creativity.
• Knowledge and understanding of drama forms.
• Opportunities for leadership.
• Opportunities to create performances.
• Opportunities to work as part of a team.
• Physical and perceptual skills.
• Sensitivity.
• Understanding of cultural change.
• Understanding of drama in a social and historical context.
• Lasting enjoyment of drama.

Complete Drama KS3 is aimed at all teachers of drama, no matter what their level of experience. The resource focuses on a skills-based curriculum whilst implicitly acknowledging the benefits of the social aspects of drama. It aims to supply a complete curriculum for Key Stage 3, to help the drama teacher:

• offer cohesive drama provision
• manage a drama department
• link their drama curriculum with publications such as Drama in Schools (Second Edition)
• offer a variety of ideas and materials, including Web sites and digital files.