"The future of our nation depends on our ability to create-and to be creative. During the coming decades our most important national resources will be human resources. If our nation is to continue to meet the challenges of the future, today's schools need to develop creative leaders."

From Performing together: The Arts and Education, jointly published by The American Association of School Administrators, The Alliance for Education and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 1985.

"Tell me and I will forget.
Show me and I will remember.
Involve me and I will understand."

Chinese Proverb

How much Drama is taught at Ascot?
Drama is taught throughout the whole school at ASCOT.  In the Early-Years and Key Stage One, Drama is taught within Literacy, History, and Physical, Social and Health Care.  The students have an hour timetabled Drama lesson a week in Key Stage Two.

What are the benefits of Drama?
Teaching Drama is an invaluable tool for a number of skills that are important for all children.  Fundamentally, Drama is communication.  Children are taught a variety of ways to improve their English Language, express themselves, become a character, solve problems and work together productively.  This can all happen in a safe and stimulating environment and rewarding results are seeing the children’s self-confidence grow.

What skills are accomplished through Drama?
Drama requires self control and discipline.  Through group work children learn how to voice their ideas, listen to each other and offer positive feedback and constructive criticism.  They also learn how to use their voices and bodies effectively. 

What do the children learn about the Theatre?
Students are introduced to many aspects of theatre.  They explore puppetry and mask and learn about sound, make-up, props, costume, rehearsing, advertising and stage directions.  In Term One all students partake in a whole school Christmas Concert.  In term Three Years 2 to 6 perform in an annual musical production staged in a theatre in Bangkok.

What links to Literacy does Drama offer?
All classes are taught in English.  Drama is used to support and extend Literacy. There are vital links to the British Curriculum speaking and listening attainment targets.

What other curriculum links does Drama offer?
Drama is used as a tool for reinforcing the school’s many cross-curricular topics.  Some examples are: Year 3 students work on a story which involve issues relating to safety and links to CITIZENSHIP.  Year Four students become time-travelers and visit Roman Britain in AD60 and explore the Roman settlers as part of their HISTORY topic.  Year 5 students become advertising companies and create a television advertisement using I.C.T.

What life skills does Drama encourage?
Students who have had Drama experience are encouraged to think and voice their opinions, show leadership and team skills and are able to empathise with a variety of people or character’s viewpoints.  These experiences help the growing student to prepare for the International world of communication and team work.

Click here to view some pictures of our last event.