Drama
Nursery
In Nursery, pupils begin to explore drama through imaginative play and storytelling. They use props, puppets, and costumes to act out familiar tales and invent their own stories. Through role play, children take on different characters, express emotions, and use their voices and bodies to communicate ideas. These playful experiences help build confidence, language skills, and creativity. Drama is naturally embedded in daily routines and linked to story time, encouraging children to explore the world around them through expressive and collaborative play.
Expressive Arts and Design
The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.
Reception
In Reception, pupils build on their early drama experiences by taking part in more structured storytelling and performance activities. They explore characters and settings through role play, act out familiar stories, and use expressive language to bring narratives to life. A highlight of the year is their participation in the school Nativity performance, where children perform for an audience, developing confidence, teamwork, and a sense of achievement. Drama is also used across the curriculum to support learning in literacy, PSHE, and topic work, helping children to express themselves and deepen their understanding through creative exploration.
Expressive Arts and Design
The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.
Year 1
In Year 1, drama is used to enrich learning across the curriculum, helping children develop confidence, creativity, and communication. As part of the Caring for Others project, children take on the role of responsible pet owners—caring for a jelly baby and persuading school leaders they’re ready to look after the school dog. In the Frozen Planet topic, they imagine discovering an unexpected visitor in their garden and write letters to Greenpeace, using drama to explore emotions and environmental responsibility. Later in the year, children perform their own stories during a Tudor-style banquet, entertaining Reception with expressive storytelling and character voices.
Performance & Expression
- Use voice, facial expression, and movement to bring characters to life in storytelling and role-play
- Perform short scenes and stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end
Role Play & Character
- Take on roles from familiar stories and historical contexts (e.g. Tudor banquet performance)
- Explore emotions and actions through improvisation and guided play
Speaking & Listening
- Practise speaking clearly and confidently in front of an audience
- Listen and respond to others in character during group performances
Seasonal Performance
- Rehearse and perform in the Nativity, learning lines, songs, and stage directions
- Work collaboratively to present a festive production to an audience
Year 2
In Year 2, drama is woven into learning across the curriculum, giving children opportunities to perform, express themselves, and build confidence. Early in the year, children take on dramatic roles as they perform their Great Fire of London diary entries in the school TV studio, bringing history to life through expressive storytelling and role play. Later, they explore character and narrative by retelling and performing fairy tales, culminating in the creation of their own story to send to Blue Peter. Drama also supports emotional development through dance and movement, where children respond to music and stories like Mini Rabbit, Not Lost and Kitchen Disco.
Performance & Expression
- Develop expressive skills through performance of diary entries, interviews, and storytelling
- Use tone, pace, and gesture to enhance dramatic effect
Role Play & Character
- Explore historical and fictional characters (e.g. WWII evacuees, fairy tale characters) through role play and hot-seating
- Create and perform short scenes based on class texts and themes
Speaking & Listening
- Speak with clarity and confidence in group and solo performances
- Respond to others in character, building dialogue and interaction
Seasonal Performance
- Rehearse and perform in the Nativity, learning lines, songs, and stage directions
- Work collaboratively to present a festive production to an audience
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Contact: admin@tcat.education
Phone: 01392 304040
© The Cornerstone Academy Trust 2025
