Curriculum Intent

 “It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations—something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own.” —Katherine Patterson

The English department’s mission is to promote a passion for English within all students at The De La Salle Academy. The love of the subject is nurtured and will build on the vital foundations that students have already laid at Key Stages 1 and 2. The English department want all students to feel empowered by what they study, developing creativity for both the written and spoken word. The English team are dedicated to celebrating the Literary Heritage of both the United Kingdom and of distant shores.  Our students are immersed in a broad curriculum that allows them to research and theorise about the relationship between a writer’s context and their writing style. Students will develop the skills of empathy and enquiry for current literature as well as a thirst to know more about a world that has gone before them.

Curriculum Implementation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Curriculum Impact

 

 

Drama
 

Curriculum Intent

Our whole school ethos is about ‘inspiring people and breaking boundaries’ which is complimented through Drama. Our aim is to deliver an inclusive, high quality Drama curriculum which enables students to explore, develop and express ideas which will help them make sense of reality. A curriculum which provides opportunities for students to express and manage their thoughts and feelings, shared and experienced, while working in a safe and welcoming environment. Our intent is to use Drama to develop individuality; to encourage students to think creatively and express themselves with flair and confidence, whilst encouraging tolerance and understanding. Using the medium of Drama, our students will discover the world of theatre and master the skills needed to be an accomplished, confident performer. Our students will explore and experience the world in which we live through role-play, devising and scripting so they begin to appreciate situations from more than one perspective. Through Drama, our students will experience the world and gain indispensable skills. We intend to empower our students to be young Lasallians who are creative, confident and equipped with life-long skills. 

Curriculum Implementation

Our Drama Curriculum is a five year learning journey which promotes the development of knowledge and skills for the individual and the collaborative learner. In year seven, students are taught the concepts, techniques and skills needed to be successful in Drama. In years eight and nine, students build on prior knowledge, enhance skills and learn new skills. In years ten and eleven all aspects are revisited, reinforced and applied specifically to address GSCE requirements. The key concepts in Drama are skills driven to develop both cognitive and inter-personal skills which are required to succeed not only in Drama, but beyond school life also. Through Drama, we encourage students to question and challenge their perception of the world and develop the skills employers seek:

Co-operation & team-work 

Commitment & self-discipline

Creativity

Confident Communicators

Concentration

Empathy & sensitivity

Evaluation & appreciation

The development of inter-personal and cognitive skills encourages self-confidence and self-awareness. Building self-confidence is at the core of Drama, as is expanding our students’ social awareness, empathy, values and attitudes. In a group context, learners will discuss and negotiate roles and ideas, solve problems and make decisions together. The five year learning journey ensures that cognitive skills, inter-personal skills and prior learning are continually built upon and developed throughout school life. Through our curriculum, students will understand and participate in the creative process required to produce successful practical work and show appreciation of the art form through personal reflection and evaluation.

 

Curriculum Impact

The five year learning journey will be assessed in different ways. Assessment will be both formative and summative assessment. In order to map and record progress, Drama Skills Descriptors will be used to assess pupils in all year groups.