Ethos

At The Cottesloe School, we believe the Performing Arts are a vital reflection of our history, national identity, and community. Drama is fundamental to the personal development of our young people; it is a discipline that has the power to unite students, promote equality, and transcend difference. We are committed to providing an ambitious curriculum that ignites curiosity and instills a lifelong appreciation for the Arts. Our ethos is rooted in the conviction that the experiences afforded in the Drama studio shape students’ characters and remain with them throughout their lives.

Intent

Our curriculum is designed to move students through a progressive Cottesloe Journey, focusing on the mastery of skills and the development of the 6Cs learning behaviours to ensure success both within the curriculum and in life beyond school.

Key Stage 3

We intend to develop versatile learners through a range of disciplines, including mime, masked performance, and modern scripts. By exploring creating, performing, and appraising, students build a foundation in theatrical devices. Central to our KS3 intent is the use of the Healthy Relationships Wheel to explore challenging themes such as bullying and knife crime, enabling students to reflect upon and challenge the wider world.

Key Stage 4

We intend for students to aspire to excellence at GCSE by deepening their exploration of professional practitioners. Students are encouraged to refine their performance practices and collaborate with professional companies to devise original, high-quality material.

Beyond the Classroom

Our intent is to bridge the gap between education and the professional world. This is achieved through:

• A robust programme of drama clubs and annual productions ensures our students encounter a wealth of cultural experiences.
• Providing specialist training in sound and lighting design.
• Student-led workshops at feeder schools and bespoke INSPIRE community performances.
• Theatre trips and in-school performance and technical experiences.

Careers in the Performing Arts – Drama

Creative & Performance

• Performance: Actor, Dancer, Musician, Singer, Voice-over Artist.
• Creation: Director, Choreographer, Playwright/Scriptwriter, Composer, Casting Director.
• Media: Film and Television Production, Radio Broadcaster, Digital Content Creator.

Technical & Design

• Technical Theatre: Lighting Designer, Sound Engineer, Pyrotechnician, Rigging Specialist.
• Design: Set Designer, Costume Designer, Prop Maker, Makeup and Hair Artist (SFX).
• Management: Stage Manager, Deputy Stage Manager (DSM), Technical Manager.

Business & Leadership

• Arts Administration: Artistic Director, General Manager, Arts Administrator.
• Promotion: Arts Marketing & PR, Social Media Manager for the Arts, Arts Fundraising & Development.
• Operations: Front of House Manager, Box Office Manager, Event Management.

Education & Wellbeing

• Education: Drama Teacher, Workshop Facilitator, Creative Learning Coordinator 
• Therapy: Drama Therapist, Music Therapist, Dance/Movement Therapist.
• Community: Community Arts Worker, Youth Theatre Leader.

Transferable Industries

• Law & Advocacy: Barrister or Solicitor (utilising public speaking and persuasion).
• Communications: Public Relations (PR), Public Speaking Coach, Sales and Negotiation.
• Events: Festival Coordinator, Wedding and Corporate Event Planner.