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 instils 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

• Actor / Performer: Stage, screen (film and TV), voiceover, musical theatre, and radio/audio drama.
• Director: Overseeing the artistic and creative vision of a production for stage, screen, or audio.
• Playwright / Scriptwriter: Writing scripts for plays, television, film, radio plays, or video games.
• Dramaturg: Advising production teams on context, script development, literary research, and narrative structure.
• Choreographer / Movement Director: Designing physical movement, fight sequences, or choreography for performers.

Technical & Design

• Lighting, Sound, or Video Technician/Designer: Programming, operating, and designing technical elements for live productions.
• Set & Costume Designer: Creating the visual world of a production through staging, props, and garments.
• Stage Manager (ASM / DSM / CSM): Coordinating backstage operations, running rehearsals, calling cues, and managing live performances.
• Make-up & Prosthetics Artist: Designing and applying performance make-up, hair, and special effects.
• Prop Maker / Scenic Artist: Constructing physical objects, sets, and detailed backdrops for productions.

Business & Leadership

• Theatre Producer / Executive Director: Managing budgets, legal rights, marketing strategies, and overall production operations.
• Talent Agent / Casting Director: Representing performers, negotiating contracts, or scouting and selecting actors for roles.
• Arts Administrator / Operations Manager: Managing day-to-day venue operations, ticketing, and administrative scheduling.
• Marketing & Public Relations Specialist: Promoting productions, managing media relations, and driving ticket sales.
• Venue / Front of House Manager: Directing audience services, venue safety, hospitality, and front-of-house staff.

Education & Wellbeing

• Drama Teacher / Lecturer: Teaching drama across primary, secondary, further, or higher education.
• Drama Therapist: Utilising drama and theatre techniques to support psychological growth and mental health.
• Youth & Community Theatre Practitioner: Leading workshops and community arts projects to foster creativity and social inclusion.
• Acting Coach / Voice & Dialect Coach: Training actors in vocal techniques, accents, and specific performance methods.
• Arts Outreach Coordinator: Engaging non-traditional audiences and local communities with arts organisations.

Transferable Industries

• Public Relations & Corporate Communications: Applying storytelling, active listening, and public speaking skills.
• Human Resources & Learning and Development: Using role-play, empathy, and interpersonal communication for staff training.
• Broadcast Journalism & Media: Presenting, interviewing, producing, and writing news or podcast content.
• Events Management & Live Production: Coordinating large-scale corporate events, festivals, and experiential campaigns.
• Law & Advocacy: Utilising persuasive speaking, rhetoric, and case analysis developed through script study and performance.