October 11th 2024
Ash Edwards, Head of Drama
As anyone who loves the subject can attest, drama is about so much more than just acting! The teamwork, creativity, and emotional intelligence it fosters make it an essential tool for developing key life skills in children. At Moulsford, participating in drama gives students the chance to step outside their comfort zones, explore different perspectives, and gain confidence in expressing themselves. These experiences shape their emotional and social intelligence in ways that extend far beyond the stage.
One of the most powerful benefits of drama is the sense of teamwork it builds. We are nearing the end of rehearsals for our first play of the academic year: the Year 5 production of One Small Step. While learning lines may have been the initial focus for the pupils, we hope that when they reflect on the experience, they’ll recognize the wider range of skills they've developed. In bringing the story to life, they’ve learned to listen, collaborate, and problem-solve. The mutual trust built as they support each other through rehearsals is something I truly hope will shine through in their performances.
Creativity thrives in drama, which is why so many are drawn back to the subject after engaging with it once. Whether designing props, brainstorming character backstories, or exploring new ways to deliver lines, students constantly stretch their imaginations. The upcoming Seniors' Play, open to all pupils in Years 7 and 8, will not only offer more acting opportunities but also nurture skills in stage building, lighting design, and sound tech.
In other areas of the curriculum, role-play can be a powerful learning tool, whether for practicing a new language, applying maths in real-world scenarios, or bringing a story from a book to life. This kind of creative engagement has been shown to improve cognitive skills such as critical thinking and decision-making—skills vital across all areas of life.
At Moulsford, we aim to ensure that drama provides a space where children can safely explore and express emotions. Through role-play, they face scenarios that challenge their understanding of the world and themselves. This emotional exploration is a crucial part of their personal development.
Ultimately, drama gives children the confidence to communicate, the empathy to understand others, and the creativity to imagine new possibilities—valuable assets both in school and in life. That’s why, during STEAM week, drama and the performing arts remain central to what we offer our pupils, from a Pre-Prep musical showcase to the Year 5 play to Performing Arts soirées and even a Stage Combat session for Year 7!
Encouraging children to participate in drama today will help them grow into the creative problem-solvers and compassionate leaders of tomorrow.
