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Drama
Drama at Buxton School
At Buxton, Drama is at the heart of a creative and ambitious curriculum. We believe that through Drama, pupils gain not only performance skills but also the confidence, discipline, and teamwork needed to succeed both in and beyond school life.
Our Vision
Drama encourages imagination and expression. Pupils explore how physical, vocal, and characterisation skills can be used to communicate meaning, while also learning about design elements such as set, lighting, sound, and costume. Lessons are collaborative, building resilience and self-belief as pupils perform, direct, and create together.
Drama at Buxton also develops cultural awareness. Students investigate how theatre has been shaped by social, political, and historical events, and they learn to analyse and evaluate both professional productions and their own work with confidence.
Curriculum Pathway
Key Stage 3
- Pupils explore a wide range of theatrical styles and texts.
- They learn about key practitioners and conventions, interpret scripts and stimuli, and develop performance and design skills.
- Assessment focuses on four key areas: Performance Skills, Group Work, Focus & Discipline, and Reflection/Written Work.
- Progress is measured on a clear scale (Developing → Expected → Exceeding → Mastering).
Key Stage 4
- Pupils study the BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Performing Arts (2022).
- Assessment is ongoing, with low-stakes quizzes, reflections, and practical workshops to build knowledge and skills.
- Final grades are based on three components:
1. Exploring the Performing Arts – submitted in Year 10 (30%).
2. Developing Skills & Techniques – submitted in Year 11 (30%).
3. Responding to a Brief – final performance project in Year 11 (40%).
Beyond the Classroom
- Theatre Goers Club: We run regular theatre trips to the West End and beyond, including productions such as Wicked, Matilda, Back to the Future, Witness for the Prosecution, Sister Act, and Mother Goose.
- Buxton Players: Our Key Stage 3 drama club meets weekly, giving pupils the chance to rehearse and perform in showcase productions. In 2025, the Players staged Fairy Tale Courtroom, with students taking roles both on stage and backstage.
- Visiting Companies & Professionals: We have strong links with professional theatre. Soho Theatre has delivered workshops on devising and physical comedy, while the Company Stage Manager from SIX shared insights into theatre production. Local youth theatres also collaborate with us, inspiring pupils to perform in professional venues.
Why Choose Drama at Buxton?
Drama at Buxton develops skills for life: creativity, communication, resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Pupils leave with not only performance experience but also the ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and present themselves with confidence — qualities valued in every career pathway.
Contact:
Mr Darren Mawdsley
Head of Drama
darren.mawdsley@buxtonschool.org.uk
