“All the world’s a stage.”
Shakespeare
Departmental Staff
- Mrs Sinead O'Neill (Head of Department)
Department Overview
The Drama Department at our school provides pupils with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity, communication and teamwork through a wide range of practical and performance-based experiences. Drama encourages boys to express themselves, think critically and work collaboratively while building important life skills such as leadership, resilience and self-discipline.
Pupils engage in acting, improvisation, script work, directing and performance analysis in a supportive and inclusive environment. Lessons are active, engaging and designed to challenge pupils of all abilities while promoting creativity and self-confidence.
The department also plays a key role in the wider life of the school through productions, showcases, competitions and collaborative events with the Music Department. We aim to nurture talent, encourage participation and provide memorable experiences both on and off the stage. Drama helps pupils become confident communicators and creative thinkers, preparing them for further study, future careers and life beyond school
Key Stage 3 - Overview
At Key Stage 3, pupils are introduced to a wide range of drama skills through practical and engaging lessons. Boys develop confidence in performance while learning how to use voice, movement, facial expression and body language effectively.
Pupils explore improvisation, scripted drama, characterisation, mime, freeze frame, thought tracking and staging techniques. They work both independently and collaboratively to create performances based on a variety of themes and stimuli. Lessons encourage creativity, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
Throughout KS3, pupils are given opportunities to perform in front of their peers in a supportive environment, helping to build self-esteem and presentation skills. Assessment focuses on practical performance, creativity, preparation and evaluation skills.
The curriculum is designed to prepare pupils for GCSE Drama while ensuring all boys enjoy a positive and rewarding experience of the performing arts. Drama at KS3 encourages imagination, participation and confidence, helping pupils develop skills that are valuable across all areas of school life
Key Stage 4 - Overview
Skills Developed
Cross-Curricular Skills at Key Stage 4 Communication, Using Mathematics and Using ICT Students will have opportunities to develop their communication skills and use mathematics and ICT in a variety of ways, for example:
- presenting their work to an audience through devised and scripted performances and in their responses to questions in the written examination;
- completing their student log for Component 1;
- understanding intensity levels of lighting and sound;
- timing performances;
- understanding how to use digital technology in the design and delivery of drama; and
- exploring the effects of multimedia and ICT on drama.
Beyond the Classroom
Christian Brothers Grammar School has produced many thesbians who have graced stages far and wide such as Gerard McSorley who is a veteran actor known for parts in Veronica Guerin, Father Ted, In the Name of the Father and Braveheart. Jerome Quinn is another past pupil who was the face of GAA coverage on BBC NI. We therefore recognise all the skills that drama can instill in young minds and there is nothing we love more as a department than seeing our students conquer fears and perform to an audience. The department offers pupils a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom, encouraging creativity, teamwork and personal development. Pupils are encouraged to take part in school productions, drama clubs, debating & public speaking competitions, showcases and collaborative performances with the Music Department.
Educational trips to local theatres and live productions allow pupils to experience professional theatre and develop their understanding of performance. Pupils also have opportunities to take on leadership and backstage roles including directing, stage management, lighting and sound.
Drama helps boys develop transferable skills including confidence, communication, public speaking, teamwork and problem-solving, all of which are valuable for future careers and everyday life. The department aims to create memorable experiences that allow every pupil to participate, develop and succeed.