The Essential Role of Drama Education in a Child’s Development

2024-04-16

At Glendower Prep School, our commitment to nurturing well-rounded gamechangers encompasses a diverse range of experiences, including the performing arts. Among these, drama holds a special place, offering invaluable benefits that contribute significantly to a child’s personal development and academic journey. The skills and qualities developed in drama, such as teamwork, creativity, leadership and risk-taking are assets in all subjects and all areas of life.

Sarah Martin, the Head of Drama at Glendower, is a firm advocate of drama in the primary setting and believes the arts are an inseparable part of the human journey, and practicing them is fundamental to the healthy development of children. She uses her creativity and enthusiasm to inspire children, building their confidence and instilling a lifelong appreciation for the performing arts.

Throughout the year, the stage comes alive with a myriad of performance opportunities catering to all ages. From enchanting Christmas performances by the EYFS and Pre Prep to our highly anticipated Year 3 silent movie project culminating in our Starry Nights movie premiere and GAFTA awards ceremony. Year 4 brings the excitement of a production; this year the audience were whisked away on a feline adventure filled with laughter and plenty of Disney magic in our performance of ‘The Aristocats’. Our young actresses embraced their roles wholeheartedly, delivering memorable performances that left a lasting impression. In Year 5, the girls collaborate on group performances to present a ‘Cycle of Mystery Plays’, modern adaptions of the historic Chester and York mystery plays. The highlight of the drama calendar is our vibrant summer production where our Year 6 leavers showcase their talents in a lively and entertaining spectacle. Sarah openly collaborates with the girls, ensuring they feel a sense of ownership in their productions and engage with their creativity to the fullest extent. Every child is an integral part of bringing her vision to life on stage.

Creativity and Imagination

Drama education serves as a fertile ground for cultivating creativity and imagination in children. Through role-playing, improvisation, and storytelling, pupils explore meaningful fictional situations that have parallels in the real world. This creative expression not only enriches their artistic sensibilities but also enables the pupils to gain a better understanding of themselves and others. Drama stimulates the imagination and allows pupils to see how their fascinations, knowledge and questions lead to unique outcomes when telling a story.

Confidence and Self-Expression

Participation in drama activities empowers children to step out of their comfort zones and embrace their individuality. Whether they’re performing on stage or collaborating in a small group, pupils learn to communicate effectively, articulate their thoughts, and express themselves with confidence. These essential life skills not only benefit them in the realm of performance but also in their academic pursuits and personal interactions.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

One of the most profound aspects of drama education is its capacity to foster empathy and emotional intelligence in children. By immersing themselves in the lives and experiences of fictional characters, pupils develop a deeper understanding of human emotions, motivations, and perspectives. Drama provides opportunities for pupils to explore, discuss and deal with difficult issues and express their emotions in a supportive environment. It enables them to explore their own cultural values and those of others, past and present. This promotes a deeper understanding and appreciation of individual differences and fosters an inclusive and accepting school community.

Collaboration and Teamwork

In the world of drama, as with so many aspects of life, success is often a collective endeavour, requiring collaboration, cooperation, and mutual respect. Through participation in school productions and group performances, pupils learn the value of teamwork as they bring a shared vision to life. They develop skills in decision-making, problem solving, negotiation, responsibility, and initiative. Pupils learn to build on the ideas of other and to appreciate the contributions of each team member. This fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity that extends beyond the stage.

Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills

Drama encourages pupils to analyse situations from different perspectives and devise creative solutions. Pupils learn to dissect motivations and character arcs while analysing scripts or creating their own performances. When preparing for performance, pupils learn to think innovatively to overcome obstacles and limitations, fostering critical thinking skills in the process. Drama provides opportunity for pupils to reflect on their own performances and those of others. They learn to evaluate the effectiveness of their actions, choices, and expressions, honing their ability to critically assess their own work and that of their peers.

The arts are time-honoured ways of learning, knowing, and expressing and an inseparable part of the human journey. At Glendower Prep School, we recognise the profound impact that drama education can have on a child’s intellectual, emotional, and social development. By providing pupils with opportunities to explore their creativity, build confidence, cultivate empathy, and develop essential life skills, we empower them to become thoughtful, compassionate, and resilient individuals.