The Westwood Drama department is a department with a passion for the performing arts in all disciplines. The subject lead trained in theatre and performance studies and worked as a youth theatre director before training in secondary education. We thrive on offering a broad curriculum within the department, as well as championing creativity, ambition and transferable skills. The department is committed to inclusivity, developing skills at all stages, nurturing talent, and providing opportunities for all students to enjoy the performing arts. Collaborating with peers and having ownership over the creation of something which can be shared with an audience is challenging and uplifting. Participating in drama, dance, musical theatre, and music develops students’ transferable skills, including literacy and oracy, numeracy, and their physical fitness. It is key for developing imagination and creativity, honing students’ interpersonal team skills, and increasing their emotional well-being. Through providing opportunities in which students may practice real-life situations in a safe environment, we aim to grow students’ confidence and empathy.

Through the study of professional performances, students develop their understanding of – not only our own rich cultural heritage – but how practitioners from around the world reflect their experiences and perspectives though these mediums. Our students rehearse challenging professional repertoire, and learn how to manage their own progress in developing the necessary skills to study and perform at the next level of their academic careers. We are proud of our extra-curricular provision at Westwood; we host drama club, try to visit the theatre whenever we can and have a wonderful back catalogue of productions to our name. The arts sector is a massive employer, and generates a huge part of the UK economy; but aside from career prospects within performing arts, further education providers and employers love to see performing arts subjects on applications because they know that drama students are confident problem-solvers who can manage themselves and work well in teams. They know that drama students are dedicated and hard-working – the kinds of people who will represent them well within the community or marketplace, which is why we endeavour to offer performing arts opportunities for all of our students.