Drama and the Performing Arts are important aspects of school life at Treetops, in both curricular and extra-curricular activities. In Key Stages 1 and 2, Drama is used by class teachers to enhance learning outcomes of specific subjects. Through the use of structured play in English pupils are able to explore fiction, poetry, drama, characters and experiences in History. Pupils also learn invaluable lessons for their moral, social and cultural development.
Key stage 3 introduces pupils to Drama as a subject in it's own right: Pupils from years 7 to 10 participate in weekly drama lessons, exploring dramatic techniques such as Improvisation, Mime, Tableaux, Script work, Masks and other theatrical genres. This culminates in Key Stage 4 with pupils undertaking a 2 year programme of study leading to a Drama qualification at Entry Level in year 11.
The Treetops Christmas production is eagerly anticipated by pupils, parents and staff alike. Our Christmas show utilises a whole school approach; from the VB Nursery right up to our 6th form students. Our pupils take on a range of tasks, from helping to make props and costumes, stage management, lighting and sound operation, right through to acting, singing and dancing roles. Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous involvement of members of staff from across the school.
This year's show should be the biggest and best so far. Having moved into our new building, our facilities are excellent and we're looking forward to building on past success, as well as being more ambitious about the future.
The Secondary part of school also participates in the nationally recognised, Schools Shakespeare Festival. This will be our third time at the Festival and this year we're performing Twelfth Night at the Palace Theatre, Southend. Past performances have been Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet, both performed at the Thameside Theatre, Grays.
An after-school Drama club which focuses on the whole process of drama performance will enable dedicated and enthusiastic pupils to partcipate in the rehearsal and performance of a range of plays much more fully than would normally be possible due to time constraints. An after school club allows participants to work at their own pace and gives the opportunity to only show work when and if they feel ready to do so.