STUDENTS are making a song and dance about a new school facility that will help them hone their drama skills to the maximum.
Darlington School of Mathematics and Science has converted a sports hall into a flexible dance and drama studio for students taking part in school productions and those studying GCSEs.
The new facility has already had a massive impact on the number of students wanting to become involved in drama and dance with increased interest in the course and bumper auditions for the academy’s planned production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Drama teacher Kayleigh Adams is delighted to have dedicated work and rehearsal space for the first time.
“It is an excellent facility and has given the subject new gravitas,” she said. “I can see that the students are now taking the subject even more seriously than when we just had to clear space in a normal classroom.”
Students studying GCSE drama have to perform for an independent moderator, including using scripts, lighting and sound, to achieve 60 per cent of their overall marks.
“When we first started it was a new subject and the students were anxious,” said Miss Adams, a former member of the National Youth Theatre, based in London.
“It is incredible to see how their confidence has already grown which will help them in their studies right across the curriculum and in their future lives generally.”
Head teacher Calvin Kipling said: “A successful education must be rich and diverse. Arts have been put under pressure in schools by government driven curriculum changes but DSMS sees them as vital to delivering a balanced experience for young people.
“Learning is about being able to develop your character, self-esteem and social skills as well as academia and we have seen clearly the positive impact drama and dance has had on the whole school. Anyone who has ever attended one of our productions will know exactly what I mean.”
