Studies in speech and Drama develop self-esteem, discipline and imagination. Involvement in co-curricular classes is also positively associated with academic achievement, social aptitude, school engagement and psychosocial development. The Dalton Plan encourages students to be mature, independent life-long learners with a keen awareness of the world around them. Communication skills are essential to this success.
In the Speech and Drama program, students study a wide range of activities such as voice, drama, public speaking, social communication, storytelling, stage craft, poetry, prose, mime and improvisation.
The curriculum aims to improve communication, develop performance techniques, boost confidence and the lessons are tailored to each individual student’s needs.
Throughout the year there are many opportunities for pupils to showcase their talents. Students are prepared for eisteddfods, concerts and competitions within the School and wider community and have the opportunity to undertake Trinity College London examinations from Year 4 onwards.
Examinations and eisteddfods are elective and many students simply study Speech and Drama to gain greater confidence, develop independent thinking, strengthen communicative skills and, of course, to have fun!
Speech and Drama is an annual enrolment. If you would like to enrol your daughter, please complete the forms to the right.
In addition to the Student code of conduct, Speech and Drama students are:
In addition to the Student code of conduct:
Students are given the opportunity to undertake examinations from the Trinity College London syllabus each year. Trinity College London offers an unrivalled choice of qualifications for students of drama and speech subjects, at all levels of experience and ability. The syllabuses provide a structured framework designed to encourage the progressive development of integrated performance and communication skills over time. Solo graded exams and diplomas are fully accredited in the UK and recognised internationally. Study strands include Speech and Drama, Individual Acting Skills and Communication Skills. Additional ATAR points are awarded by a selection of universities for students who achieve a Distinction in Grade 8 or Diploma Level examinations in Year 12.
The focus of Speech and Drama in the early years is to develop an effective voice, focus, imagination, rudimentary performance skills, teamwork and confidence. Students enjoy speech and activity rhymes and poems which help to develop a sense of rhythm, emphasis and vocal clarity. Vocal skills including variations in pitch, pace and emphasis are developed. Drama activities help to develop characterisation, facial expression and mime skills. As students progress through the years, devised scenes and script work are introduced. Students in Years K-2 also have the opportunity to develop their performance skills and stage confidence by taking part in a Hillingdon Speech and Drama Soirée.
The focus of Speech and Drama in Fiona is to develop an articulate voice, focus, creativity, expressive performance skills, teamwork and confidence. Students develop their physical performance and characterisation skills through mime and improvisation. Students are encouraged to memorise and rehearse performance literature and can participate in a Speech and Drama examination. Students also have the opportunity to develop their performance skills and stage confidence by taking part in a Fiona Speech and Drama Soirée during the year.
The focus of Speech and Drama in the Senior school is to develop technical skills in voice, performance and communication. Students work to improve confidence and develop their skills through the study of poetry, prose and drama. Communicative skills are developed and students learn how to present and engage with complex and challenging ideas in a variety of settings. Focus, commitment and a deep understanding of performance literature is encouraged to attain effective performances. Students work to gain a sense of ownership within their work to achieve performance maturity. Through the study of Speech theory, students begin to utilise the voice safely and effectively in performance. They are encouraged to participate in Trinity College London examinations. Students have the opportunity to develop their performance skills and stage confidence by taking part in the Speech and Drama Twilight Concerts, Senior Poetry Appreciation Evening, Year 12 Speech and Drama Performance Evening and Sydney Eisteddfod. In addition, they can audition for the Speech and Drama Showcase.
Ascham Speech and Drama has a varied performance program that offers individuals an opportunity to gain performance experience in formal and informal settings. Listed below are all the performance opportunities available. Girls are encouraged to take part in at least one performance through the year. Students in Hillingdon and Fiona can participate in one concert through the year. Girls in the Senior School may take part in as many opportunities as they wish and can audition for the Speech and Drama Showcase.
Speech and Drama Twilight concerts are held once per term, giving individuals and groups an opportunity to perform for peers and parents. Students have the opportunity not only to display polished work but also ‘try out’ work that is in the rehearsal stage.
These soirées offer opportunities for the younger Speech and Drama students to perform with peers of the same age in a supportive environment.
This event celebrates girls who have continued their Speech and Drama studies to a senior level. The evening is one of festivity with girls choosing their “favourite” Speech and Drama piece to perform from their many years of study.
The Senior Poetry Appreciation Evening is a celebration of poetry. Students, teachers and parents have an opportunity to perform/read their favourite poem in an intimate setting.
This soirée offers an opportunity for students studying the Communication Skills syllabus to present to an audience of peers and parents, to continue to develop their presentation skills.
The Speech and Drama Showcase is a highlight of the Speech and Drama calendar. Performers of excellence are selected by audition to perform in this special event.
Senior students have the opportunity to register and perform in the Sydney Eisteddfod. The Sydney Eisteddfod is the largest competitive performing arts festival in Australia. The Eisteddfod was established to encourage the development of artistic, elocutionary and creative skills. It provides students of Speech and Drama with a unique opportunity to build their confidence and performance skills, learn from fellow performers and to receive constructive feedback in an enjoyable and supportive environment. The competition takes place between May and September on various dates and at various venues.
Senior students can represent Ascham at the IGSA Festival of Speech held in October. The team is selected by Expression of Interest and decided by the Head of Speech and Drama in consultation with the Head of Co-curricular.
From time to time additional opportunities will arise such as volunteering at Public Speaking/Speech and Drama events, compering at concerts and more.