English and Drama

In an ever-changing world, the ability and confidence to express ourselves clearly, logically and fully is vital to our success. To talk, to express our thoughts and feelings and to recognise that we are not alone in the world with these emotions is important for our young people to connect with.  The texts that we study in both English and Drama allow our students to realise that their futures are bright and all things are possible. Both English and Drama enable students to see that they are centre stage in their own lives and opportunities are open to them from staff that believe in their aspirations.

The pursuit of excellence in English is integral to all subjects taught at OBA, whether it is demonstrated through spoken, comprehensive, or written appreciation. English is core to a student’s success and its importance as a subject is affirmed throughout the years at OBA.  The specialist teachers in the English department strive to ensure that all students are equipped for the rigours of multi–media communications and formal expression in their years at OBA. 

Literacy standards in the UK are required by the Government to rise, to enable our country to express innovatively and succinctly in the global community and OBA sets out to support students on this journey.  The subjects of English Language and English Literature are taught to all students at OBA preparing them for a rich cultural appreciation of the world through a wide range of classic and contemporary texts in KS3 igniting, or indeed sustaining, a passion for reading through the integration of the Accelerated Reader Programme in their lessons until the end of Year 9.  To achieve a GCSE in English is a gateway qualification which we support, encourage and nurture our students to achieve. 

Drama is an excellent way to build confidence in our young people and to prepare them for important scenarios in their futures and to give all students a voice and give them an audience to hear them.  Drama is an excellent platform to support articulation, confidence and an appreciation of other lives and cultures, enabling students to make connections with their own world and experiences and those of others’ in a safe and nurturing environment.  The English and Drama department work collaboratively to support the texts of the National Curriculum and to create a sense of what it is like to be British in the 21^st Century.