The drama curriculum in Years 7 and 8 is currently structured in ten week blocks. In Year 7 the emphasis is largely on improvisation and ensemble building exercises, during which essential foundations are laid for further work. The work at this level encourages the development of trust and co-operation, clarity and control in vocal and physical expression and a basic understanding for stage space and performance disciplines. In Year 8 these foundations are strengthened through further exercises in improvisation at more advanced levels. The principle of status in drama is explored through improvisation and script work.  In Year 9 the Drama curriculum runs throughout the year every other week. The curriculum focuses on specific texts, such as ‘Antigone’, through which further drama conventions and strategies are introduced during work on theme and character. Some contrasting styles of theatre are introduced, providing a broad awareness of genre. The year culminates in a mini-performance project working with the techniques of a selected genre.