Drama and Performance

At Gatehouse School, Drama and Performance are an integral part of our curriculum and school culture. From Nursery to Year 6, pupils develop creativity, confidence and communication skills through a wide range of opportunities to rehearse, perform and express themselves.

Drama Linked to the Curriculum

Drama lessons are closely linked to each year group’s English curriculum, enhancing learning through role play, storytelling and character exploration. While not every session leads to a final performance, lessons are carefully designed to:

  • Build confidence in public speaking

  • Strengthen teamwork and active listening

  • Encourage empathy and imagination

  • Introduce theatre styles and history

  • Promote learning through creative play


A Stage for Every Pupil

From the earliest years, Gatehouse pupils rehearse and perform in our purpose-built Wallbank Hall, making use of professional lighting and sound systems. Each class presents at least one whole-school assembly per year, often sharing their learning from PSHE in imaginative ways.


A Year-Round Performance Calendar

Our performance calendar gives all pupils the chance to shine and build their stagecraft across the year:

Autumn Term

  • Annual Poetry Competition

  • Nursery Nativity

Spring Term

  • Year 4 Poetry Performance Project (featuring limericks, kennings, haikus and more)

  • ISA Shakespeare Monologue Competition

  • Year 2 Musical Theatre Production

Summer Term

  • Gatehouse’s Got Talent!

  • Year 6 Musical Production


LAMDA Tuition and Examinations

From Year 3 onwards, pupils may opt to take LAMDA Communication and Performance tuition, working towards graded group acting exams. These sessions help pupils develop:

  • Confidence in spoken word

  • Interpretation and performance skills

  • A love of literature and drama

  • Clear, expressive communication


More Than Performance

At Gatehouse, Drama and Performance are more than just shows and scripts. They are a key part of developing articulate, empathetic, and self-assured learners who are ready to express themselves and connect with others.