GCSE “I CAN TELL YOU NOW” TASK.


DRAMA SHOULD BE TAKEN MORE SERIOUSLY.

‘Shy people shouldn’t be forced into drama’. This statement is used to undermine Drama as a compulsory subject in schools all the time. So, from this, would it be possible if I could stop studying maths because it stresses me out? Or could I stop studying P.E because I’m unfit or overweight? Of course not. We are forced to undergo these subjects to educate and combat weaknesses. So why should Drama be an exception? 

Drama as a secondary school subject should be taken more seriously. Right now, most people who don't study drama as a GCSE see it as an 'easy' subject. Why? Because they don't know enough about it! Now, it's developed a stereotype of being a subject for the less academic students, simply because the learning style is different. Drama is taught in a very hands-on and literal way, not in the usual classroom environment. Therefore, I strongly believe it should be taken more seriously, and here's why:

Firstly, drama is a perfect way to improve confidence. Being able to present yourself on stage and participating in dramatical exercises will undoubtably increase confidence and self-esteem, and the benefits of having this are vast. They're not just great aspects to help get a good GCSE grade, but a vital life skill. 

Self-confidence will improve public speaking, being social when meeting new people, body posture, etiquette and being able to present yourself more efficiently in general. This is unimaginably important in such a competitive working environment, and something which other subjects won't be able to teach, a blatant reason drama should be taken more seriously. After all, can you name one successful person who made their accomplishments through being shy and lacking in self-esteem?

Secondly, studying drama can help kindle creativity. As stated before, drama is taught in a more hands-on way to an average lesson. Actually working practically can assist students to look into the symbolism and representations of performances often more efficiently, hence allowing them to come up with their own creative and meaningful ideas with ease. 

This tightly entwines with my next point, that drama highly compliments English (arguably the most important GCSE qualification). As said, it can spark creativity which would make reading and analysing other texts in English much more accessible. Additionally, it can help with reading out loud, reading and understanding play scripts and having a better understanding for characters. This is another key reason drama isn't a subject for the unintelligent or weak minded; it does require analytical and physical skill which many people don't understand.

Finally, students and schools should take drama more seriously because they don't know enough about it to judge. People would think that drama only consists of bring able to act well. This is not true. In fact, drama can flow in to a pool of various career paths which can first be studied at GCSE. For example, directing, lighting, editing, sound, costume and staging.

In conclusion, I believe drama should be taken a lot more seriously in schools, as currently it's highly underrated and not understood, leading to a false impression of it being a push-over subject. I think drama should be made compulsory if subjects like RE are made to be, as drama is beneficial not only for a respected GCSE, but extremely important life skills.