Melissa Bicknell

As Head of Drama, I am responsible for the following:

• Overseeing the curriculum from Year 1 to Year 13.
• Developing a comprehensive drama syllabus in line with national curriculum standards, and improving students' academic performance and engagement.
• Managing a team of four individuals: two full-time, and two part-time drama teachers.
• Developing assessment processes that are rigorous, and tracking pupil progress and exam success to inform future learning, while applying data analysis to explore ways of improving our delivery of the exam content.
• Creating good practice across my department through careful planning, regular departmental meetings, reviews, and lesson observations.
• Writing departmental action plans and overseeing improvements in both curricular and co-curricular areas.
• Organising workshops with theatre and performing arts companies.
• Creating a regular programme of trips.
• Overseeing the LAMDA (optional speech and drama lessons) programme.
• Directing and producing the annual senior school production.
• Overseeing the running of the Y5-8 and Y3-4 productions.
• Organising LAMDA exam days, LAMDA presentation evenings, and prep LAMDA showcases.
• Pastorally, I am a Year 11 form tutor, reporting to the Head of Y11.
• Managing budgets for drama productions, maximising resources while maintaining high production values.
• Managing academic drama budget and resources
• Managing LAMDA expenses including exam billing and resource management
• Leading initiatives to incorporate digital technology in drama productions, enhancing the visual and auditory experience for audiences.
• Negotiating contracts with external vendors for costumes, set designs, and technical equipment, ensuring timely delivery and cost-effectiveness.
• Supporting students through successful drama school and National Youth Theatre/ National Youth Music Theatre applications and auditions
• Working closely with the school's marketing team to promote drama events, significantly increasing attendance and community engagement.
• Engaging in regular communication with parents and guardians, updating them on student progress and departmental activities.
• Fostering a supportive classroom environment, encouraging creativity and self-expression among students of varying skill levels.
• Developing the academic extension programme for Drama (STEP).

• Teaching Drama at KS3, GCSE, and A-Level.
• Co-directing the school production.
• Designing the set and costume for the school production.
• Organising the annual residency with Frantic Assembly.
• Organising trips to the theatre.
• Organising workshops, Q&As, and events with local directors and actors.
• Rewriting the KS3 Drama curriculum.
• Creating a 'Creative Arts' curriculum with colleagues in Art, Music, and Design.
• Being a sixth form tutor and EPQ supervisor.
• Leading the development of the 'devised original theatre' components in GCSE and A-Level.

• Teach Drama at KS3, GCSE, and A-Level.
• Teach LAMDA to senior pupils in single or duo classes, up to and including medals.
• Lead in the redevelopment of the Year 9 curriculum.
• Led in developing the devised original theatre component.
• Organise all academic theatre trips.
• Organise visiting workshops with notable theatre companies.
• Form tutor to upper seniors (Year 9, 10 and 11)

• Teach Drama at KS3, GCSE and A-Level
• Teach English at KS3, GCSE and A-Level
• Contribute to and develop the co-curricular programme for Drama
• Organise theatre trips and workshops
• Organise and run the Frantic Assembly annual residency
• Run the KS3 Drama Club
• Supervise the student-led theatre company
• Contribute to the development of curriculums in Drama and English

Head of House

• Foster house spirit and sense of community
• Encourage students to participate in house events, sports days and fund raising.
• Lead house assemblies.
• Develop fund raising and house competition initiatives.

Tutor

• Support a tutor group pastorally.
• Attend and assist with year group trips and team building activities.

• Introduce a Drama syllabus for the senior school that supports language development and speaking and listening skills.
• Direct and manage school productions for both the senior and primary students.
• Teach English Literature to KS3, GCSE and A-Level.
• Teach English as a Second Language to advance second language students
• Run the MUN activity
• Form Tutor Year 7 and 8

• Teach Drama to KS3, GCSE and A-Level/ GNVQ advanced.
• Teach Drama to KS3 and GCSE level.
• Establish and develop co-curricular drama opportunities for KS3 students.
• Manage and direct the KS3 production.
• Support the HoD with the senior production.
• Organise and participate in theatre trips.
• Lead in developing the school's literacy across the curriculum.
• Deliver CPD to the whole staff on literacy strategies.