Students in Grade 6 during drama class. They all dresses up for world book day.

Learning valuable life skills during MYP Drama classes

The ArtsSecondary
09-12-2025

At ISU, Drama is not simply a performance subject — it is a life skill that nurtures confident, expressive, and emotionally intelligent young people. In MYP theatre, students learn to communicate, take risks, collaborate, and think critically. Every unit is carefully designed to sharpen the skills that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

By Priyanka Gupta, Drama Teacher

Drama truly is where the learning begins and the fun never ends. Through a series of playful but purpose-driven activities — energisers, improvisation challenges, character games, and storytelling exercises — students learn concentration, teamwork, trust, problem-solving and adaptability. These experiences make learning joyful while building lifelong personal and social skills.


Putting words to feelings

We encourage students to express thoughts, ideas and opinions openly through healthy discussion, drama reflections, peer feedback, and written creative work. The teenage mind has so much to say — and when they are asked the right questions in a safe environment, they eagerly share. When young people feel heard and seen, they develop confidence and clarity. They learn not only how to identify their thoughts, emotions and values, but also how to articulate them meaningfully — on stage, in writing, or in conversation. It is a blessing to witness students learning to put words to feelings, ultimately clearing the mind and nurturing well-being.

A Grade 10 student performing during one of his Drama classes Our Grade 9's enjoying themselves in on of our blacked out drama rooms
Grade 7 during one of their Drama Classes.

Growth Across the Grades

Grade 6 — Finding Their Voice

This year, Grade 6 students have worked on core drama skills such as voice projection, focus, active listening and collaboration. Their remarkable confidence at the recent Student-Led Conferences is proof that Drama is helping them transform into poised, articulate speakers who are eager to share their learning.

Grade 7 — The Power of Sound and Imagination

Grade 7 is currently creating Radio Advertisements as part of their Radio Drama unit. With no visuals to rely on, they are learning to persuade purely through voice. Students apply marketing techniques — slogans, hooks, emotional appeal, credibility and audience targeting — while using pitch, pace, volume, emphasis and background sound to bring their advertisements alive. They are learning how to spark mind imagery, helping listeners “see” the product in their imagination without ever showing it. This unit builds creativity, communication and real-world persuasive skills.

Grade 8 — Realism: Representing Life on Stage

Grade 8 students are working with Realism, exploring believable characters, authentic emotions and everyday scenarios. They learn to observe human behaviour, analyse relationships, and perform with subtlety rather than exaggeration. This unit builds empathy, sensitivity, and the ability to understand a character’s inner world — a skill deeply connected to emotional literacy.

Grade 9 — Theatre with a Message

Grade 9 students are tackling Epic Theatre and experimenting with performance as social critique. Their thought-provoking monologues and montage work teach them to speak up for causes they care about and think deeply about the world around them.

Grade 10 — Thinking Beyond Reality

Currently studying Kafka’s Monkey, Grade 10 is analysing Absurdist Theatre and debating themes of identity, belonging and existentialism. Their reflections and character interpretations reveal maturity, curiosity and intellectual courage.

From the first warm-up game in Grade 6 to philosophical debates in Grade 10, Drama shapes our students into expressive, thoughtful and confident individuals. The stage may be temporary — but the life skills last forever.


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