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Drama
BackIntroduction
Drama is studied at both KS3 and KS4 and is a subject that aims to develop students’ powers of self-expression, self-awareness, self-confidence, and to encourage sensitivity of imagination.
The Drama Department attempts to achieve this through drama teaching that emphasises individual contribution, group work and the explanation of issues.
We want each student to develop, be confident as a performer and to be comfortable in the use of drama terminology.
General Outcomes and Objectives of Drama:
- To work in mixed groups of varying size, developing the ability to negotiate and make decisions as part of a group
- Develops independent learning
- Reflect upon and respond constructively to their own work and that of others in class, with an awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses
- Show a developing ability to devise, improvise and create credible characterisations
- Understand that the process of Drama has its own worth and that performance is not always part of the activity
We expect
- Students to take off blazers and shoes at the start of the lesson
- Female students may wear shorts underneath their school skirt, if they wish
- Hair to be tied up throughout the lesson
- Never have contact with peers unless discussed as part of the lesson objectives, E.G. Physical theatre and stage fighting
KS3
In KS3, students are enriched with a practical focus, allowing for practical exploration of performance texts and drama genres.
Performance and design skills, as well as evaluations and reflections will continue to assess students’ performance skills, developing transferable skills and progression into KS4, such as collaboration, communication and understanding how to amend and refine performances.
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Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
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Autumn |
Introduction To Drama: Drama Skills |
Conflict As A Stimulus: War Time Poetry |
GCSE Page To Stage: ‘DNA’
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Fairy Tale and Pantomime: Working With A Script |
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Spring |
Shakespeare: Page To Stage |
Physical Theatre: Matilda The Musical |
Physical Theatre: Theatrical Performances |
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Creating an Atmosphere: Dark Wood Manor |
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Summer |
Tresle Masks: Melodrama and Comedy |
Page To Stage: FACE |
Devising From A Stimulus: GCSE Skills |
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Devising From A Stimulus: Explorative Strategies |
KS4
GCSE Drama is all about understanding what it is like to put yourself in somebody else’s shoes. You will play many parts in different imaginary situations. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people.
At GCSE, students will study Edexcel Drama. The specification allows GCSE Drama students to apply knowledge and understanding of drama when making, performing and responding to text, script of stimuli. The course is split into three components, where students explore performance text and develop a range of theatrical skills for practical component examinations.
- Component 1: The devising component explores a range of stimuli in order to create an original performance piece. Devising is essential for the development of new theatre and performance; it allows for personal development and exploration. Students will develop skills in group work, research and negotiation, while also developing creativity, performance and design skills.
- Component 2: Performance texts have been at the core of drama since the inception of theatre. Understanding a performance text is fundamental to the subject, as this provides students with opportunities to explore plot, structure, narrative and stories from around the world and from different time periods. Students will interpret this text and rehearse and refine two key extracts, leading to a final performance.
- Component 3: This component focuses on the work of theatre makers and the theatrical choices that are made by crucial members of the creative and production team in order to communicate ideas to an audience. Students will explore practically how a complete performance text might be interpreted and realised from ‘page to stage’. This exploration will give students an insight into how texts may be brought to life for an audience and the creative roles within this process.
| Year 10 | Year 11 | |
| Autumn | Practical: Underpinning knowledge and understanding, developing ideas for Earthquake and Holocaust Monologues.
Theory: Mini portfolios and naturalistic monologue writing and research. |
Practical: Component 1 preparation and script work in preparation for component 2.
Theory: Portfolio research, writing, and component 3 exam questions. |
| Spring | Practical: The Crucible and Component 3 set text exploration.
Theory: Exploring the Component 3 exam. |
Practical: Component 2 examination (Performance from Text)
Theory: Component 3 preparation and The Crucible and Live Theatre Review examination techniques and preparation. |
| Summer | Practical: Component 1 and explore practitioners for devising.
Theory: Portfolio research and writing. |
Theory: Revision for Component 3 examination. |
Future careers after GCSE Drama:
- Actor
- Community arts worker
- Drama therapist
- Dancer
- Director
- Stage Manager
- Events Manager
- Teacher
- Broadcast Presenter
GCSE Results 2022
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 93% grades 9-4
GCSE Results 2023
Congratulations to the Year 11 students on achieving 84% grades 9-4.
Extra Curricular / Clubs
The Drama Studio can be booked in advance to use for rehearsals with the subject teacher during selected morning and lunchtime sessions. The Drama Department offer a variety of clubs:
- Yr 7 & 8 Drama Club: Join the Drama department in preparing two performances ready for the Winter Variety Performance and the Summer Showcase, along with making new friends and sharing your passion for theatre!
- Yr 9 Drama Club: Allowing students who enjoy Drama to working towards scripted performance for the Winter Variety Performance and Summer Showcase, as well as having an opportunity to devise and perform as a group, focusing on GCSE skills and preparation.
- KS4 Intervention: KS4 students are invited to rehearse and increase their script and performance skills, watching, devising and performing famous texts from theatre and screen.
Useful Links
Google classroom:
This is a fantastic tool, utilised weekly by the Performing Arts faculty. The online application allows for paperless communication, between staff and students and for staff to streamline curriculum, classwork, examinations and homework.
National Theatre
https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
Edexcel GCSE Drama Specification
