Drama
Our vision in drama is to excite, enthuse and educate students to perform, write and respond to many different concepts and techniques that come under the umbrella of Drama.
The co-operation, creativity, independence and practical learning encourage and support confidence and development of one’s character. Through both the curriculum and our extra-curricular opportunities we encourage students to pursue a ‘can do’ attitude within this practical context. We are proud to follow our school’s ethos of ‘nurturing mind, body and spirit’ and are pleased to see students smiling and developing in our drama lessons every day.
QUOTES FROM STUDENTS
“I like drama because I like being creative and acting as different characters and understanding how playwrights have used issues or general trends in society to influence them to write their plays. I have developed more communication skills in drama because I now work better in a group. Also, drama has helped me to become even more confident as a person and more creative.” Year 9 student
“I chose to take GCSE drama as I like to learn in a more physical way,
rather than sitting at a desk. Additionally I wanted to improve my confidence and public speaking skills. GCSE drama taught me lots and I liked it so much that I decided to also take it at A-level. Through this I have had the opportunities to be a part of great workshops and fun productions within both a class environment and with the rest of the school. Drama is a great way to learn and develop new skills in a fun and friendly environment, as well as improving confidence and preparing you for life outside school (and it always looks good to put on your CV!)” Year 13 student
KEY STAGE 3
During Years 7-9 the following topics are taught:
Year 7 |
Year 8 |
Year 9 |
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The Mystery Girl Roald Dahl The Tempest Wacky Soap Scripted: Granny and the Wolf |
Lamb to the Slaughter Comedy Scripted: Blood Brothers Physical Theatre: Alice in Wonderland Adrian Mole |
‘I Don’t Like Mondays’: Brenda Spencer ‘Let Him Have it’: Derek Bentley Scripted: DNA Devising from a Stimulus and script Responding to Live Theatre |
KEY STAGE 4
Students studying the subject at GCSE follow the Eduqas specification. During the course, the following topics are covered:
Year 10 |
Year 11 |
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Introduction to Drama Skills
GCSE Component 1: Devising Theatre (40%) Learners are required to devise a piece of original theatre in response to a stimulus (given by the examination board) using the techniques of a drama practitioner or genre. Students will produce:
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Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (Written) 1 hour 30 minutes (40%) Preparation for the written examination will take place in the first term of year 11. Section A: Set text Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman Adapted by Sabrina Mahfouz Students will prepare for a series of questions based on the text. They will be focusing on proxemics, character, relationships, acting, directing and design ideas for the piece. Section B: Live Theatre Review Students will be expected to see a piece of live theatre in preparation for this part of the written examination. They will answer one question (from the choice of two) and the response will require analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of live theatre Component 2: Performing from a Text (assessed by an external examiner- 20%) Students will perform 2 extracts from a published play. The 2 extracts will make up one performance piece (in a small group) and this will be performed to an audience. |
For more detailed information about the course content and assessment requirements, please refer to the examination board website: http://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/drama-and-theatre/gcse/
A LEVEL
Students studying Drama and Theatre at A Level follow the Edexcel specification. During the course the following topics are covered.
Year 12 |
Year 13 |
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Introduction to A Level Drama and Theatre Skills
Component 1: Devising (40% of qualification) Students will create an original performance piece using one key extract from a play and a theatre practitioner as a stimulus. There are 2 parts to the assessment:
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Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice Written Examination: 2 hours 30 minutes (40% of qualification) There will be 2 set texts studied (from a list set by the exam board) and a Live Theatre performance will need to be seen to complete an evaluation. Section A: Live theatre evaluation Section B: Realising a Performance Text (1 of the set plays) Answers as a performer or designer. Section C: Interpreting a Performance Text (the 2nd set play) A re-imagined performance concept with the influence of a practitioner Component 2: Text in Performance (20% of qualification) This will be an externally assessed performance seen by a visiting examiner. This is split into 2 sections:
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For more detailed information about the course content and assessment requirements, please refer to the examination board website.