We want all pupils to be able to understand and enjoy theatrical performances in all their multi-faceted richness and so we seek to develop their appreciation of our cultural heritage through the learning of drama.
We also teach pupils the conventions and techniques of performance itself, enabling pupils to explore their inner selves and feelings in a safe environment. Pupils learn the skills of performance that enable them to develop their own confidence, not only about performing to others but also the self-confidence all of us need to make a good life.
The development of dramatic pieces also involves team-work and skills learned in drama are then used by pupils in all other areas of the school and of life. We also learn about the co-ordination of several different elements, including the lights and sound of a production, and pupils learn how to bring together these separate strands to make a whole production – these project management skills can also be applied elsewhere.
The Year 7 curriculum will introduce the study of Drama as creative artform. Year 7 pupils will begin developing their skills in creating, working as a team, and performing to an audience.
Half term |
Topics studied; skills and knowledge |
How this will be assessed |
Autumn - 1 |
Working together- creating together Baseline assessment on Scripted work |
Assessment of Scripted extract |
Autumn - 2 |
Introduction to Devising Theatre |
Devising performance |
Spring - 1 |
National Theatre Production |
Live theatre analysis and evaluation |
Spring - 2 |
History of Theatre |
Performance |
Summer - 1 |
Scripted play – Post 20th Century |
Performance |
Summer - 2 |
Scripted Extracts – Pre 20th Century |
Performance |
Half term |
Topics studied; skills and knowledge |
How this will be assessed |
Autumn - 1 |
Scary play – technical skills |
Ongoing classwork |
Autumn - 2 |
Scary play- applying technical skills to performance |
Assessment of Scripted extract |
Spring - 1 |
National Theatre Production |
Live theatre analysis and evaluation |
Spring - 2 |
Practitioners |
Performance |
Summer - 1 |
Devising - from a given Stimuli |
Ongoing classwork |
Summer - 2 |
Devising |
Performance |
Half term |
Topics studied; skills and knowledge |
How this will be assessed |
Autumn - 1 |
Sparkleshark – Physicality and Vocal work |
Ongoing classwork |
Autumn - 2 |
Sparkleshark – Specific Acting intentions |
Assessment of Scripted extract |
Spring - 1 |
National Theatre Production |
Live theatre analysis and evaluation |
Spring - 2 |
Devising – Practitioners study |
Practitioners study |
Summer - 1 |
Devising - from a given Stimuli |
Performance |
Summer - 2 |
Presentation and Speech skills |
Performance |
Homework will be set when required. Homework examples include to research a given stimuli, complete a written task, preparing for assessment, learning lines etc.
There will be a KS3 Drama Club when allowed.
Pupils would benefit from looking at various playscripts, novels and opening their mind to different literature. Any opportunity to observe live theatre or streamed professional performances would benefit greatly.
Drama is a group-based subject, although pupils will be assessed on their individual contribution, collaboration and team work is a key to success.
In GCSE Drama pupils are engaged and encouraged to become confident performers and designers. They are taught transferable skills, such as the ability to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. They gain the confidence to pursue their own ideas, reflect and refine their efforts which can be applied in all areas of their future life, in which ever path they chose to follow. The course includes the study of a set dramatic text, evaluating live theatre, performance of a chosen play text and an in depth look at the devising process leading to performance.
Year |
Half term |
Topics studied; skills and knowledge |
How this will be assessed |
10 |
Autumn - 1 |
Introduction to GCSE Drama and Component 1 Section A |
Section A Assessment |
Autumn - 2 |
Component 1 Section B: Blood Brothers |
Exam style questions |
|
Spring - 1 |
Component 1 Section C: Live Theatre Review |
Exam style questions |
|
Spring - 2 |
Component 3: Texts in Practice |
Mock Performance |
|
Summer - 1 |
Component 2: Devising – introduction to the process |
Ongoing assessment |
|
Summer - 2 |
Component 2: Devising – Section 1 Response & Section 2 Development logbook |
Response & Development Logbook |
|
11 |
Autumn - 1 |
Component 2- Devising Performance Component 2: Section 3 Analysis & Evaluation |
Devising Performance Devising Logbook – Section 3 |
Autumn - 2 |
Component 3: Texts in Practice Preparation and rehearsals Component 1: Section C – Live theatre review |
Section C- Exam questions |
|
Spring - 1 |
Component 3: Texts in Practice |
External examiner AQA |
|
Spring - 2 |
Component 1: Sections A,B,C revision |
Exam Questions |
|
Summer - 1 |
Component 1: Sections, A, B, C |
Exam Questions |
|
Summer - 2 |
Period of Formal Examinations |
|
The type of homework set will range depending on which unit of study is being taught. It may include completing research tasks, learning lines for their selected text, or completing tasks associated with the set text. These will be set on Go 4 Schools, and will include the use of teams to access appropriate resources.
There are three assessed components to GCSE Drama. They are:
Pupils will have the opportunity to rehearse afterschool within the allocated KS4 enrichment time. Pupils will also get the opportunity to access live theatre should circumstances be allowed.
Pupils would benefit from wider reading of the practitioners and the playwrights studied. Furthermore, any additional contextual knowledge of time periods, and the impact of the historical, cultural and social decisions made and therefore influenced upon their set text would be helpful.
Pupils would find having their own copies of AQA GCSE Drama Textbook by Annie Fox (ISBN 9781911208211), Blood Brothers play guide BY Annie Fox (ISBN 978-1-911208-70-9), and Blood Brothers (ISBN 978-0-413-76770-7) beneficial. Any additional reading on or by Willy Russell would also be helpful.