Drama

Why we teach Drama

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.

KS3 Drama

Overview of content

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.

Yr 7 Programme of Study

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

Yr 8 Programme of Study

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

Yr 9 Programme of Study

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

Homework will be set when required. Homework examples include to research a given stimuli, complete a written task, preparing for assessment, learning lines etc.

Learning outside the classroom

There will be a KS3 Drama Club when allowed.

Parental support and extension

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.

More information

Drama is a group-based subject, although pupils will be assessed on their individual contribution, collaboration and team work is a key to success.

KS4 Drama

AQA GCSE Drama (8261)

Overview of content

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.

Programme of Study

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

Homework

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.

How it is assessed

There are three assessed components to GCSE Drama. They are:

• Component 1 is the formal written examination. This has three sections, which include the study of a set text and a question on the work of theatre makers in a single live production.
• Component 2 is the devising unit. Pupils are assessed on a pupil led devised performance, and on a devising log they create to reflect and record their process.
• Component 3 is the texts in practice unit. Pupils are assessed on two extracts they chose to perform from a text they chose. Although they have a free choice, there are certain constrictions that must be adhered to.

Learning outside the classroom

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.

Parental support and extension

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.

More information

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.

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