Drama

Drama is a valued part of the creative curriculum at Key Stage 3. Pupils are introduced to key performance techniques and Dramatic Conventions. Our curriculum introduces pupils to a broad range of Dramatic Devices, Theatrical Styles and Genres and to the practical application of the Dramatic Mediums. Script work as well as theatrical design elements are also part of the schemes of learning for both years at key stage three.  Many of these concepts are key elements explored in depth at Key Stage Four and therefore act as a foundation of knowledge and spring-board to support pupils who choose to study this subject at GCSE. Homework, both written and visual, is a fundamental part of the curriculum at key stage three and is essential in promoting pupils’ understanding, independence and knowledge of the subject.

In Years 7 and 8 pupils can expect to receive one timetabled Drama lesson per week, or fortnight depending on the carousel timetable we follow. KS3 Y7 and Y8 pupils are invited to be part of our extra-curricular offer which is a drama club.

At KS4 the curriculum offers two options, one is a pathway course and the other GCSE drama. Both courses further develop a range of theatrical skills and allows pupils to apply them to creative performances where they work collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate their ideas to target audiences. In doing so pupils develop as creative, effective, independent and reflective learners making informed choices in both process and performance.

KS4 Pathway Foundation Drama - Trinity College Qualification

Trinity’s graded Acting exams and Performance Certificates are designed to support candidates to develop a range of transferable 21st Century skills that can have a positive impact on both their education and future employment prospects.

At Morpeth we currently enter students for either the Grade 3 or Grade 4 group performance exam. For this exam pupils work in groups to devise a performance from a starting stimulus provided.

Assessment:

The exam assess the following skills through a range of contexts:

• Performing audibly, clearly and accurately
• Using vocal variations in pace, pitch and volume to create character and support narrative
• Using physicality and space to create character and support narrative
• An understanding of the material created, it’s connection with character and how the characters relate to each other
• Communicating meaning and mood with an awareness of the audience

This is a nationally recognised qualification that will help you when applying to college or university or even getting a job.

KS4 GCSE Drama

The department follow the Eduqas GCSE Drama syllabus. Delivery of this curriculum is in accordance with the terms and regulations stipulated and upheld by the examination board. It has a three-component structure and students are assessed in practical performances, documented coursework and a public exam.

Pupils have the option to work practically as performers and/or designers for Component one and two of the GCSE course.  Pupils investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, they work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions, forms and techniques to produce and realise a piece of original theatre. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text. Pupils also demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama including their ability to interpret texts for performance, in a written examination for component three. Additionally, the GCSE provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.

Assessment

• Component One: Practical examination of a devised performance, based on the exploration of a stimulus provided by the exam board. This is supported by a written portfolio exploring the process of creating their final piece - Teacher assessed (40 %)
• Component Two: Practical examination of a performance of a play text - External examiner assessed (20 %)
• Component Three: Written examination on a set text and evaluation of a live performance. The current set text is The IT by Vivienne Franzmann - Public exam (40%)

At Morpeth we run the Eduqas A Level Drama and Theatre course at KS5. This is an exciting and challenging course combining practical performance, theatre-making and the academic study of Drama.

Students will work as performers, directors and theatre-makers, exploring a range of plays, theatrical styles and influential practitioners. The course provides opportunities to devise original theatre, reinterpret existing texts and perform scripted work, as well as analyse live theatre and explore how actors, directors and designers communicate meaning to an audience.

The Eduqas course consists of three components: Theatre Workshop, Text in Action and Text in Performance. Across the course, students study five performance texts and two influential theatre practitioners and take part in three performances.

Studying Drama develops much more than performance ability. Students build valuable skills in confidence, communication, creativity, collaboration, leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving.

A Level Drama and Theatre can lead to further study at university or drama school, as well as careers in acting, directing, writing, producing, design, technical theatre, education, media and the wider creative industries. The transferable skills developed through Drama are also highly valued across a wide range of other careers, such as law.

Every year, there are at least two Drama productions at Morpeth and last academic year there were three!

In the Autumn Term this will usually be a play involving a small cast creating something to challenge as well as entertain its audience.

In the Spring Term we take part in the National Theatre Connections programme where students get to put on a production of a brand-new play, both in our own theatre space and also at a professional theatre.

The Summer Term sees us work in collaboration with the Music and Art departments, on a musical production. This will be open to a much larger cast of students. All our shows provide opportunities for non-performers to get involved in the design and promotion elements of the production, as well as front of house and stage management.

Our last production was the hugely successful 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe'.

We also offer a KS3 Drama Club, where younger students can develop their performance skills, build their confidence further, have fun and make new friends. Alongside this, there are regular opportunities for pupils to go to the theatre and enjoy London’s top productions. Recently we have taken students to The Old Vic Theatre and Donmar Theatre as well as watch and feedback on works-in-progress.