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Drama

Head of Department:  Rousy Begum

Members of Department:

  • Lizzie Gunning (Head of Year 9)
  • Anna Messides (Assistant Headteacher)

The Drama curriculum is designed to build on our pupils’ creative thinking.  Our aim is to engage pupils in various topics over both key stages using the medium of drama so that their overall experience supports them to become confident, sociable, collaborative and articulate adults in the future. We want the pupils to feel enriched whilst learning about the craft and essential transferable life skills, our aim is to “learn through the drama about the drama”. 

At all key stages drama as a subject is exciting, inspiring, promotes independence and allows pupils to progress and develop their thinking both in written and practical ways. Our curriculum promotes the involvement in and enjoyment of drama as performers, directors and designers and there is a clear thread/pathway of progression and knowledge as we work through each of the key stages.  

At both key stage’s pupils are required to reflect upon and evaluate their own work and that of others’ as well as continuously develop an awareness and understanding of both role and processes. This is evident through both the written and practical elements of the curriculum.

Key Stage 3

Drama is a much-valued part of the curriculum at key stage 3 where pupils are introduced to key performance techniques and drama conventions. In Years 7-8 pupils can expect to receive one timetabled Drama lesson per fortnight.

The curriculum at KS3 enables pupils to experiment with the Dramatic Devices and Strategies through a range of exciting topics. Both years 7 & 8 have the experience of being taught a text- based unit which allow pupils to familiarise themselves with the art of script work, analysis of character motivations and interactions as well as expressing words from page to stage. Other schemes focus on social / historical and cultural topics which are current, relevant and accessible to them. Schemes of learning at KS3 also compliment a cross curricular offer such as Black History Month as well as English, Humanities and the CPSHE curriculum.

The foundations are clearly set at KS3 so that pupils feel well equipped and ready to embark on the GCSE course later on should they wish to choose it as an option subject of study. 

The classroom curriculum is supported and augmented by a wealth of extra-curricular opportunities offered to pupils, and collaborative projects with external theatre agencies and practitioners.

Key Stage 4

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 Acting Grade 4 and 5

The foundation drama course enables our pupils to learn about drama as a craft as well as explore the various areas of theatre such as stagecraft, lighting, costume design and sound. This allows the pupils to have a broader understanding about the subject, with opportunities to visit the theatre and watch shows. Pupils who choose the Drama Foundation pathway course take part in specialist workshops led by external providers, which will help them for the final accredited Trinity grade 4 performance exam in the Spring term.

Trinity 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 in both education and the workplace.

Garde 4 performance task involves pupils to working in groups and devise a performance off one of the following memories:

  • An extract from a play in a colloquial style
  • A scene based on a newspaper, magazine or web-based article.

Assessment:

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

  •  
  • and preparation
  • and non-verbal communication
  • and discussion

·       Critical thinking and problem-solving

  • and reflection

This is a nationally recognised qualification that will help you when applying to college or university, or 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 exploration of a stimulus provided by the exam board supported by written coursework- Teacher assessed (60 %)
  • Component Two: Practical examination of a performance of a play text- External examiner assesses (20 %)
  • Component Three: Written examination on a set text and evaluation of a live performance-Public exam (40%)

Extracurricular

Extracurricular

Every year, there is a Drama production arranged which is accessible to the whole school. In the past we have taken many performances to the Barbican and Shaw theatre. This year we are collaborating with the music department to produce the musical School of Rock, with a week of performances due to take place in July. Alongside the KS3 Drama club, LAMDA project there are regular opportunities for pupils to go to the theatre and enjoy London’s top productions.