Drama
Drama is a way of expressing the real concerns people have about themselves and the society in which they live. It is also a way of embracing different cultures and beliefs. All students are encouraged to appreciate as wide and as varied a selection of Drama genres, periods, and practitioners, to experience as much live theatre as practicable and to view drama as a part of the whole school curriculum, looking for links between their drama studies and those in other subjects. Drama can also be seen as a tool with which to allow students to develop general social skills as well as self-confidence. Drama can further be used in a multi-modal context to allow understanding of kinaesthetic learners by practically exploring context and sources.
KS3 (Years 7 to 9)
A variety of areas of knowledge in Drama are studied, from the following: comedy, tragedy, melodrama, ritual, documentary theatre, naturalism and the work of Stanislavski, Brecht and Political theatre, Commedia de l’Arte.
Skills explored include mime, improvisation and spontaneous improvisation, script development and writing, creating dramatic tension, rehearsing from a script, direction, physical theatre, mask, monologue, use of light and sound, use of props. A variety of explorative strategies are used, such as: still images and tableaux, slow motion, role-play, flashback, narrating, thought tracking, role-on-the-wall, hot-seating, using pace, tension, climax and anti-climax, movement, use of levels, use of space, voice and gesture.
Exploration includes a variety of elements of Drama, from the following: pace, tension, climax and anti-climax, movement, use of levels, use of space, voice and gesture, use of conventions/symbols, contrasts, rhythm.
KS4 (Years 10 and 11): GCSE
During the GCSE Drama course, students will learn how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills that are needed to put a piece of drama on to the stage. They will learn how to create a character and play this character in a performance. They will also be equipped with many other skills that are highly valued in any walk of life. These include teamwork and confidently presenting yourself in public. The course is around 50% practical and 50% theory.
What will I learn?
You will learn how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills that are needed to put a piece of drama on to the stage. You will learn how to create a character and play this character in a performance. You will understand and appreciate different styles and genres of theatre and will have the opportunity to experience high quality videos of National Theatre London productions which have been professionally filmed.
For those of you interested in design skills and options, this route is available as an alternative to acting. It is also possible to follow both a design and an acting path, in the separate components. Opportunities are available within each component, for you to select Set, Sound or Costume design as an alternative to acting. You will be assessed on your chosen skill in all (or some) practical work.
What sort of homework will I be set?
Homework is split between practical and written work. You may be asked to learn lines, prepare characters/costumes/set or rehearse with your group for a short piece.
You will also be given essays and research work, as well as practice exams later in the course.
How will my work be assessed?
Continual assessment will take place throughout the course to monitor your progress.
How is the course examined?
There are three components:
• Component 1 (40%) Coursework: Devised performance & written portfolio (1500-2000 words)
• Component 2 (20%) Coursework: Scripted performance (acting skills OR design options available)
• Component 3 (40%) Written Exam of 1 hour 30 minutes
Sixth Form: AS and A Level
DRAMA AND THEATRE A Level: EDEXCEL 9DR01
The A Level Drama course is linear, which means that there is no AS exam and the course is examined in Y13 only.
What will I learn?
The course is designed to develop your:
• Performance/presentation skills, including: voice, physicality (gesture, movement, choreography), characterisation and interpretation, ensemble work
• Production skills, including: lighting design, set design, costume design, sound and effects design
• Knowledge and skills relating to Theatre Practitioners and their theories and techniques
• Exam techniques, study skills
How is the course assessed?
There are three components to the assessment:
· One written paper of 2 hours and 30 minutes worth 40%
· Devising portfolio & Devised Group performance worth 40%
· Text in performance (Group performance and Monologue/Duologue) worth 20%
What are the entry requirements for this course?
There are no requirements for this course, though a background in theatre-related activities and/or GCSE Drama are strong recommendations.
Future career choices
A wide variety of career opportunities are opened from the study of Drama and Theatre, not only those in the field of performing arts. Students interested in any job/profession that requires interactions with people, presentation skills; and the skills of collaboration and teamwork, will benefit from studying Drama and Theatre. Many of our students have, however, gone on to study at some of the top performing arts schools in the world, and are just embarking on exciting careers, not only as performers, but also as writers, directors, musicians and set designers.
