Drama
Intent
In Drama lessons we aim to develop rounded learners who have an appreciation of all aspects of theatre, in turn allowing them to develop of pieces of work from the initial devising phase all the way through to the final performance. With the fundamentals of Drama being taught in a practical manner, we are confident that pupils will engage more with the material and ultimately perform to a higher level. We integrate the history of theatre and theory within the syllabus, from studying Commedia Dell Arte, Brecht, and Artaud to pantomime and radio plays.
Pupils are provided with a wide range of stimuli across Key Stage 3 where they have the opportunities to work as individuals and as part of a group where they must create effective responses; this allows all pupils to engage and develop key team working skills such as communication, tolerance, and empathy through the role of a performer. We also focus on a pupil’s ability to analyze and evaluate their own and others’ practical work to consolidate their learning and prepare them fully for the demands of examination Drama at Key Stage 4.
Implementation
During lessons, pupils will develop skills and techniques useful in and out of the classroom. In Key Stage 3, pupils receive two lessons per fortnight. Lessons are workshop based and taught in the main school hall; these lessons include key theoretical underpinning of the subject as well as plenty of opportunities to transition straight into practical work. Lessons are taught in an inclusive manner where all pupils participate as performers.
To support learning, there is also a variety of extracurricular performance opportunities to attend across the year groups; school showcase evenings, competitions, Christmas concerts and the annual school production. Our most recent production in the summer of 2024 was Mary Poppins Jr. These productions allow pupils from all year groups to come together to perform but also utilise the skills and techniques they develop in lessons such as performance skills in acting and singing. We are also able to offer some coaching on lighting and sound design, which means pupils can realise a proficient skill level for the production. Pupils are also able to take part in costume and stage management roles.
With a wide range of opportunities on offer to be involved with the subject we find that examination Drama is a popular choice among our pupils. We currently study Pearson Edexcel GCSE Drama (9-1); this is taught similarly to Key Stage 3 with much of the course taught in a practical manner. The course has three components:
Component 1: Devising (1DR0/01) - 40% of the qualification
Component 2: Performance from text (1DR0/02) – 20% of the qualification
Component 3: Theatre makers in practice (1DR0/03) – 40% of the qualification
Both Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils receive timely assessment and thorough feedback from staff to make adjustments to their piece of work which adds to the enjoyment of the subject and collaboration between staff and pupils. Pupils are made aware of the benefit of the subject and how it can be a vital opportunity to develop key skills that they will need later in life and in the place of work. Students are also supported in understanding the numerous exciting professional routes that stem from studying the subject, as well as their options post-16 for further study.