Subject Overview
Our mission within the Drama department is to create and nurture confident, enthusiastic and resilient young performers, writers, directors, designers and technical artists. Through a diverse curriculum and a wide range of performance opportunities, we strive for excellence in performance and performance theory, as well as a cultural appreciation of the importance of Theatre. Lessons are delivered in a dedicated Drama Studio, and students perform on our West End style stage.
Programme of Study
Key Stage 3:
Year 7
- Introduction to Drama – performance skills and improvisation
- The Mystery of Darkwood Manor – characterisation and storytelling
- The Tempest– An introduction to Shakespeare and magic on stage
- Wax Works Radio Drama – famous figures across history come alive again one evening to face an adventure together
- Fairytales Reborn – students develop their own re-imagined stores and characters.
- Live Theatre -students study key performance skills as well as elements of Theatre Design through an exploration of a live theatre performance.
Year 8
- Rhythm and Ritual – Physical Theatre and the Ensemble
- Greek Theatre – The History and Origins of Theatre
- Antigone – Exploration of this famous classical play
- Commedia Dell’arte – Mask Theatre and Comedy
- The Breakfast – Exploration of Dramatic Tension
- Lulu – students create their own drama inspired by a famous poem
- Live Theatre -students study key performance skills as well as elements of Theatre Design through an exploration of a live theatre performance.
Year 9
- The Power of Theatre and Protest – Political Theatre and Verbatim Plays
- Write the Girl – the female voice at the heart of the action
- Arrival of the Actress, Restoration Theatre and the Comedy of Manners
- The Actors Craft – A study of the famous theatre practitioner Stanislavski and a given text.
- GCSE style devised project. An opportunity to act or design in a devised performance.
- Live theatre -students study key performance skills as well as elements of Theatre Design through an exploration of a live theatre performance.
Throughout Key Stage 3 students attend Theatre Visits and participate in clubs and ISI competitions (Musical Theatre and Shakespeare) as well as having the opportunity to participate on or backstage in our school productions.
GCSE Drama
Examination Board: AQA
The GCSE Drama syllabus is an exciting and diverse course which explores innovative performance styles and techniques. Students study a range of engaging texts and the craft of the playwright and theatre practitioners, with the opportunity to stage their work. There are a number of visits to see live performances and students are taught skills in analysing theatre. The qualification is designed to enable students to acquire a knowledge and understanding of the language of Drama and Theatre as well as to develop their performance and analytical skills.
A Level Drama
Examination Board: AQA
The specification inspires students to become independent theatre makers with the skills they need to go on to higher education, whether that is to study a course in drama and theatre or another subject.
The qualification emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays practically, devise and work on performances.
Students choose to develop as a:
- performer
- designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)
- director
- combination of these.
Whichever option they choose, students will gain many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand their horizons.
