Drama Department

WELCOME TO THE DRAMA DEPARTMENT

Department Members
Lauren Mack - Curriculum Leader
Simon Mills - Advanced Skills Teacher
Aelisha Lisk - Drama Teacher

Key Stage 3 - Years 7, 8 and 9

How many lessons do pupils have per week? 1 lesson in Years 7, 8 and 9.

How are pupils grouped? In form groups.

What do pupils learn? At KS3 pupils follow a structured curriculum in the principles of educational drama and theatre-based skills, incorporating cross-curricular themes to encourage personal and social development. A steady progression is made throughout the three years enabling students to develop speaking, listening, performing and evaluating techniques. Assessment is continuous and covers all areas of performing.

Key Stage 5 - Years 12 and 13

In 2008 - 09, pupils will be able to opt for AS and A2 Drama and Theatre Studies and BTEC First Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting).

AS and A2 Drama and Theatre Studies

What will I learn?

You will learn about the history of drama and theatre, about performing, about all aspects of a production from the design of the set and costumes through to the role of the director.

Who is the course for?

Students who have studied Drama at GCSE level and/or have had appropriate Drama/Theatre experience outside of school and who are enthusiastic and interested in learning more at a higher level

What is the structure of the course?

Unit 1 - Exploration of Drama & Theatre

This will involve in depth study of two plays from the point of view of a performer, designer, and director.

Students will also experience a range of live theatre performances and submit an evaluation.

Unit 2 - Theatre Text in Performance

Students will perform a monologue or a duologue and undertake a role within the production of a play

Unit 3- Exploration of Dramatic Performance

Students will create a unique and original piece of theatre. They will perform this to an invited audience and produce a structured record - which will analyse both the drama process and the product.

Unit 4 - Theatre Text in Context

Students will take a final written exam where they will answer questions based on independent research and academic and practical exploration of a set text from a director's perspective.

How will I be assessed?

AS Unit 1 - 20% written and practical coursework

AS Unit 2 - 30% practical exam (performance)

A2 Unit 3 - 20% written and practical coursework

A2 Unit 4 - 30% written exam

What do I need to know or do before being able to take the course?

Read through this information and if you have any queries, arrange to see a member of the Drama Department.

What courses or employment could I progress to at the end of my course?

As with all Level 3 subjects, successful completion of this course will enable progression onto both further and higher education, a Modern Apprenticeship or employment in a range of industries. Despite the obvious academic achievement, employers will appreciate that a Drama and Theatre studies qualification indicates that an individual is orally articulate and highly effective when working with others, an essential quality in many high powered jobs and careers.

The Performing Arts industry provides a very diverse range of employment opportunities, and the well developed personal skills (e.g. leadership qualities, teamwork, problem solving, initiative, performance) combined with work related knowledge gained means that students are suitable for recruitment, albeit at a junior level initially, in a range of fields.