Subject: Drama
CURRICULUM INTENT
The curriculum aims to nurture and develop students’ creativity, critical thinking and communication skills. Throughout our pupils’ educational journey with us at Archbishop Temple, we aim to offer an array of opportunities for our pupils to grow in confidence and challenge every individual to let their light shine; giving all pupils the chance to thrive in the supportive and daring world of live theatre.
Students will have the opportunity to develop a broad understanding of key aspects of theatre, progressing through a range of theatrical practical skills and techniques, whilst applying them to create performances.
Students will explore an array of scripted texts, understanding their social, cultural and historical context including the theatrical conventions of the period in which they were created, to further develop an understanding of influential genres and practitioners.
Students will also have the cultural opportunity to observe and analyse performances through theatre trips and live theatre viewings to truly appreciate the joy and spectacle of drama on stage.
IMPLEMENTATION
Programmes of Study
Year 8
Our Year 8 curriculum aims to develop an understanding and awareness of practical performance techniques and concepts: from characterisation techniques such as facial expressions, body language, freezeframes and mime; to devising in line with key genres and target audiences. Pupils have the opportunity to analyse set, lighting and costume, and reflect on the different roles within theatre.
Year 9
Our Year 9 curriculum aims to consolidate and challenge previous learning, as well as to embed the core theatrical understanding needed for GCSE. Pupils will develop their awareness and understanding of key genres and practitioners such as Theatre in Education and Verbatim Theatre and a range of dramatic devices used within these forms of theatre. Pupils will be encouraged to review live performances; exploring both acting and design choices.
Year 10
Students will follow the Eduqas Drama specification, developing their understanding of theatre from both an acting and design perspective. Pupils will develop devising and practical skills that demonstrate creativity, reflection, and resilience, as well as developing confidence and strong presentation skills. An initial study and practical exploration of our Component 3 set text will be complete ahead of the written examination.
Year 11
Students will follow the Eduqas Drama specification, further developing their understanding of theatre from both an acting and design perspective. Pupils will analyse and interpret contemporary theatre production and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of how drama pieces are developed and performed. Students will apply dramatic devices and techniques based on a studied genre or practitioner, reflect upon and analyse their rehearsal and development process, as well as work creatively as an ensemble to produce devised and scripted performances.
IMPACT
Marking and Assessment
Students will complete one formal assessment each term identifying strengths and areas for development to facilitate further progress. This will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills. Verbal feedback will be regularly given throughout practical exploration along with the opportunity for self and peer review where drama-specific vocabulary will be explicitly taught and encouraged to provide accurate and constructive feedback.
Examinations
Students will follow the Eduqas Drama specification.
Component 1: Devising Theatre (40%)
Students participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre influenced by a studied practitioner.
You will produce:
· A portfolio of supporting evidence based on the rehearsal process
· A performance lasting between 5-16 minutes (depending on the number of actors in your group)
· An evaluation of the final performance or design.
Component 2: Performing from a Text (20%)
You will study two extracts from the same text chosen by you or your teacher. You can choose to be assessed on acting or design.
You will produce:
· A performance lasting between 5-14 minutes using sections of text from both extracts.
· A written reflective response of your artistic intent to be submitted to examiners.
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (40%)
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes
You will answer:
· Section A: Set Text - A series of questions based on the set text that you have studied.
· Section B: Live Theatre Review – One question from a choice of two, analysing and evaluating a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course.
Revision Guides / Resources
Grade 9-1 GCSE Drama Revision Guide
WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama Study & Revision Guide
Staff Details
Mrs A. Downing (Teacher of English with Drama)
Careers and Progression
Upon completion of the course, you will have gained a wealth of transferable skills, such as teamwork, communication and presentation skills, which will assist you in your future career even if this is not in the world of theatre. Pupils are armed with both analytical and creative writing skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate ideas.
The Drama GCSE prepares pupils for following a creative path of drama or performances in the form of A levels or Btech (there may also be the opportunity to study at a specialist Drama or Musical Theatre school) but it also allows the development of essay writing and analysis of texts and performance meaning it can lead to further study of literature, film and media.
Careers with a drama education span a whole host of employment opportunities; performing, acting, directing, drama therapy, and teaching to name but a few. However, the skills gained through drama are incredibly transferable; any career requiring communication, collaboration and presentation skills would see the value in having gained a drama qualification.
Drama 5 year Curriculum Plan
Click here to view the Year 9 Options information for Drama.
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