Drama

 Intent 

The overriding objective of the Drama curriculum is to support the school vision of enabling every child to achieve more than they think they can achieve – not just academically but through creative expression and cultural capital. Drama allows us to explore alternatives, to question, to reflect on the past and to seek answers. Through studying Drama students learn to explore social issues, moral and ethical dilemmas, and express their own thoughts and opinions, as well as respect those of others. The practical skills learnt in Drama help students to grow in confidence and command an audience. Our Drama curriculum aims to meet the needs of all pupils, regardless of ability, providing each of them with a range of opportunities to learn and achieve.  

In Yr. 7 we equip students with basic skills to ensure they have a grounding of knowledge they can expand and build upon in their ongoing practice. They build confidence in performance through ‘Stars and Wishes,’ where peers evaluate positives and indicate areas for improvement. In Yr. 8 we build upon the knowledge in Yr. 7 through retrieval practice, as well as learning new skills in design and performance, where the intention is to equip students with the knowledge needed at GCSE level.  

At GCSE level we focus on developing students’ ability to create and shape their own performance work. Students will acquire a breadth and depth of knowledge over the two years; including an understanding of how theatre practitioners and genres have influenced theatre, how to use these influential features to shape their devised performances, how to respond imaginatively to a range of stimuli, and how to interpret a script for performance and create design ideas.  

Implement  

 Students develop skills in practice, the success of which is demonstrated through student performance and written tasks. KS3 learn group co-operation, mime, freeze frame, physical theatre, improvisation. Students have booklets in which to record progress and receive DIRTS from the teacher. Other skills might include, characterisation, vocal and movement skills, realization of a text, devising and design.  At GCSE we follow the OCR syllabus. During the course students will study plays, see live pieces of theatre, take part as either an actor or designer in two formally assessed practical exams, and develop skills in writing in order to analyse the development and success of their own work in performance and response. All of this develops transferable skills such as creativity, self-confidence, communication, evaluation, and teamwork. 

 All students will: 

  • Be encouraged to develop a love of theatre and live performance for enjoyment as well as education  
  • Devise creative and imaginative performances 
  • Apply a range of conventions and styles to structure innovative performance 
  • Interpret and perform a range of existing scripts applying their own artistic vision  
  • Develop written evaluative skills embedded with subject specific language 
  • Explore design including set, costume, music, lights, make up and props to enhance performance 
  •  Understand the process of planning, rehearsing, and reviewing performance 
  •  Articulate their ideas, views, and opinions about a wide range of topics and issues clearly, confidently, and respectfully  
  •  Develop their individual character, including their confidence, resilience and independence, contributing positively to the life of the school 

Impact  

Increased student confidence when performing, secure ability to use knowledge, such that it leads to the independent use of skills to create drama, facilitated by the teacher. Students are more confident at verbally evaluating their own and others work. Students demonstrate that they have a ‘Drama Toolkit’ of skills that they can apply with both text realisation (page to stage), devised work and written response. They have the confidence to create drama from a stimulus using skills learned. Higher achieving students have the knowledge to direct others as well as performing.   

Drama would also aim to:  

  • Establish cross curricular links with Art and Music  
  • Provide suitable, regular theatre visits 
  • Encourage students to support and contribute to the department and the wider school 
  • Produce regular shows for public audience, through GCSE showcase evenings, and whole school productions