Drama
Why is Drama important?
Drama is a practical exploration of emotional and sociological themes and issues, giving pupils a safe space in which to express their ideas. It helps to build a range of valuable skills such as team work, self-discipline, empathy, creativity and improves self-esteem. Studying classical and contemporary scripts and a variety of theatre practitioners provides pupils with an understanding of culture and the changing world we live in. Learning about production elements and the different job roles within the theatre deepens pupil's knowledge of technical theatre and the career opportunities within the performing arts industry and beyond.
Teachers
Miss J Bevan - Acting Head of Department
Mrs C Rosen
Curriculum Map
KS3
Key Skills Required
Those who are most successful in Drama are those who are able to think creatively; this skill will be developed throughout the course. Pupils also need to be reflective about their performance and how it could be improved. One aim of the Drama course is to develop the pupils’ ability to evaluate their own work and that of others. Teamwork is another important skill; pupils need to be able to work effectively with others. Developing communication skills via performance is an important part of the course.
Topics Covered in KS3
Twisted Tales - Challenging stereotypes
Exploring Mysteries - Exploring mysteries
'Ernie’s Incredible Hallucinations' by Alan Ayckbourn
‘Let Him Have It’- An exploration of the justice system
‘It was Terrifying’- An examination of the refugee crisis
‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller
Blackout - consolidating script work
'An Inspector Calls' by J.B Priestley - considering the perspectives of an actor, designer and director
Devising - exploring a range of styles and theatre practitioners
Homework
Pupils receive one homework per week which documents and reinforces their learning. This homework is to be completed in their Home Learning Booklet. They are expected to spend a minimum of 30 minutes on each task. There is also an extension task to further challenge them.
Assessment Details
Teacher/Peer/Self- The pupils will create a performance in the penultimate lesson of a topic which showcases all of their learning. This is recorded and evaluated allowing the pupils to share in their success and set targets for their progression.
Revision support
Books to read:
- His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
- War Horse by Nick Stafford
- Ernie's Incredible Hallucinations by Alan Ayckbourn
- The Crucible by Arthur Miller
Websites to access:
- http://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/discover-more/learning
- http://www.rsc.org.uk/education/online-resources/online-performances/
Key Tips for Success
- Think of imaginative ideas.
- Be supportive to the rest of your team.
- Use every rehearsal minute.
- Be confident when performing.
- Attend an extra-curricular Drama club at lunch time or after school.
- Audition for the annual school production.
How can a parent help their child succeed?
- Encourage your child to read aloud at home.
- Take a family trip to the theatre.
- Encourage them to participate in an extra-curricular Drama club and to audition for the annual school production.
KS4
Course outline/exam content
Component 1 ‘Devising’- A performance is developed from a stimulus that is assessed by your teacher and includes the submission of a portfolio of evidence that documents your progress.
Component 2 ‘Performance from Text’- You perform two extracts from a play in small groups to an external examiner.
Component 3 ‘Theatre Makers in Practice’- A written exam taken at the end of the course which requires you to answer 6 questions on how you would rehearse and perform an extract of text and an evaluation of a theatre performance that you have seen.
What type of student succeeds at Drama GCSE?
Drama requires team-working skills, as well as self-motivation. Confidence and communication skills are just as important as writing ability. Experience in Drama is also necessary as you must be confident when performing in front of an audience.
Homework/revision
Students receive homework every lesson: either practical rehearsal or written work. Outside of lessons we provide the space, resources and guidance; You need to commit to constant rehearsal, research and study.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Our current selection of activities includes weekly classes available at Collage Arts in Wood Green with subsidised places for our students available, free weekly workshops with Jacksons Lane, workshops from Drama Schools including RADA/LAMDA/Central, the opportunity to be in termly school drama presentations, frequent theatre trips to the West End.
Future Directions
Which A Levels could this lead to?
Drama and Theatre, English, Ethics, History, Sociology.
Further Education (FE) courses require Drama and Theatre A Level?
Drama-related degrees range from Acting (at Drama Schools) to Theatre Studies (at Universities) to Applied Theatre (at both). They usually require Drama and Theatre A Level and often English too. Law degree students often took Drama and Theatre A Level.
Which FE courses look favourably on Drama and Theatre A Level?
Drama and Theatre A Level is favourable for any degree which requires creativity and presentation skills. Drama entry requirements are anywhere between BCC and AAB. Some have an audition process.
To which careers could Drama and Theatre A Level lead?
Acting, drama workshop facilitating - it is also relevant to roles involving presentations and public speaking.
KS5
Drama & Theatre (A Level)
Course outline
A Level Drama and Theatre – Component 1 ‘Devising’, 2 ‘Text in Performance’, and 3 ‘Theatre Makers in Practice’.
What type of student succeeds at Drama and Theatre A Level?
Drama requires team-working skills, as well as self-motivation. Confidence and communication skills are just as important as writing ability. Experience in Drama is also necessary.
Subject requirements at GCSE
A minimum of a Grade 6 in Drama GCSE and Grade 6 in English GCSE is required in order to study Drama and Theatre at A Level. In addition, all students must take an entrance audition and exam based on holiday homework.
Complementary subjects
Drama and Theatre is well paired with any Arts and Humanities subject, for instance English, History, or Media. However, students also find it an invaluable creative subject alongside science or business based subjects.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Our current selection of activities includes weekly classes available at Collage Arts in Wood Green with subsidised places for our students available, free weekly workshops with Jacksons Lane, workshops from Drama Schools including RADA/LAMDA/Central, the opportunity to be in termly school drama presentations, frequent theatre trips to the West End.
Homework
Students receive homework every lesson: either practical rehearsal or written work. Outside of lessons we provide the space, resources and guidance; they need to commit to constant rehearsal, research and study.
Future Directions
Which Further Education (FE) courses require Drama and Theatre A Level?
Drama-related degrees range from Acting (run at Drama Schools) to Theatre Studies (at Universities) to Applied Theatre (at both). They usually require Drama and Theatre A Level and often English too. It is interesting that Law degree students often took Drama and Theatre A Level.
Which FE courses look favourably on Drama and Theatre A Level?
Drama and Theatre A Level is favourable for any degree which requires creativity and presentation skills.
What are the entry requirements to study Drama at FE level?
Drama entry requirements are anywhere between BCC and AAB. Some have an audition process.
To which careers could Drama and Theatre A Level lead?
Acting, Theatre Designing, Directing, Producing, Drama, as well as leading workshops.
As a Drama and Theatre student, I have been involved in school productions, drama competitions and theatre trips. I love growing in understanding of the world around me and myself as a person. Having the opportunity to work with Mountview Drama School has convinced me that this is the path I want to pursue. Student