Drama

Drama

Intent and Aims to Learning in Drama

The Drama Department makes an important contribution to students’ progress in Sexey’s School. Through active involvement in making drama, performing drama and responding to drama, it offers students the opportunity to:

  • use the unique process of drama to explore, represent and reflect upon their own experience and the lives of others.
  • experience theatre, one of the most accessible and significant artistic forms through which people makes sense of the world.

The Drama Department at Sexey’s School works towards furnishing a richness of opportunity and a quality of learning that encourages each individual to achieve their potential by providing:

  • equal access for all students through a range of dramatic experiences.
  • balanced schemes of work that allow for progression and self-evaluation.
  • a purposeful, creative environment encouraging expression and imagination.
  • opportunities and experiences that encourage self-confidence.

Within Drama lessons at Sexey’s School, students will have opportunities to:

  • develop positive group dynamics and cooperative attitudes when working with others.
  • enhance social contact and develop negotiation, listening, speaking and evaluation skills.
  • develop fine control skills through their use of movement and voice.
  • incorporate knowledge from other curriculum areas.
  • experience drama from different cultures and times.
  • understand key concepts and working methods involved in drama.
  • expand their dramatic and theatrical vocabulary.

articulate views imaginatively and expressively through personal and creative responses.

Key Stage 3 Drama Curriculum

Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 follow the Drama Department syllabus, a three-year course based on a conventional approach, which encourages the development of basic Drama skills.

This course has two main functions:

  1.  The development of the individual and his/her understanding of him/herself and his/her environment. Throughout the course of study, both student and teacher will explore and evaluate a series of simulated experiences, which are designed to stimulate personal responses and assist in the formulation and appropriate expression of individual opinions.
  2. The development of the individual’s understanding of and familiarity with the dramatic process. The course encourages the students to become fully conversant with the language and movement of Drama, the tools by which they explore situations and their attitudes towards them.

Students are assessed against Drama Department Criteria as defined on the Key Stage 3 Drama Assessment sheet. These criteria relate to requirements for drama in the English National Curriculum in order to bring a consistent assessment approach across the key stage and cover the skills of Discussion, Imagination, Collaboration, Skills Acquisition, Presentation and Evaluation.

The overall aim of this course is to encourage students to communicate and work with others in a productive and supportive manner, skills required in all occupations. Students will be able to draw upon these school experiences in whatever future working environment or social situation they may find themselves.

Key Stage 3 Drama Programme of Study

In Year 7, students are introduced to the basic drama techniques and practical skills needed to create and sustain a role as well as the disciplines required in presenting work for an audience.  Students analyse and interpret dramatic works, applying the devices identified within their own original presentations.

  • Drama Strategies: Mime, Still Image, Staging Theory, Evaluation, Role Play, Improvisation, Choral Speaking (Introducing physical expression, skill acquisition and audience communication) 
  • Drama Play: Classic & Modern (Exploring storytelling and character motivation using strategies & devices; interpreting script for performance, developing spatial awareness & controlling audience focus)
  • Drama Style & Theme (Creating & developing a role; sequencing action; developing and expressing opinion)

In Year 8, students build on the skills learnt in Year 7 and learn how to create more developed characters using more involved presentation techniques. Students also develop a practical knowledge of drama from different times & cultures through the analysis of dramatic works and applying the devices identified within their own original presentations.

  • Developing Drama: Mask, Improvisation & Shadow Theatre (Developing character physicality; creating informative dialogue; audience interaction; exploring structure & sequencing; technique integration & the creative response).
  • Genre & Style (Creating & sustaining extreme characters; genre & style analysis; sequencing action; exploring stylistic performance; creating tension & building to a climax).
  • Creating Script & TIE (Endowing dialogue; analysis of style & narrative structure; writing for performance; exploring PSHE issues; performing to inform & educate; consolidate technique acquired).

In Year 9, students extend and deepen prior learning whilst being introduced to acting technique and more advanced staging applications, thereby providing a link with KS4.  Students analyse and interpret dramatic works as well as both professional and amateur performances, applying devices identified within their own original presentations.

  • Stagecraft & Physical Theatre (Physical control & discipline; understanding theatre; audience manipulation; creative approaches; genre analysis; use of symbolism and creative physicality).
  • The Devising Process & Issue Drama (Exploring stimuli & topical issues; creating & developing drama; performing with impact; finding a voice & communicating opinion).
  • Interpreting Plays: Modern & Classic (Ensemble performance; stylistic approaches & script interpretation; understanding character motivation & alternative ways to create original scripts).

Key Stage 4 Drama Curriculum

Students in Year 10 follow the WJEC Eduqas GCSE Drama (C690QS) syllabus, a two-year linear course culminating in a written examination.

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Drama offers a broad and coherent course of study which enables students to:

  • apply knowledge and understanding when making, performing and responding to drama
  • explore performance texts, understanding their social, cultural and historical context including the theatrical conventions of the period in which they were created
  • develop a range of theatrical skills and apply them to create performances
  • work collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate ideas
  • develop as creative, effective, independent and reflective learners able to make informed choices in process and performance
  • contribute as an individual to a theatrical performance
  • reflect on and evaluate their own work and that of others
  • develop an awareness and understanding of the roles and processes undertaken in contemporary professional theatre practice
  • adopt safe working practices.

The WJEC Eduqas GCSE in Drama is an exciting, inspiring and practical course. The specification promotes involvement in and enjoyment of drama, as performers and/or designers. Additionally, it provides students with opportunities to:

  • attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members
  • participate in and interpret their own and others’ drama
  • work practically as performers and/or designers in Components 1 and 2.
  • investigate a practitioner or genre of drama
  • work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions, forms and techniques to produce and realise a piece of original theatre
  • participate in the performance of an extract from a play text
  • demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama, including their ability to interpret texts for performance, in a written examination
  • study their chosen text practically as a performer, designer and director.

The WJEC Eduqas specification is designed with both practical and theoretical elements, which will prepare students for further qualifications in performing arts, drama, dance, music, media studies, film studies and art and design. It has a 60% practical & written assessment and 40% written examination. Students complete three units of work as outlined below:

Component 1: Devising Theatre Practical Work & Portfolio & Written Evaluation

40% of GCSE. Students will be assessed on either acting or design and will participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by WJEC Eduqas.

Component 2: Performing from a Text Practical Examination

20% of GCSE. Students will be assessed on either acting or design. They will study two extracts from the same performance text and participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre 1 hour 30 min Written Paper

40% of GCSE. Section A: Set Text – A series of questions on set text. Section B: Live Theatre Review – One question, from a choice of two, requiring analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course.

Students in Year 11 follow the AQA Level 2 Technical Award: Performing Arts (3745) syllabus, a two-year course incorporating 120 guided learning hours culminating in a written examination.

The AQA Level 2 Technical Award: Performing Arts encourages students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • a variety of performing arts genres and performance styles
  • the ways in which performers and designers communicate meaning to an audience
  • a range of stage and performance conventions
  • appropriate performing arts terminology and how to use it
  • how performances are constructed and realised via the study of professional work
  • how to create, interpret and communicate a role, character or idea
  • the performing arts within its social, cultural and historical context, identifying and establishing how this might impact on any performance.

Students are given opportunities to develop the ability to:

  • develop applied knowledge and practical skills in the performing arts
  • use improvisation skills in a range of performing arts contexts
  • apply performance and/or production skills
  • select, synthesize and use ideas and skills to create performances
  • acquire reflective and evaluative skills in response to a range of performances
  • work collaboratively and creatively to achieve shared dramatic intentions

The TA specification is designed with both practical and theoretical elements, which will prepare students for further qualifications in performing arts, drama, dance, music, media studies, film studies and art and design. It has a 60% practical & written assessment and 40% written examination. Students complete three units of work as outlined below:

Unit 1: Unlocking Creativity Practical Work & Portfolio        

30% of TA. Internally assessed and externally moderated. Students will create a performance idea based on a given brief and present a short extract of their performance idea. They will learn how to understand, plan and deliver the activities required to put on a successful performance including business planning and pitching. They will develop their ability to produce a portfolio of research, planning and ideas to enable them to put on a performance. They will acquire and practice effective techniques for pitching their ideas as a group to camera whilst refining their ability as a performer and designer.

Unit 2: The Production/Performance Practical Work & Log Book           

30% of TA. Internally assessed and externally moderated. This unit builds on the skills acquired in Key Stage 3 by giving students the opportunity to work towards producing a performance to an audience based on a list of five briefs. They demonstrate their performance or production skills as they devise, rehearse and perform their work. They will choose either a performance role (acting, dancing, singing, instrumental musician, musical theatre, variety performance, pantomime, physical theatre and circus skills) or a production role (costume, set design, properties, make-up, lighting, sound, stage, original writing, directing, choreography, PR and film production.) Students demonstrate understanding of the performing arts process by completing a log book, which describes, analyses and evaluates the creation, development and performance of their work.

Unit 3: The Performing Arts Experience 1hr 30 min Written Paper.

40% of TA.  Students will build up a body of knowledge and understanding from Units 1 and 2 as well as from research and analysis into: roles and responsibilities within the performing arts industry; the role of performing arts in society; approaches to rehearsal; working as a deviser/performer/director; marketing and public relations; health and safety; design and technical elements; reviewing performances. This unit allows students to respond to a range of questions designed to assess their knowledge across the performing arts.

In preparation for Units 1 and 2, students explore not only particular themes and stimuli in devising work but also the techniques by which the exploration takes place. This is a natural development from Key Stage 3 although techniques are obviously analysed in greater depth. Scripted performance and theatre arts are studied to give students a greater understanding of the skills involved as well as the effects they have on the presentation of their work.

To prepare for Unit 3, the written examination, students undertake detailed analysis of their own work and the work of others from the perspective of practitioner and observer. They research the performing arts industry and how it works via case studies and guided learning tasks which will help them acquire knowledge and understanding of the terminology and processes of theatre. Students are also presented with opportunities to attend live & digital theatre productions.

The overall aim of this course is to ensure students are best equipped to handle the coursework assignments and the written examination. It could also stimulate an appreciation of the performing arts as an Art form.

Key Stage 4 Drama Programme of Study

In Year 10, students:

  • develop knowledge & understanding of drama techniques & processes
  • reflect on & evaluate their work in order to communicate understanding
  • interpret & communicate scripts through the application of performance/production skills
  • acquire & utilise drama terminology when commenting on their work
  • acquire facility with transcribing practical skill use into short & long form written responses
  • analyse & evaluate performance & production skill use in live & digital performances

In Year 11, students:

  • complete TWO assessments in performance/production

Sept – Dec Unit 1: Unlocking Creativity

(Practical Work & Portfolio)

30% of TA. Preparation, rehearsal and production of Portfolio & Pitch Performance. Internally assessed and externally moderated.

Jan – Mar Unit 2: The Production/Performance

(Practical Work & Log Book)

30% of TA. Preparation, rehearsal and production of Performance/Production. Internally assessed and externally moderated.

  • complete a final written examination

May/June Unit 3: The Performing Arts Experience

(1hr 30 min Written Paper)

40% of TA. Preparation, revision and sample question practice for Section A – Understanding the performing arts industry; Section B – Working in the performing arts industry; Section C – Working to a brief.

Unit 1 and 2 Assessment Options:

Performance – acting, dancing, singing, instrumental musician, musical theatre, variety performance, pantomime, physical theatre and circus skills.

Production – costume, set design, properties, make-up, lighting, sound, stage, original writing, directing, choreography, PR and film production.

WJEC Eduqas GCSE Drama (C690QS)

Eduqas GCSE drama spec from 2016

AQA Level 2 Technical Award: Performing Arts (3745)

AQA Level 1 2 Tech Award -3745-SP-2017

Key Stage 5 Drama Curriculum

Students in Years 12 and 13 follow the AQA A Level in Drama and Theatre (7262) syllabus, a two-year course culminating in a written examination. The AQA A Level in Drama and Theatre encourages students to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • the theatrical processes and practices involved in interpreting and performing theatre
  • how conventions, forms and techniques are used in drama and live theatre to create meaning
  • how creative and artistic choices influence how meaning is communicated to an audience
  • how performance texts are constructed to be performed, conveying meaning
  • how performance texts are informed by their social, cultural and historical contexts and are interpreted and performed for an audience

Students are given opportunities to develop the ability to:

  • create, perform and respond to drama and theatre
  • develop the creativity and independence to become effective theatre makers
  • explore the relationship between theory and practice in a range of theatrical styles and periods and historical, social and cultural contexts
  • learn how relevant research, independent thought and analysis of live theatre production can inform decision making in their practical work and put this understanding into practice
  • transcribe practical skill use into long form written responses.
  • experience the ways in which theatre makers collaborate to create theatre.

The A Level specification has a 60% practical assessment (performance and portfolio/working notebook) and 40% written examination. Students study five performance texts plus devised drama as outlined below:

Component 1: Drama and Theatre 3 hr Written Paper

40% of A-Level. This component focuses on the interpretation of TWO plays from a performance perspective as well as the analysis of live theatre. Students undertake practical study of a play from a significant period of theatrical history in order to develop a theatrical overview that will allow them to respond as an actor, director and designer. Students also study a play from 20th or 21st Century Drama to respond as a director, actor and designer to communicate their interpretation of a given extract. Students study ONE play that they will have an opportunity to see as a live or digital production, in order to analyse and evaluate how theatre practitioners have applied their skills to communicate effectively with an audience.

Component 2: Creating Original Drama Devising Working Notebook & Performance

30% of A-LevelInternally assessed and externally moderated by postal moderator.

This component builds on the skills acquired at GCSE by giving students the opportunity to create an original devised drama for an audience. Their work will be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed theatrical practitioner. Students demonstrate their acting, directing or design skills as they devise, rehearse and perform their work in a selected style. Students demonstrate understanding of the devising process by producing a devising working notebook, which describes, analyses and evaluates the creation, development and performance of their work.

Component 3: Making Theatre Practical Exploration, Theatrical Interpretation & Reflective Report. 30% of A-Level.  Externally assessed by visiting examiner

This component gives students an opportunity to demonstrate their acting, directing or design skills as they practically explore and theatrically interpret THREE extracts from THREE different published plays. The third extract should be heavily influenced in terms of theatrical aims, rehearsal methods and performance/production style by the work of a theatre practitioner who has made a significant contribution to theatre practice and will be performed as a final assessed piece. Students demonstrate understanding of the exploration and performance process by producing a reflective report, which describes, analyses and evaluates the exploration, development and performance of their work. They are assessed as an actor, director or designer for this unit.

Entry Requirements:  Grade 4 in English and/or Drama

The AQA A Level Drama and Theatre Written examination allows students to demonstrate creativity and imagination in interpreting set texts and apply independent thinking as they evaluate live theatre production. Higher education institutions value and respect the skills this qualification provides as it incorporates the undergraduate approach meaning students will be well prepared for the demands of university and beyond.

Students of AQA A Level Drama and Theatre develop skills that are essential for a wide range of higher education subjects and in the workplace: collaborative skills, analytical thinking and approach to research. Students grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences cultural and social contexts can have on decision-making.  Whatever the future holds, students of A-level Drama and Theatre emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills preparing them for their next steps.

Key Stage 5 Drama and Theatre Programme of Study

A-level Drama and Theatre offers students the opportunity to explore drama as a practical art form, communicating ideas and meaning to an audience through choices of form, style and convention.

In Year 12, students:

  • develop/refine knowledge and understanding of drama techniques and processes
  • reflect on and evaluate their work in order to communicate their understanding
  • acquire/extend and utilise drama terminology when commenting on their work in person or on paper
  • acquire facility with transcribing practical skill use into long form written responses
  • study Antigone by Sophocles & the context of Greek Theatre
  • analyse & evaluate performer, director & designer skill use in live & digital theatre productions
  • explore TWO extracts for performance from TWO contrasting texts
  • develop knowledge and understanding of contrasting theatre practitioners through analysis, practical application and evaluation of their methodologies
  • study Metamorphosis by Steven Berkoff & the context of 1960’s British Theatre

In Year 13, students:

  • complete TWO controlled assessments as either a performer, director or designer

Sept – Dec Component 3: Making Theatre

30% of A Level.  Preparation, rehearsal and production of Practical Exploration Reflective Report & Theatrical Interpretation. Externally assessed by visiting examiner.

Jan – Mar Component 2: Creating Original Drama

30% of GCSE.  Preparation, rehearsal and production of Devising Working Notebook & Performance. Internally assessed and externally moderated by postal moderator.

  • complete a final written examination

May/June Component 1: Written Examination: 3 hr Written Paper.

Preparation, revision and sample question practice for Section A – Set Play: Drama through the ages; Section B – Set Play: 20th & 21st century drama; Section C – Live Theatre Production.  40% of A Level

Assessment options:

  • Performer
  • Director
  • Lighting Designer
  • Sound Designer
  • Set Designer
  • Costume Designer
  • Puppet Designer

AQA A Level Drama and Theatre (7262)

https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/resources/drama/specifications/AQA-7262-SP-2016.PDF

Spiritual, Moral, Social or Cultural Opportunities

Attitudes and approaches adopted within the work of the Drama Department at Sexey’s School contribute towards the general development of students. Moral and social issues, personal relationships and group dynamics are very much a part of the Drama classroom where students work together to explore the spiritual experiences, social issues, moral questions and cultural touchstones surrounding the characters they create when devising and interpreting script. The engendering of commitment and cooperation, as well as a sense of communal purpose and spirit rises from the wide range of dramatic performances, opportunities and activities available to students across each Key Stage. Above all, Drama involves the whole person, intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Extra-curricular Drama

The Drama Department regularly enriches the drama curriculum with the use of live theatre, student performances and workshop activities.  A balance is evident as activities occur across all Key Stages.

Theatre Visits

Theatre visits are arranged regularly, and where possible, the department hosts theatre companies at the school.  As well as enriching the drama curriculum, this provides links with the community and opportunities for primary school liaison.

Productions

The Drama Department believes that school productions provide valuable opportunity for students to broaden their knowledge and develop a sense of responsibility and community.  Whole school productions provide opportunities for cross-curricular links as do departmental performances of student work and published plays.

Students have opportunities to get involved in the organisation and performance of:

  • Whole School Musicals
  • Key Stage 3 Productions
  • Examination Performance Evenings
  • Showcases of Student Work

Trinity Guildhall Acting and Speaking Graded Examination Tuition

The Drama Department provides individual tuition in Trinity Guildhall Acting and Speaking Grade examinations.  Trinity Guildhall Grade examinations encourage students to engage with as wide a variety of performance activities as possible while developing their skills within an integrated framework of assessment.  Examinations are available for individuals, pairs or groups of three or more and classes run according to the requirement of the student’s examination.

Most Able Opportunities and Support

Most Able students have equal access to all Extra-curricular Drama activities and experiences. In addition, the Drama Department provides opportunities for Most Able students to develop their abilities by:

  • displaying performance opportunities within the wider community.
  • coaching and preparing students for The Cranmer Awards.
  • coaching and preparing students for scholarship, further education and professional auditions.

notifying talented drama students about relevant workshop, competition and audition opportunities as they occur via school email and displays within the drama studio.

SEND Opportunities and Support

SEND students have equal access to all Extra-curricular Drama activities and experiences. In addition, Drama by its nature provides equal access for all students to a variety of dramatic experiences. Strategies employed by the Drama Department for special needs provision include, but are not restricted to those embraced within Quality First Teaching:

  • highly focused lessons based on clear objectives that are shared with students and revisited.
  • process frameworks displayed in the room to promote independent student learning
  • scaffolds for sequencing practical work and structuring long form written responses to support independent student learning.
  • high demands of student involvement and engagement with their learning.
  • high levels of interaction for all students.
  • appropriate use of teacher questioning, modelling and explaining.
  • careful explanation and re-visitation of new vocabulary and opportunities for its use in student reflection of work.
  • an emphasis on learning through dialogue, with regular opportunities for students to talk both individually and in groups.
  • an expectation that students will accept responsibility for their own learning and work independently.
  • lively and interactive teaching strategies that make maximum use of visual, kinaesthetic and auditory/verbal learning.
  • regular use of encouragement and authentic praise to engage and motivate students.

Drama Department Staff

Head of Department: W Kiddell

LAMDA Specialist: S Homan

Useful revision website links

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/revision/aqa/gcse-drama-exams-and-revision-aqa-explains-what-you-need-to-do

https://www.bbc.com/bitesize/subjects/zbckjxs

http://www.gojimo.com/gcse-drama-revision/

http://www.gojimo.com/a-level-drama-revision/

Updated November 2022