Drama
Drama is an excellent subject which allows students to use their imagination and creativity through practical learning. The skills taught in Drama include, team work, leadership, communication, risk taking, creativity and problem solving, which are transferable skills across the curriculum. Drama allows students to explore people from other places, times and cultures in a safe, supportive learning environment. Drama promotes self esteem and provides all students with a sense of achievement.
In key stage 3 students are taught the three stages of Drama, creating, performing and evaluating. Students are taught a range of dramatic conventions which they develop over the three years. The topics studied in Drama are interesting and stimulating and relevant to the world in which we live. The topics covered in key stage three are:
Year 7
Introducing Drama
Bullying
Evacuation
Crime and Punishment
Romeo & Juliet
West side Story and Stage fighting
Year 8
Running away
Old Age
War
Peer Pressure
Shoplifting
Physical theatre
Year 9
Addiction
Pantomime
Taster session to BTEC Drama
Introduction to script
Our Day Out
Holocaust
In Key stage 4 students study BTEC Drama which is a performance based subject. Students study 3 units over the course of 2 years. The first unit of the course covers the basic principles of acting. Students develop their vocal & movement skills and work towards producing a performing role. In the second unit which is done in year 11 students work together in groups on a devised piece of drama, which is presented to a specific audience. The last unit looks at consolidating all the skills students have developed over the 2 years, and work towards performing a scripted piece of drama. They must decide on their use of costume, set, props, lighting and sound. As well as performance skills students develop evaluation skills, focusing them to evaluate and improve their own work and to be able to give constructive feedback to their peers.
“I look forward to going to my BTEC Drama lesson because I find it interesting and exciting. You never know what you are going to do as there is always a new experience every week. This course has boosted my confidence and I am more comfortable speaking aloud and performing in front of my peers. My teachers give us interesting work to do and set work to a level which they think I can achieve, they always make it enjoyable and fun”
Ashleigh Fraser Year 10
Enrichment Activities
Students in KS3 and KS4 are given the opportunity to attend the theatre; this enriches their understanding of Drama and gives them an opportunity to watch professional actors on stage.
The Drama department run a weekly drama club for KS3; students develop their skills in improvisation and script work.
