Staff & Positions
Subject Leader
Mrs Whitehurst
Subject Teachers
Mrs Schmidt
Introduction and Ethos of Department
The Drama Department aims to stimulate lasting pupil curiosity, interest and enjoyment in the Performing Arts. Furthermore, it aims to familiarize pupils with a body of knowledge, principles, skills and techniques and expose them to a wide range of material, both literary and media.
The Drama Department also seeks to encourage pupils to pursue further study, or a career in the Performing Arts Industry.
Key Stage 3
Overview:
| Year 8 | Year 9 | Year 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept, Oct | Unit 1A: Basic Skills: Exploration of text: “Top of the Mops” | Unit 1A: Scripted: Exploration of text: “The Terrible Fate of Humpty Dumpty” | Unit 1A: Scripted: Exploration of text: “You Made Me” |
| Nov, Dec | Unit 1B: Basic Skills: Rehearsal and Performance of text: “Top of the Mops” | Unit 1B: Scripted: Rehearsal and Performance of text: “The Terrible Fate of Humpty Dumpty” | Unit 1B: Scripted: Rehearsal and Performance of text: “You Made Me” |
| Jan, Feb | Unit 2A: Devising: Exploration of theme: “War/Evacuation” | Unit 2A: Devising: Exploration of theme: “Bullying” | Unit 2A: Devising: Exploration of theme: “Racism” |
| March, April | Unit 2B: Devising: Shaping and Performing Devised Piece: “War/Evacuation” | Unit 2B: Devising: Shaping and Performing Devised Piece: “Bullying” | Unit 2B: Devising: Shaping and Performing Devised Piece: “Racism” |
Assessment throughout the year
Students are assessed five times throughout year in Drama at key stage 3. They undertake one formal, practical, standardized assessment each half term. These usually take the form of paired or small group performances of a piece of script or a devised scene in the exploration of a theme.
Marks are awarded for:
• Completion of homework
• Contribution to group work
• Performance skills in group performance
Homework
Students receive up to two pieces of homework per cycle in key stage 3 Drama. The majority of homework tasks are literacy based. Within each unit students will also be required to complete numeracy tasks, extended writing literacy tasks and ICT research tasks.
Key Stage 4
Overview
At key stage 4 pupils are offered the opportunity to study the BTEC Level 2 First Award in Performing arts (Acting). This is the equivalent of 1 GCSE.
Throughout the two year course, students are required to study 2 core units and one optional unit as follows:
Year 11
| Timescale | Unit | Assessment | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept, June | Optional Unit 3: Acting Skills | Internal, portfolio based | In this unit, students will explore and develop their acting skills, review their own practice and use their acting skills within the rehearsal and performance of a script. |
Year 12
| Timescale | Unit | Assessment | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept, Jan | Core Unit 1: Individual Showcase | External case study | Students will be presented with a case study scenario, whereby they must prepare a letter of application for a job and prepare an audition piece or a technical presentation that demonstrates their relevant skills and knowledge.td> |
| Feb, May | Core Unit 2: Preparation, performance and Production | Internal based portfolio | In this unit, students will take part in the preparations for a live performance. They will then demonstrate their performance or production skills and techniques in a performance. |
Key Stage 5
In sixth form students are given the opportunity to study either: BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)(1 A-Level) or BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting) )2 A-Levels).
Sample course structures are as follows, students will study the following core units:
| BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma | BTEC Level 3 National Diploma |
|---|---|
| Performing to an Audience | Performing to an Audience |
| Principals of Acting | Principals of Acting |
| Performance Workshop | |
| Performing Arts Business |
BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma BTEC Level 3 National Diploma Performing to an Audience Performing to an Audience Principles of Acting Principles of Acting Performance Workshop Performing Arts Business BTEC Subsidiary Diploma students will then study 4 additional units. BTEC National Diploma students will then study 8 additional units. These will be chosen from a comprehensive list of 24 units which include:
- Devising Plays
- Theatre for Children
- Acting Auditions
- Movement in Performance
- Developing Voice for the Actor
- Developing Physical Theatre
- Classical Theatre Performance
- Musical Theatre
And many more ………
About the Course
This BTEC course is designed to provide a specialist work-related qualification.
Students studying Performing Arts (Acting) will organise events/projects which will provide them with practical understanding of the skills required to develop careers within the Performing Arts and related industries.
It provides a pathway into higher education, principally BTEC Higher Nationals and Degree courses in Performing Arts.
Entry Requirement
A GCSE qualification in Drama is not essential but a keen interest in and experience of performing is. This course is not for you if you are reluctant to perform.
Students studying Performing Arts are expected to become actively involved in extra-curricular performances and will be required to attend rehearsals out of class time.
Assessment Plans