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Drama
The Drama department aims to offer students a forum in which to express themselves and the issues that matter to them through performance. The Department aims to embrace a range of themes and topics as well as published play texts and to foster cross curricular links to other Secondary Departments (notably English and History) in the work it undertakes.
Students study a range of skills and performance techniques and use them to explore a range of modern and historic thematic units, often tackling political and social issues through empathetic means. Through their study of play texts students learn to appreciate the playwright’s craft, analyse language, form and structure as well as embracing contextual issues and theatre history. A large part of the course is geared towards practical performance and this is an integral part of teaching and assessment. Through Drama, we believe, students gain essential life skills which will help them in communicating with others and presenting themselves well in the work place and the wider world.
Key Stage 3 (Saltus 7 - 9)
In Years 7-9 students undertake a programme of study intended to give a foundation in basic drama, presentation and communicative skills and to prepare those students who opt to later study GCSE Drama. Much of the study here is based around speaking, listening, group discussion, performance and group collaboration skills.
Key Stage 4 (Saltus 10 and Saltus 11)
At GCSE level students follow Edexcel GCSE Drama 1699. This course comprises a 60% coursework and 40% performance examination. Students work on a thematic based unit which encourages them to consider a range of Drama texts to create their own original Drama. Students also complete a coursework module on an original play text. For their final assessment students work together to produce an externally assessed performance piece. The majority of the assessed work is undertaken in the second year of the course with the first year acting as a preparatory year. During their study they will cover a range of drama skills, medium and texts.
The Graduate Years
In SGY students undertake the Edexcel GCE A Level in Drama and Theatre Studies (8113/9113). This course is divided into 2 years of study AS and A2 – each ends with external examinations and a qualification gained.
SGY 1
Students undertake an AS level course which comprises coursework, performance examination and a written examination.
The coursework component of the course is undertaken through the study of two play texts. Students respond both practically and through written work to the texts and will cover the following areas: plot and subplot; use of language; form and structure; visual, aural and spatial elements; contextualizing the play; subject matter and its treatment; characterization; interpretation of meaning; applying physical actions to the text; vocalizing the text.
For the practical performance element of the course students will take part in a teacher directed production of a published play text. They learn to work as an ensemble and gain insight into the practical elements of theatre.
In preparation for the written examination students hone their critical skills, evaluating both their own performance and rehearsal process and writing review work on live theatre they have seen.
SGY 2
Students undertake the A2 level course which builds on the skills gained in SGY1 as well as building on new areas. Again the course is split between coursework and practical/written examinations. The coursework element is covered in a unit of work focusing on devised drama. The practical performance is revived with students now taking the responsibility for directing. Students’ awareness of theatre history and the evolution of performance is covered in the written examination component.
Examination Years
Further Information
If you would like to read any further information regarding the GCSE or AP curricula outlined within this site please visit either of the following examination board web sites: -
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