Performance and Expressive Arts

Faculty Leader: Miss C Leath

Teacher: Mr T Sargeant

Curriculum Intent

Pupils will explore drama through a variety of topics, styles and themes during weekly lessons. We aim for all pupils to become confident and expressive in their performance and team-work abilities. Pupils are given the opportunity to analyse the roles within theatre and live productions and will gain an appreciation of their own work and that of others. Pupils will demonstrate respect and empathy as they participate in an engaging, practical curriculum that supports the development of new acting skills, as well nurturing existing talent.

Updated: 25/10/2023 1.40 MB

Key Stage 3

Students study drama every week in Year 7 and Year 8, then once a fortnight in Year 9. They follow a programme of skill development which reflects GCSE Drama and is assessed against that criteria. The skills they develop encourage team work, communication, enjoyment and theatre production as well as performance and every aspect of it. Skills developed are also a basis for continued work at GCSE level in KS4 for students who may wish to choose Drama as an option. Students are encouraged to perform their work for others and to evaluate it to improve development.

Drama Club meets regularly to offer further opportunities. Students have the option to be involved in performances during most terms of the year to demonstrate their skills. Some performances are auditioned and others are open to all levels of skill. Extended curricular opportunities include theatre trips, workshops and invited guests who visit the school. These include professional actors and students from local colleges who can give the students a real insight into studying Drama at a higher educational level, or looking at entering the industry professionally.

Key Stage 4

Updated: 25/10/2023 297 KB

What course do students follow?

GCSE DRAMA: AQA 8261

What will students study?

The specification engages and encourages students to become confident performers and designers with the skills they need for a bright and successful future. The opportunity to participate in performance is built into lessons as much as possible.

All students devise drama.
All students explore texts practically and work on two text-based performances.
Students can choose to develop as a:

performer
designer (lighting, sound, set, costume, puppets)
performer and designer.

Whichever option they choose, students can be sure to gather many invaluable skills, both theatrical and transferable, to expand their horizons.

Transferable Skills

Students learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. They gain the confidence to pursue their own ideas, reflect and refine their efforts. Whatever the future holds, students of GCSE Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace.