Drama
Who we are
What we do
As a Performing Arts Status School, Drama is a highly respected and valued subject within the Curriculum. As well as being taught as a separate subject, Drama also has an impact across the whole school community through cross curricular links; it reaches out into the wider community through a variety of projects and allows student’s access to industry professionals both inside and outside the school environment. In all these varied surroundings Drama is utilised to inspire and educate.
The business world realises there is a clear absence of communication and problem solving skills in young people entering the workplace and has promoted an understanding of the important role Drama has within the school curriculum. Drama gives students an opportunity to discover, practise and refine soft skills, making them valued and highly employable members of tomorrow’s workforce.
How we do it Drama is an exciting & creative course that helps you explore your own life and the lives of others through the use of drama. It will help you develop many of the ‘soft skills’ that so many employers are now looking for, like communication skills, empathy, creativity and confidence. What will I study? Paper 1 : Unit 1 & 2 ( 60% of the final mark) Unit 1: Practical drama lessons which explore a life - theme. In these lessons you will respond to interesting stimuli, develop your own dramas and evaluate your work and the work of others (=30% of the final mark) Unit 2: These are also practical drama lessons but instead of being based on a theme, like Unit 1, these are based on a famous play. You will respond to ideas in the play and develop your own drama. In this unit you will also see a play and write your own review. (=30% of the final mark) Paper 2 (Practical); In a groups of 4/5, you will put together a small show based on an idea of your choice. You will be expected to research, write, act, design, costume and light the show yourselves. An external examiner will mark this and it is worth 40 % of you final mark.
How will the course be assessed?
Paper 1 : Unit 1 & 2 ( 60% of the final mark) For both of these units your teacher will mark you. The mark will be made up of your practical work and the written coursework you produce. You will be marked on responding to, developing and evaluating drama.
The 2 pieces of coursework are made up of written work, designs, and photographs – in fact anything that can creatively show off your abilities. Paper 2: The examiner will mark the small show that your group produces. They will look at the show’s
content, structure, style and the ability of the performers to communicate ideas to the audience effectively. There is no written coursework for this Paper.
What skills will I develop? - Communication
- Confidence
- Creativity
- Physical and perceptual skills
- Speaking and listening skills
- Leadership skills/group work skills
- Understanding of others (sensitivity & empathy)
- Knowledge of other cultures and societies
- Problem solving skills
- An understanding of values
- A lasting enjoyment of theatre
- How will I know if this course will suit me?
1. You must have a keen interest in drama and performance.
2. You must have a strong interest in issues and themes that relate to yourself and the world
we live in.
3. You must be sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others.
4. You must have a sense of responsibility and respect for the work created in a group.
What can I do at the end of the course?
The most obvious use for your skills is the entertainment industry (theatre, film and television).
There are too many careers to mention, so here are a few of them: actor, director, producer, stage-manager, events organiser, stage and costume designer, lighting technician, sound technician.
What visits and Work Related Learning Opportunities will there be? Half moon Theatre Career Day ( Wrote, acted, designed,& publicised a show in a day, working in a professional theatre) Blood Brothers – trip to a West End show Royal Opera House Career’s Day – job opportunities
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre visit Trip to the BBCBlack History Month workshops CFGS Theatre Company How can I find out more? 1. You should talk to older students about the course and their experiences.
2. Log on to getintotheatre.org - a brilliant website for information and career opportunities designed specifically for teenagers.
Which teacher should I contact for more details?
Mr Davey or Mr Catherine. | 
