Key Stage 3

Year 7

Students will learn how to make drama works that engage an audience, to create characters that are believable and to work in non-naturalistic modes of performance. Learning how to respect the work of their peers, critically evaluate their own progress and understanding the diversity of human experience informs all the schemes of learning in year 7:

• Introduction to Drama Skills 
• Introduction to genre and text (Melodrama) 
• Introduction to Devising Skills 
• Broadening understanding of genre and text 

Year 8

Students will further develop their understanding of key performing arts works and increase their confidence and skills when creating or reviewing works of their own. Imaginative and non-naturalistic drama forms will be balanced against content which explores the world students live in and the diverse range of experiences/perspectives they themselves and others might possess:

• Developing Physicality and Voice 
• Page to Stage (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time + Frantic Assembly 
• Developing Devising Skills (text, image, genre) 


Year 9


We are aware at this stage of the curriculum that some students will want to focus less on performance and more on written processes that will support their achievement in subjects such as English. The schemes of learning allow for some student choice, where appropriate, but remain committed to the core aims of ensuring students can speak and move on stage with confidence, focus and skill.

Learners will explore a range of texts and performance works that support a personalised response to learning whilst keeping ensemble development skills at the heart of the work:

• Understanding and Performing text
• Practitioners’ techniques and methods 
• Live Theatre Review 

Key Stage 4

Eduqas Level 2 Performing Arts - current year 10
The BTEC Tech Award is structured around three core components split into internal and external assessments:

• Component 1 (30%) – Exploring the Performing Arts through practical investigation of professional practitioners and rehearsal processes.
• Component 2 (30%) – Developing Skills and Techniques by reproducing existing repertoire in acting, dance, or musical theatre
• Component 3 (40%) – Responding to a Brief, a synoptic external assessment where students collaborate in small groups to create a workshop performance based on a Pearson-provided stimulus.

Eduqas GCSE Drama (Year 11)
Drama is taught within the Performing Arts Faculty. Students will start their GCSE Drama course in year 10 and are assessed in one component during this first year. Students will learn through a combination of practical and theoretical lessons, exploring performance, devising and appreciation.

Students will develop their own performance technique through the study of varying acting styles, exploring different practitioners approaches and genres. Students will develop their ability to creatively respond to a variety of stimuli, devising scenes, and direct as solos and group work.

We also critically appreciate professional works exploring intent, themes, creative process/page to stage and production features. Students will develop teamwork, resilience, confidence and a critical eye. Key skills & concepts of learning:

• Develop knowledge and understanding 
• Develop physical and vocal fluency with an understanding of characterisation
• Develop physical, technical and expressive skills 
• Critically analyse professional work 
• Perform with accuracy and style 
• Develop confidence, resilience, self-discipline and teamwork 

Key Stage 5

Our course will encompass studying, exploring and performing drama, dance drama and musical elements from a range of different perspectives in order to develop a range of transferable skills. 

Theory based content will focus on completing reports, log books and theatre reviews supported by trips and workshops. Students will study 4 units in total - 3 of which are compulsory and 1 is chosen by the teaching team, in consultation with the students for study in Year 13. 

• Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work This unit requires studying 2 different practitioners and the impact they have made on the world of theatre. The lessons will be a combination of practical and theory based work and will lead to a written exam in May of Year 12. 
• Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance Students work towards an evening performance in the February of Year 12 and complete both a log book and a report on career training and opportunity routes within the industry. 
• Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop A devised performance which takes place in Yr13 with supporting written evidence. Final Unit: This will be a choice of acting, movement or musical theatre depending on the skills of the group. 

If you didn’t take Music or Drama at GCSE, you can still join the course, but must show genuine passion and enthusiasm.
 

Teaching Team

Mr J. Waterworth
Head of Performing Arts

Mrs S. Williams

Mrs M. Byng

 

Curriculum Summary