Drama and Theatre

The principal aim of Drama and Theatre Studies is to prepare students for a career in the creative and performing arts industry such as acting, directing, producing, designing. Drama can also develop transferable skills that are in demand across almost all industries. These include teamwork, working well under pressure and meeting deadlines, critical thinking skills and developing individual’s emotional quotient. Students develop their presentation and verbal communication skills as well as their written communication skills.  

The Year 7 & 8 curriculum forms the foundation through exploration of genre, style, practitioner, and methodology.  Each unit of work is based around making drama through devising, performing from text, and responding to live theatre.  The Year 9 Keystone curriculum centres around a close study of Lord of The Flies by William Golding. Students undertake a practical research project into Modern Theatre which explores contemporary Directors, Performance Styles and Design.  This correlates with all 3 components studied at GCSE thus preparing students for taking Drama as an option. 

In Years 10 and 11, all students follow the Edexcel GCSE Drama syllabus.  Component 1: Devising assesses the students’ ability to create their own original work and record the process in a portfolio. They may take a performance or Design pathway. Component 2 -Performance from Text requires them to select two extracts from their chosen play text to a visiting examiner.  Component 3- Theatre Makers in Practice centres around study of DNA by Dennis Kelly as well as a Live Theatre Evaluation. 

A-level Drama and Theatre Studies comprises of three components which build on those assessed at GCSE: Component 1 -Devising, Component 2 – Performance from Text, Component 3 -Theatre Makers in Practice.  

As a department we fully support and encourage the whole school ethos of kindness, tolerance, and respect.  There are many opportunities throughout the school year to perform with other year groups. They form close bonds during these times, some of which are lifelong. Visits from practitioners and visits to Live Theatre make this a highly experiential subject. We also have a cross curricular links with Art, Design, Science, Music, English, History, Psychology, Sociology, Politics and Modern Languages. 

Curriculum Map

• Study of a whole text-Lord of the Flies by William Golding an in-depth exploration of this classic text as a designer, actor, and director. Students gain insight into the decision-making process when transposing from page to stage 

• Greek Theatre –students will explore the theme of Toxic Masculinity and use the myth of Heracles to devise their own modern twist on the myth. 

• Devised Work- pupils will use a stimulus which may be a photograph, poem, music, video clip, poster or extract from any work. They will then devise their own piece of work to be performed in competition with other year 9 classes and awarded points for their house.  

• Physical Theatre –Pupils follow a scheme that builds on practitioners studied at Foundation Level. They will work on SPLENDID and deepen their knowledge and experience of Frantic Assembly’s cannon of work. Pupils will recreate PT moments and scenes from War Horse, The Curious Incident of the Dog and Ocean at The End of The Lane- Excellent work will be showcased in a public performance.  

• Live Theatre Review – students analyse the Design and performance elements of a National Theatre production. The whole of year 9 will have an opportunity to attend a Live Theatre Production.  

• Shakespeare- Pupils will explore Macbeth in an abridged format. They will explore the text looking at the original performance conditions which will include a virtual or physical visit to The Globe Theatre. All areas of design will be explored practically and in written formats. Outstanding performers will be invited to take part in “Shake Fest” which will take place on Shakespeare’s birthday in April where year 7/8 /9 and 10 pupils will perform exciting reimagining's of The Bard’s work.  

• The best work will be spotlighted in the following Showcase.  

Exam Board: Edexcel

The aims and objectives are to enable students to: 

• develop their knowledge and understanding of a wide range of theatrical styles, genres, and methodologies  

• develop their knowledge and understanding of the process of rehearsal, direction, design and audience awareness that goes into producing successful pieces of theatre. 

• develop their ability to construct well-argued, well-informed, balanced and structured responses to questions about theatrical process both as a performer and audience member. 

• engage with questions about the creative intent of Theatre Makers and the dramatic impact on both modern and historical audiences. 

• reflect on and develop their own values, beliefs and attitudes in the light of texts studied, stimuli responded to and feedback received from their contemporaries. 

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Modern Theatre as both a business and form of entertainment. 

• demonstrate core skills of group interaction, self-motivation and perseverance, target setting, time management, budget management, negotiation skills when working toward a shared vision. 

• understand the influence of live theatre on individuals, communities, and societies throughout the ages. 

• apply knowledge and understanding, in order to analyse central issues and ideas inherent in Live Theatre and evaluate the impact on audiences. 

• Creative and critical thinking skills through analysing and interpreting scripts. 

• Presentation and verbal communication through regular performances. 

Component 1: Devising  

Non-examination assessment - 40% of the qualification 

● Create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus  

● Performance of this devised piece or design realisation for this performance. 

● Analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance. 

● Performer or designer routes available 

Component 2: Performance from Text  

Non-examination assessment - 20% of the qualification  

● Students will either perform in and/or design for 2 key extracts from a performance text. 

● Performer or designer routes available  

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice 

Written examination: 40% of the qualification  

● Practical exploration and study of one complete performance text. 

● Choice of 12 performance texts. 

● Live theatre evaluation – free choice of production 

Exam Board: Edexcel

The intent of this course is to prepare students for university study, placement in the creative arts industry and has many transferable skills which are valued in the world of work. Texts cover a wide range of issues at a forensic level and really challenge the student’s ability to develop strong lines of enquiry. 

Devising  - 40% of the qualification 

• Students focus on the work of Splendid and experience two workshops over the two years with the founder Kerry Frampton 

• Students are guided through the devising process in preparation for their final piece assessed in year 13. Opportunities for performance to a live audience will take place in both Year 12 and 13 

• Written portfolio 2500-3000 words 

Performing from text – 20% of the qualification 

• Students learn one monologue or duologue in Year 12. They will also select their group performance text 

• Performed at Christmas Cabaret and Summer Showcase  

• Refined in Year 13 and performed to an external examiner 

Theatre makers in practice – written examination 40% of the qualification 

• Students explore the set text of Dr Faustus by Christopher Marlowe and Equus by Peter Schaffer OR Colder than Here by Laura Wade 

• The chosen practitioner is Steven Berkoff 

• Students attend at least three live theatre performances (usually one adaptation of a novel, a Shakespeare play and an immersive piece) over the course of the 2 years 

Year 7 and 8 Junior Institute of Performing Arts (J.I.P.A) meets every Thursday lunch 1:25-1:55 pm in the Drama Studio. Passes for early lunch are available. This club enriches learning already delivered through the curriculum in senior student and teacher led workshops. The aim is to have “Serious Fun!” Pupils are encouraged to prepare their work to performance standard and often perform at public events throughout the academic year.  

Year 9, 10, 11,12,13 Senior Institute of Performing Arts (S.I.P.A) meets Monday and Friday lunchtime 1:15-1:45 pm in the Drama Studio. Pupils use this time to prepare for practical assessments, castings, forthcoming performances or for 1:1 tuition.  

Musical Theatre Club – This is aimed at all year groups who have been cast in our Biannual Musical Productions. Dance, Music, Singing, Acting and Design are all developed during these sessions. This runs every Wednesday lunchtime 1.25-1.55 in the Music and Drama rooms and, nearer show week, every Thursday after school 3:30- 5pm in the Main Hall. 

Shake A Spear Club - This club appeals to those who love the challenge of Shakespeare and aren't frightened of playing with language, physicality, vocality and imagination. Boys play all the parts (yes even the female roles) We love to find the hook for the audience in each scene and land it. We meet every Tuesday 1.25-1.55 or a bit longer for the Tech department which is ever expanding.  

Workshops and Theatre Visits – There are visits to see live theatre performances throughout the school year and the selection of the shows is bespoke for each year group.  

Professional practitioners from the world of Theatre, Film and Design are invited to come and work with students to build on taught lessons and give industry standard insight. SPLENDID are regular affiliates and we have had members of The RSC as part of our inclusion in Shakespeare Schools Festival  

International Tours – Pupils in year 9 opting for GCSE are offered a place on a trip to Athens to springboard their theory and practice. The trip is designed to maximise access to skills that will filter through to their practical assessments and embed Theatre History for their written responses. Our aim is always to “Live it”  

Arts Podcast - Pupils are interviewed about their experience of Music, Art and Drama which could encompass visits, showcase their work, critique professional work, interview practitioners from arts and culture. This is student led and we are looking forward to seeing it grow.