Teaching Staff

• Joanne Howard (DOL)

Curriculum Intent in Drama 

Students will be fully engaged with the stimulus to govern their own learning and not be stagnant in thought. Students are prepared for all aspects of further education, Vocational training or post 16-18 employment through functional learning and thinking skills. We are not preparing actors, we are shaping thinkers. The subject provides a creative outlet for young people to take ownership of their own work. The department is driven by its want to be fresh and contemporary and builds a bespoke curriculum around each cohort of students. 

Key Stage 3 Students will feel comfortable and confident in a creative environment. The department intends to support the learning needs of every student through the development of Core Drama Skills. Learning will be student lead and teacher developed. The department prides itself in responding to the needs of each class through differentiated learning and task. 

Department Information 

Years 7, 8 and 9 Drama is a non-assessed course operating on a one lesson a week basis. The students rotate termly on a carousel. The focus of these lessons is student lead and peer assessed. Learning and curriculum is skills based and bespoke to each group. Progress is monitored through self-identified evaluation and teacher feedback. Groups work towards an end performance incorporating learnt skills and knowledge. 

Key Stage 4 

Key Stage 4: Drama 

Course Title: GCSE Drama 

Syllabus: AQA

Component 1: Understanding drama (Written Exam) 40% of GCSE Final Grade 

Component 2: Devising drama (Practical Coursework) 40% of GCSE Final Grade 

Component 3: Texts in practice (Practical Exam) 20% of GCSE Final Grade 

Students will have the opportunity to visit local theatres and performances to both influence their work and review as part of their written exam.

Year 10 

Component 2: Devising drama (practical): 80 marks in total: 40% of GCSE 

• Process of creating devised drama 

• Performance of devised drama 

• Analysis and evaluation of own work 

• Devising log (60 marks) 

• Devised performance (20 marks) 

This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA. 

Year 11 

Component 3: Texts in practice (practical exam): 40 marks in total: 20% of GCSE 

• Performance of two extracts from one play script 

• Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks) 

Component 1: Understanding drama (Written Exam): 1 hour and 45 minutes: 80 marks: 40% of GCSE 

Section A: multiple choice- Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre (4 marks) 

Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (44 marks) 

Section C: Analysis and evaluation- one question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (32 marks) 

Curriculum Learning Journey