Teaching Staff

• Joanne Howard (Director of Learning)
• Todd Murgatroyd
• Samantha Wilkinson
• Beth Dixon

Curriculum Intent for 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.

The department intent is to progress the potential of each student to their target level and beyond. Each student will have a different reason for studying within the department and it is our intent to ensure their achievement; be it for further academic purpose, personal development or fun and interest. We intend to be contemporary in terms of industry practice whilst underpinning the work with historical theatre knowledge. Work produced will have appropriate social, cultural and political themes suitable to the Key stage.

Department Information

The Drama specification is diverse, practical and accessible to students of all abilities. Drama engages and encourages students to become confident performers and designers with the skills they need for a bright and successful future. The arts industry is the fastest growing industry in the UK. The ability to communicate effectively and have confidence in yourself, is important in every vocation, but most importantly in life.

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)

Learning Journeys