Drama

Implementation

The Year 10 journey begins with an introduction to the different components of the GCSE course and an understanding of what is required for each. Students work practically to explore a range of stimulus and begin to creatively develop, not only their confidence as actors, but their use of performance skills and techniques. Alongside this, students will begin to explore subject terminology, theatre roles and responsibilities and our GCSE set text. We then move on to the completion of component 2. Students will spend the second term creating, developing and rehearsing their own devised performance based on a given stimulus. They will document the process from start to finish in order to complete the devising log coursework that runs alongside this component. Students will continue to work towards successfully answering sections of the component 1 written exam. We end the year exploring scripts, in groups and as monologue performances, in preparation for the final practical exam in year 11. This term allows is to find genres, scripts and groups that are best suited to each performer to ensure success. With the continuation of theory lessons, by the end of the end final term, all students will be able to understand and answer all sections on the written exam.

The Year 11 journey begins with revisiting our performance skills. Sometime will be given at the start of the first term to revisit some of the scripts that were explored at the end of year 10. Students will be given their final scripted extracts that will be performed for a visiting examiner. As well as this, continued revision will be completed for the final GCSE written exam. We then move on to the completion of the component 2 scripted performance. Students will rehearse and finalise all aspects of their performances and this will be assessed by the visiting examine. Again, continued development of written exam skills and techniques will be taking place alongside all practical work. We wend the year with revision and revisiting the written exam. Students will continue to practise exam skills and essay writing. All knowledge of theatrical roles and responsibilities, the set text and live theatre performance will be secure.

The year 12 journey begins with an introduction to the expectations and different components of the A-level course. Students will be introduced to the set texts for the written exam. Students will also use, develop and refine their performance skills to complete a scripted performance that is accompanied by a written reflective report. We then move on to beginning to create a piece of devised theatre. Students will be introduced to the work of a range of theatre practitioners and will explore their styles through a number of workshops. Students will then adopt one of these styles and implement it in their own performance piece. The continued study of set texts and live theatre evaluation will also take place. We end the year with the completion of the devised performance. Students will finalise and rehearse their performances ready to be assessed and recorded. A working notebook, that tracks, discusses and evaluates their performance will also be completed during this time. Set texts will continue to be revisited and revised, as well as the introduction of the live theatre section on the written exam.

The year 13 journey begins with a recap of what we have completed so far during the course. Quizzing will test students knowledge of set texts and live theatre performances before continuing the study in depth. Practically, students will complete the second of their scripted performances, ensuring their reflective reports are completed alongside this. We then move on to the completion of component 3. Students will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of their chosen practitioner and apply these skills and techniques to their final scripted performance – this will be assessed by an external visiting examiner. The reflective report will also be finalised and submitted. Preparation for the written exam will continue as students consolidate knowledge and understanding as well as exam technique. We end the year with masterclasses and revision sessions to recap and secure students knowledge of the written exams. Students will now feel confident and ready for exam success.

Cultural Capital & Enrichment

We are committed to enhancing our students’ cultural capital and strive to introduce all students to rich and sustained opportunities and experiences that develop every student holistically.  Both GCSE and A Level students experience a range of recorded live performance and scripted texts throughout the course. Drama is a great resource in exploring current and challenging topics and students get the opportunity to research and present their finding through performances. Cultural capital in Drama is influenced by our school values of ‘pride, kindness and resilience.’ 

We facilitate a range of educational visits and experiences including:

• Back-stage roles in school productions 
• Workshop events hosted by LIPA
• Theatre visits
• Participation in school showcase events and public performances

Progression Routes

Academic success in GCSE Drama can lead to more advanced study in our sixth form, at key stage 5, whereby pupils with a passion for the subject are able to study A-Level Drama. We have also had several students go on to study at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts before pursuing careers in Theatre and Performing Arts. As well as academic success, Drama provides a breadth of transferable skills that employees look for such as: teamwork, public speaking, reflective skills and self-evaluation. 

Some potential progression routes from Drama success are:

• Acting
• Careers in theatre
• Teaching
• Careers in Media
• Costume, make-up and stage design