Drama & Theatre Studies
Our mission in Drama is to expose students to all aspects of the world of theatre, including performing and design. We explore style and genre whilst developing students’ understanding and application of technical skill from Year 7 through to Year 13 . Drama develops transferable skills such as communication, confidence and teamwork which are imperative to everyday life.
Drama at Key Stage 3 is aimed to inspire and excite students by exposing them to a variety of styles and genres of theatre.
Course description
In key stage 3 we work on a “skills” and “create” structure. With each term divided into two, we teach key skills and techniques in the first half term and then ask students to apply these to a whole performance. With the inclusion of “Live Theatre” and “Theatre Design” at KS4 and KS5 we also analyse a piece of live theatre in the role of director and designer.
What will you learn about?
Year 7 – Introduction to Drama/Theatre Skills
- Greek Theatre skills (Mask/Ensemble/Mime/Tableau/Choral work)
- Character and Script Analysis
- Live Theatre – Costume Design
- Devising Children’s Theatre
Year 8 – Exploring Genre and Style
- Restoration Comedy
- Mark Wheeller and “Missing Dan Nolan”
- Live Theatre – Set Design
- Creating Drama from a Stimulus.
Year 9 – Exploring Style and Practitioners
- Naturalism – “Blood Brothers”
- Non-Naturalism – Berkoff/Frantic Assembly/Artaud
- Live Theatre – Costume and Set Design
- Adaptation of a Gothic Novel
Students are assessed on all stages of developing a piece of theatre from the rehearsal process, the final performance and a self-evaluation.
To be successful in this subject students will need to be good at and enjoy:
Students must be able to communicate effectively in a group to share ideas whilst devising work and be prepared to take risks and come out of their comfort zones.
Progression routes & career opportunities
Progression onto GCSE Drama and A-Level Drama.
Homework/extended learning
Prop Making
Learning lines for assessment
Design projects