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Drama

Members of the Department

Ms Braniff (Head of Department) Mrs Cauley




 

Aims

Drama aims to encourage students to:

  • develop a personal interest in drama and be motivated and inspired by studying a broad, coherent and rewarding course of study

  • actively engage in the process of dramatic study so they develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds

  • work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas

  • reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others

  • develop and demonstrate competence in a range of practical, creative and performance skills

  • develop as active citizens for their future, in employment and society, as well as for the possible further study of drama

  • consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities

Our facilities include a new state of the art Drama Studio which is fully equipped with lighting, video and sound equipment and a Drama Classroom which is also equipped with lighting, video and sound equipment. We have a green room, a costume store, a Drama office and a beautiful new 350 seater main auditorium, fully equipped with computerised lighting and sound equipment.


 

Key Stage 3

All pupils study Drama in Years 8, 9 and 10. During this time pupils are taught basic skills and drama strategies which are required for further development at GCSE. In the first three years of Drama all pupils take part in the Choral Speaking Competition, the Public Speaking Competition and the Shakespeare Festival. Currently, there are over 100 pupils studying GCSE Drama and over 60 studying A Level Drama & Theatre Studies.


 

Key Stage 4 (GCSE)

Each student must complete the compulsory element of a performance and choose one other task from the range of five on offer: Devised Performance, Prepared Improvisation, Dance Drama, Mime and Design Support. (60%) There is also a written examination with three questions based on a set text. (40%) (CCEA Specification)


 

Key Stage 5 (GCE) EXAMINATIONS BOARD: WJEC SYLLABUS: GCE AS/A LEVEL IN DRAMA Attendance at evening performances of plays is essential. After school and some weekend rehearsals are also a necessary requirement to complete the practical elements. The WJEC GCE AS and A level in Drama and Theatre offers a practical and challenging course of study which encourages learners to:

  • develop and apply an informed, analytical framework for making, performing, interpreting and understanding drama and theatre

  • understand the practices used in 21st century theatre making

  • experience a range of opportunities to create theatre, both published text based and devised work

  • develop the creativity and independence to become effective theatre makers

  • analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others

ASSESSMENT

Unit 1- Theatre workshop 90 marks (24% of qualification) Students participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of theatre based on a reinterpretation of an extract from a text chosen from WJEC. Each student will produce a realisation of a performance, a creative log and an evaluation. Unit 2 – Text in Theatre 60 marks (16% of qualification) Written Exam: 1hour 30 minutes In this unit, students are required to study one complete text. They will demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in interpreting a text for performance in a written examination. They must also evaluate live theatre and are encouraged to approach this unit practically as an actor, designer and director. Unit 3 – Text in Action 120 marks (36% of qualification) Students will participate in the creation, development and performance of two pieces of theatre based on a stimulus by WJEC. A devised piece and an extract from a text. They must also produce a process and evaluation report. Unit 4 – Text in performance 95 marks (24% of qualification) Written Exam: 2 hours 30 minutes In this unit, learners are required to study two complete texts. They will demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and skills in interpreting texts for performance in a written examination and they must also view a minimum of two live theatre productions.

 

TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

knowledge and understanding of a range of practical drama skills including: acting, directing, costume, set designing, technical design collaborative skills with others to present a performance piece, communication skills understanding of the major theatrical styles, performance techniques – interpretation, voice, physicality, stage relationships with others, team work, problem solving, critical thinking

 



 

Oliver Video




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