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Drama

Our curriculum is designed to nurture the artistic talents and passions of students, providing them with a comprehensive education in the captivating world of performing arts. Through a diverse range of disciplines such as drama, dance, music, and more, students will explore their artistic potential, develop essential skills, and gain a profound appreciation for the performing arts. Our curriculum combines theory and practical application, empowering students to express themselves, collaborate with others, and engage audiences through captivating performances.

With expert teaching all students will receive expert guidance and mentorship to sharpen their techniques, ignite their imagination, and discover their unique artistic voice.

What makes a good student of Performing Arts?

Demonstrates a genuine passion and dedication for the performing arts.
Possesses excellent discipline and commitment to honing their skills.
Shows versatility and a willingness to explore different performing arts disciplines.
Exhibits strong teamwork and collaboration skills, valuing the contributions of fellow performers.
Displays stage presence, confidence, and the ability to engage and captivate an audience.
Demonstrates effective communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, in their performances.
Exhibits a strong work ethic and takes initiative in rehearsing and perfecting their craft.
Shows resilience and adaptability in handling challenges and constructive criticism.
Has a strong sense of creativity and originality, bringing their unique interpretations to performances.
Demonstrates an understanding and appreciation for the historical and cultural aspects of the performing arts.

Key Stage 3 Curriculum

Curriculum Journey

Year 7 students will learn about the following:

Harry Potter
Oliver Twist
Silent Movies
Shakespeare
Who Killed the Gingerbread Man?
Improvisation

Year 8 students will learn about the following:

War
Civil Rights
Genre
Blood Brothers
Newsies
Physical Theatre

Year 9 students will learn about the following:

Teechers
Panto
Mobile Phone
Devising and Stimulus
Theatre Review
Task Master

Key Stage 4 Curriculum

Exam Board - Edexcel

What is the course?

This is a predominantly practical Drama course, comprising of three components of study including text- based performance, devised performance and a written examination from Edexcel. You will explore a variety of different styles and genres of Drama as well as the techniques and processes behind creating a performance. You will be expected to take part in a variety of performances, as a performer and a designer.

What will I be taught?

You will develop the ability to recognise and understand the roles and responsibilities of performer, designer and director. You will explore and grow to understand the social, historical and cultural contexts of texts and gain the ability to analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others. The ability to understand how performance texts can be interpreted and performed is central to the course, refining your own ability to perform.

What Units will I study?

Component 1: Devising Theatre. Devise a piece of theatre for which they then perform/design elements.
Component 2: Performing from a Text. Performance or design work for two contrasting extracts from a play.
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre. Written Examination based on a play which has been explored practically, plus an evaluation of a piece of live theatre.

Is there a practical element to the course?

This is a practical course with a strong emphasis on Drama exploration and performance or design skills.

What skills will I learn?

You will learn performance or design skills as well as team work, communication and independent research skills.

What would be expected of me?

We expect all students following the Performing Arts courses to complete assignments on time, to rehearse, and to come to lessons fully prepared. We expect students to behave professionally during performances and to have a strong work ethic in preparation for performances. We also expect students to participate in the enrichment activities offered by the department.

Is there coursework involved in this course?

Coursework is an essential part of the course, in the form of a portfolio and evaluation for Component 1 and an explanation of artistic intention for Component 2.

How will I be assessed?

Component 1: Devising (40% of final grade) is internally assessed and externally moderated. You create a devised piece for performance and produce an accompanying 2000-word portfolio. You will evaluate the final performance, in a timed assessment.
Component 2: Performing from a Text (20% of final grade) is externally assessed. You take part in two performances of two contrasting extracts from a play.
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre is externally assessed (40% of final grade) via a 1 hour 30-minute examination about a play you have studied and also an evaluation of a play you have watched. Practical activities and controlled assessment performances will be recorded.

What course or employment can I progress to at the end of the course?

You will be able to study Level 3 Drama/Performing Arts qualifications and will prove useful to those who plan a career involving communication and creative skills.

Teaching Hours: 5 hours per fortnight

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

BTEC – Level 3 - Extended Certificate in Performing Arts

The BTEC Level 3 in Performing Arts is a vocational qualification with a focus on developing practical skills and techniques in a range of performing arts disciplines and critical analysis skills and contextual understanding of practitioners' work. Learners will gain a taste and an appreciation of performing arts, through knowledge and experience of the performance process. Learners will also have the opportunity to develop a range of skills, techniques and personal attributes which will be valuable across all areas of future study and work.

Course Details

Unit 1: Investigating Practitioners’ Work
Unit 2: Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance
Unit 3: Group Performance Workshop
Optional Unit: Catered for class

How the course is delivered

The course is unit based and each unit is given a credit value depending on the guided learning hours. At the start of each unit, you will receive an assignment brief detailing the tasks and criteria to be met. At the end of each unit, you will be given a grade of pass, merit or distinction.

Entry Requirements

Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English Literature or Language and Maths. Subject specific results will also be considered when choosing this course, students should have taken either one or more of the following Dance, Drama and Music.

Teaching Hours: 8 hours per fortnight

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

To extend learning beyond the classroom, you should consider doing some of the following tasks:

Joining a local theatre group will provide you with opportunities to participate in productions, enhance your performing skills and gain experience in performing in front of an audience
Enrol in a dance group outside of school to allow you to explore different styles, improve your technique and participate in live performances.
Learn a new musical instrument either through organised music lessons or teach yourself through online resources such as YouTube.
Visit a theatre to see a play, dance show or musical performance to expose you to a variety of performances and styles.

You can also extend your learning through reading. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Book title	Book author
Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time	Mark Haddon
War Horse	Michael Morpugo
To Kill A Mockingbird	Harper Lee
Noughts and Crosses	Malorie Blackman
Perks of being a Wallflower	Stephen Chbosky
Daisy Jones and the Six	Taylor Jenkins Reid
Hope in a Ballet Shoe	Michaela DePrince
Sing like no ones listening	Vanessa Jones
Jennifer Lawrence: Girl on Fire	Nadia Cohen
Life in Motion - An unlikely Ballerina	Misty Copeland