Drama

What topics will my child study in year 7 and 8?

At KS3 Drama enables students to develop and express ideas and concepts which will help them make sense of reality. Drama is a life skill and a creative art form that helps pupils develop their ability to use voice, movement and gesture in acting, mime and improvisation. They can express and manage their thoughts and feelings while working in a safe environment. The development of these skills encourages self-awareness and self-confidence. Assessment is primarily through performance work and there is opportunity to share work across the cohort.

Topics they will cover include:

• Preparing a role
• Devising a piece of theatre from a stimulus
• Script writing
• Exploring different genres of theatre.

What topics will my child study in year 9, 10 and 11?

At KS4, Drama is more focused on practitioners and styles of theatre. Students learn about acting styles such as Stanislavski and Brecht and work primarily from texts in exploring themes and concepts. Assessment is both performance and written. Students take 3 exams: Component 1 is a devised performance from a stimulus which has a portfolio of evidence presented in whichever media they choose, along with a written controlled assessment element; Component 2 which is a performance from a published text; Component 3 which is a timed written exam.

Topics they will cover include:

• Naturalism
• Epic Theatre
• Physical Theatre

Do you have a reading list for this subject?

There are no specific reading lists, however students are encouraged to read as many plays in all styles as possible. Students are also encouraged to watch as much performance as possible whether on Youtube or specific performance channels such as Sky Arts

How can I help my child to excel in this subject?

In addition to checking the DPR judgements and monitoring homework, we find that the most help parents can provide is to encourage their child, and develop their confidence by asking to see the work they are preparing for and giving their own opinion.

Are there any online resources?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zbckjxs

https://www.youtube.com/user/NationalTheatre

http://www.digitaltheatre.com

Do you offer any interventions or clubs my child can attend?

The school participates in external festivals such as the Rudolph Walker inter school Drama Awards, the FUSE international youth arts festival and we are looking to re-introduce the Shakespeare Schools Festival for KS3. Further to that, we have the annual school production in the summer term, and we also provide shorter performances for other school events such as the Winter Showcase, Book Week and assemblies.

Are there any important dates for me to be aware of in your subject?

It is important to note that Drama GCSE exams take place a lot sooner than other GCSE exams, with Component 1 completed by the end of the Autumn term of year 11, and Component 2 completed by the end of April of year 11.

How will my child be assessed at the end of the course?

Component 1: Devising Theatre Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 40% of qualification

Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Learners participate in the creation, development and performance of a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by WJEC.

Learners must produce:

• a realisation of their piece of devised theatre
• a portfolio of supporting evidence
• an evaluation of the final performance or design

Component 2: Performing from a Text

Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner 20% of qualification

Learners will be assessed on either acting or design.

Learners study two extracts from the same performance text chosen by the centre.

Learners participate in one performance using sections of text from both extracts.

Component 3: Interpreting Theatre Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% of qualification

Section A: Set Text

A series of questions on one set text from a choice of five:

1. The Tempest, William Shakespeare

2. The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Bertolt Brecht

3. Hard to Swallow, Mark Wheeller

4. War Horse, Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford

5. DNA, Dennis Kelly

Section B: Live Theatre Review

One question, from a choice of two, that requires analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production seen during the course