Overview of the Drama Curriculum
Head of Faculty: Mrs D Cunningham
Head of Department: Mr A Walker
Vision of Subject
To create a safe and happy learning environment for students to develop confidence and skills – while providing top class extra-curricular opportunities.
KS3
Mixed ability classes receive 1 hour per week at KS3. Homework is issued twice per half term.
KS4
AQA 8261 GCSE drama
Mixed ability classes receive 3 hours of lessons per week. Homework is set 4 times per half term and may include extra-curricular rehearsal.
Key Skills and Knowledge
- Making
- Performing
- Evaluating
The topics students cover throughout Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 are outlined in the table below:
| Year | Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 | Spring 1 | Spring 2 | Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
| 7 | Baseline &
Mini-Scripts Script based SOW. Still Image & basic acting skills |
Darkwood Manor
Creative/ Inventive SOW. Structuring devised drama. |
Evacuees
Historical themed SOW exploring WW2 Structure & drama techniques |
Bugsy Malone
Script based SOW exploration of a text Staging & character skills. |
Silent Movies
Skills based SOW Mime, movement, storytelling through movement. |
Heroism
Skills & Issue based SOW Drama styles & techniques |
| 8 | On The Streets
Issue based SOW looking at homelessness. Structure/Strategy /Symbolism |
School
Multirole play comedy work Characterisation |
Gang Culture
Issue based SOW looking at gang culture Symbolism/ Strategies |
Fame
SOW looking at the trappings of fame. Impact on audience. |
War
Issue based SOW. War and its effects Structure/Impact |
Transformations
Script page to stage & performance technique. |
| 9 | One Drink Too Many
Issue based SOW looking at drink and young people. Script/Structure & Impact. |
7 Deadly Sins
Structuring drama from a stimulus. Exploration of symbolism – mood and atmosphere. |
Let Him Have It
Exploration of the Derek Bentley story. Voice skills/Theatre as a whole |
Status
Issue based SOW exploring historical oppression through status & how to show this onstage. |
Protest
Issue based exploring impact on and influence of the audience. |
Don’t Blame Facebook
Issue based scheme of work about responsible internet use. (TIE) |
| 10 | Intro to GCSE
Compressed intro to GCSE Components 1/2/3 One in three lessons written up & evaluated. Live Theatre Trip |
MOCK
Component 3 Scripted pieces Component 1 Set text Our Day Out |
MOCK
Component 2 Devising Body Image Devising & Log Component 1 Live performance review. |
MOCK
Component 2 Modern Slavery Domestic Violence. Log Book Component 1 Knowledge & understanding of theatre |
Component 2
Holocaust Log book Component 1 MOCK EXAM PREP |
Component 2
Holocaust Performance & recording Component 1 MOCK EXAM (1hr 45mins) |
| 11 | Unit 2
Acting 30% Blood Brothers |
Unit 1 Prep:
MOCK EXAM Section A Body Image Section B Blood Brothers |
Unit 2
Holocaust – 30% Devised Thematic (NB Moderation groups to be decided) MODERATION |
Holocaust Moderation Prep.
Prep for written examination |
Unit 1
Exam preparation and intervention. |
Links to GCSE Exam Board Specifications
The specification code for GCSE Drama Year 10 is 8261
Link to Spec – http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261
Additional Information
Include details of any extra-curricular activities including:
- Interventions – Daily rehearsals lunch and after school.
- Revision sessions – Targeted at key point in the year.
- Trips – Theatre trips and visits.
- Clubs – Annual School Production – Ks3 Drama Club – Musical Theatre Tuesdays.
Teaching Staff
| Mr A Walker | Head of Subject |
| Miss S Gill | Head of Year 7 and Drama Teacher |
| Miss N Cowley | Teacher of Creative Arts (Drama & Music) |