To view the Key Stage 3 Assessment criteria for Drama – please click here
In Years 7, 8 and 9, all students study Drama on a weekly basis.
There are a range of lessons, projects and schemes that students work on during key stage three, including Shakespeare, mask work, stage fighting and much more.
The basic techniques are taught in Year 7 and then built upon with new projects in Years 8 and 9.
Within the lessons, students will be expected to work cooperatively in different groups, and will participate in different practical and written tasks. It is very important that students are willing to listen and learn, as all Drama activities require self discipline and a sensible attitude.
The Drama department places great emphasis on good behaviour and respect for other people, and we believe that all students are entitled to develop their Drama skills in a safe and positive environment.
Students have an extensive range of extra-curricular opportunities to choose from including;
- Musical Theatre Club for Years 7-8
- The Autumn Gala – all years
- The School Production – all years
- Spring Concert – all years
- Christmas Concert – all years
Year 7
In Year 7 students are introduced to the key skills that underpin drama methodology and practise. Students begin the year with an ‘Introduction to Drama’ that includes games and activities that enable them to work successfully in a practical subject with foundation skills including mime and improvisation. Students also gain an understanding and awareness of Drama as a theatrical art through the study of semiotics with character and plot coming to the fore in their scheme of work on ‘Hamlet’. Drama genres and history are introduced through schemes of work on Greek Theatre and Melodrama.
Year 8
In Year 8, students develop their learning of drama by deepening their understanding and use of the skills learnt in Year 7. Students are introduced to studying text and character in more detail through the play ‘Blood Brothers’ which includes performances of monologues and duologues. Knowledge of genre and style is developed through the study of Commedia Dell’Arte which includes stock characters and key comedic techniques. Student’s confidence in working with each other is enhanced through their study of Physical Theatre.
Year 9
Year 9 begins with an Introduction to GCSE giving students an opportunity to explore the theory and practise of Drama at KS4 in readiness for choosing their options in the Spring Term. The rest of the year is built on the foundation of the GCSE unit with students broadening their knowledge and skills by studying Directing and the work of companies and practitioners including Stanislavski and Frantic Assembly. Students are also introduced to new and innovative theatrical styles such as Verbatim and Physical Theatre.
A full subject overview can be found below.
| Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 | |
| Term 1a | Semiotics
Reading the signs and symbols of the stage including response to theatrical stimuli: Stage configurations/ Props/Costume/Lighting/Script/Sound |
Dramatic Tension
Understanding the role of tension in Drama: Spatial Awareness & Proxemics/Voiceover & monologue/Ensemble & eye contact/Pace & split stage/Improvisation |
Advanced Physical Theatre
Building on skills in Year 8 to advance practise toward devising at GCSE: Ensemble/Duet/Lifts/Sequencing/Choreography |
| Term 1b | Style Carousel
Introduction to theatrical styles and history including: Greek Theatre & Chorus/Naturalism/Pantomime |
Comedy
Understanding techniques for creating comic character, scenario and text: Mime/Mask/Commedia/Improvisation |
Play Text – DNA
Study of text, character and performance: Interpretation/Character/Voice & Face/Use of space/Performance |
| Term 2a | Blood Brothers
Using text to understand: Context/Building & Sustaining a character/Collaboration/Audition/Performance Criteria |
Devising Drama
Understanding devising techniques, stimuli and ensemble work: Thematic/Real Event/Text |
Verbatim Theatre – ‘London Road’
Study of Verbatim as a style including techniques and options for use at GCSE: Social Context & Ethics/Research & Techniques/Verbatim examples/Approaching Text/Approaching Character/Performance Styles |
| Term 2b | Shakespeare Shorts
An introduction to Shakespeare including plot, character, language & techniques: Romeo & Juliet language & Stage Combat/Hamlet & Tension/ Macbeth & Narrative/Twelfth Night & Comedy |
Live Production
Understanding how to approach watching a live production including: Pre-Show/Production Values/Production Roles/Staging/Technical/Performance |
The Business
Introduce students to Theatre as industry: Production Roles/Companies/Creativity/Devising/Presentations & Performance |
| Term 3a | Melodrama
Exploration of style & text: Structure & Stock characters/Physicality/Facial expression & voice/Using props & costume/Performance |
Blood Brothers
Performing theme and context: Interpretation/Decoding characters/Using space/Using props and costume/Performance criteria |
Duologues
Introduction to a range of duologues in readiness for study at GCSE including: Social Context/Interpretation/Character/Narrative/stage Space/Performance |
| Term 3b | The Sound of Musicals
Understanding the tradition of musicals and production roles: The Business/Production Roles/Musical Styles/Awards and Celebration of Achievement |
Physical Theatre
An introduction to PT as a theatrical style and technique: By-Round-Through/Chair Duets/Pair Work/Ensemble Work/Performance/ Awards and Celebration of Achievement |
Preparing for GCSE & Beyond
Applying Drama skills to further study and the world of work: Presentation/Interviews/Research Topic/Social Dynamics/Awards and Celebrations |
To view more about Live Theatre Evaluation – please click here
To view the National Drama Magazine website – click here
