Performing Arts

“Drama is life with the dull bits cut out.”

– Alfred Hitchcock

Key Stage 3 Overview

In Drama you will study a wide range of genres and styles of performance. You will have the opportunity to explore the work of different playwrights and a range of texts which have been produced over time. Additionally, you will learn about controversial issues that spark debate and differences in opinions. You will also experience content that will develop life skills such as; communication skills, confidence, teamwork and decision making.  You will learn key performance skills that will help you in a variety of situations, for example interviews and presentations. Additionally, all units in KS3 link to the two practical components at GCSE level.

Key Skills

In Drama you will learn stage discipline; how to create a character and different ways of showing how your character feels through your vocal and physical expression. You will then be able to apply these skills to everyday life in the future.

KS3 Topics

Year 7

1. An introduction to key drama skills.
2. A full class performance where students devise the journey that an evacuee might have taken during WW2.
3. Performing extracts from a play – “Our day out” by Willy Russell

Year 8

1. Developing performance skills through working with a range of styles, genres and mini scripts
2. An investigation in why a young man is found on some wasteland; focuses on devising from stimulus and how to develop roles.
3. Using the true story of the hanging of  Derek Bentley to demonstrate empathy and devise both short scenes and as full class. 

Year 9

1. A look at how to break the fourth- wall with a focus on Non Naturalistic theatre and developing skills needed at GCSE.
2. Short play study “Arbeit Machit Frie,” Using non naturalistic drama techniques with the aim demonstrate clear actor intention 
3. Full play study of DNA by Dennis Kelly – assessed as GCSE students.

Key Stage 4 Overview

At KS4 Drama students will begin their GCSE course. The course is divided into three different units. Component 1 is the written exam. For the written exam you will study a set text chosen from one of the six texts selected by the exam board. You will learn to analyse the play including the characters. Additionally, you will review a piece of live theatre.  Component 2 is a practical element based on your own creation in Drama. You will be given a stimuli and you will apply your Drama skills in order to create a performance. Component 3 is another practical element, however this is based on a script. You will perform a script to a visiting examiner. The majority of Year 10 will be used to prepare for these three components and for you to experiment with performance to find your strengths and develop your weaknesses.

Exam board

We follow the AQA syllabus – you can find out more here.

Revision materials

Scripts that students take home with them to learn lines.

Blood Brothers book and revision book. Handed to KS4 students when necessary.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zxv7sg8