Drama incorporates Creating, Performing and Appraising skills. Pupils will learn through a range of topical based schemes of learning, in which pupils will have the opportunity to explore and develop these three important skills, as well as several key transferrable skills, such as building confidence, teamwork and listening and learning from others.

We aim for all pupils to embrace drama and enjoy learning in this practical approach.Drama lessons cover a range of diverse and challenging topics and texts at all stages.

See KS3 Drama Learning Journey below.

At Key Stage 4, we build on the skills and knowledge taught in Key Stage 3. The GCSE specification we follow is the AQA specification which we believe builds on the skills and philosophy acquired through Key Stage 3, whilst developing the pupils’ interest in Theatre.

During the course pupils will explore texts, understand the making of characters and how they interact in their relationships with other characters and the audience. As part of the course they will work with professional theatre practitioners. This will give the opportunity to refine performance skills. Pupils will be expected to perform to audiences such as a primary school or parents, go on at least one live theatre trip and attend rehearsals which will take place out of lessons.

Assessment is in three forms: Practical Class Work, Performance and Final Written Exam.

Component 1 - Final written Exam 40%

Section A: multiple choice. Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play Blood Brothers. Section C: one two part question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production.

Component 2 - Devising log and performance 40% Process of creating devised drama, performing the work, and analysing and evaluating it.

Component 3 - Practical coursework 20% Practical performances of two extracts from a play.

See KS4 Drama Learning Journey below.