Drama is studied by all Year 8 and 10 pupils in the school. The Junior Drama taught throughout the department introduces thinking skills and personal capabilities which promote self-confidence and encourage pupils to use their imaginative, creative and communicative skills to create performances. Pupils are taught 5 key drama strategies during their Junior School lessons;

• Tableau
• Hot Seating
• Freeze Frame/Waxwork
• Thought Tracking
• Conscience Alley

Pupils are assessed through three formal practical pieces which are spread throughout Year 8 and again in Year 10. Pupils are awarded marks for 3 separate components which make up the assessment in each piece; Planning and Preparation, Performance and Appraisal.

This specification aims to encourage students to:

• develop a personal interest in drama and be motivated and inspired by studying a broad, coherent and rewarding course of study;
• actively engage in the process of dramatic study to develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds;
• work imaginatively and creatively in collaborative contexts, generating, developing and communicating ideas;
• reflect on and evaluate their own work and the work of others;
• develop and demonstrate competence in a range of pracical, creative and performance skills;
• develop as active citizens for their future, in employment and society, as well as for the possible further study of drama; and
• consider and explore the impact of social, historical and cultural influences on drama texts and activities.

The course is divided into two units:

• Unit 1: Understanding Drama; and
• Unit 2: Drama Performance.

In Unit 1, students study one of the eight set texts and the school currently uses Blood Brothers (Russell)

Unit 1 is assessed through a compulsory written exam that takes place in the summer of the second year.

Unit 2 is a practical unit. Students must complete two controlled assessment tasks. One of these is a compulsory element: Scripted Performance.

Students also choose one element from the following five options:

• Devised Performance;
• Improvisation;
• Dance Drama;
• Mime; or
• Design Support

The Drama Department teaches the CCEA GCSE Drama Specification.

This specification will help prepare students for the study of drama and related subjects at a more advanced level, for example GCE AS and A2 Drama and Theatre Studies, GCE AS and A2 English Literature and BTEC qualifications in Performing Arts. The course also supports students in the area of Learning for Life and Work.

*All External Specifications are subject to change if so desired by Examination Board

AS (Year 13) Course Outline

Unit 1 – DRAM 1

Live Theatre Production Seen and Prescribed Play

Written Component = 60% of AS Grade & 30% of A2 Grade

I hour 30 minutes written examination

100 marks

One question from each of two sections.

Section A – Response to live theatre seen during the AS course

Section B – Study of one set text: Shadow of A Gunman (O’Casey)

EXAM TAKEN IN JUNE ONLY

Unit 2 – DRAM 2

Presentation of an extract from a play

Practical Component = 40% of AS Grade & 20% of A2 Grade

80 marks

Performance by a group of an extract from a published play. The assessment also includes marks for preparation and development work, as well as submission of supporting notes.

ASSESSMENT & MODERATION COMPLETED BY THE END OF TERM 2

A2 (Year 14) Course Outline

Unit 3 – DRAM 3

Further Prescribed plays including Pre-Twentieth Century

30% of A Level Grade

2 hour written paper

100 marks

Study of 2 further set plays;

• A View From the Bridge (Miller)
• Lady Windermere’s Fan (Wilde)

Unit 1 – DRAM 4

Presentation of Devised Drama

20% of A Level Grade

80 marks

Performance of a group of Devised Drama. The assessment also includes marks for preparation and development work, as well as submission of supporting notes.

ASSESSMENT & MODERATION COMPLETED BY THE END OF TERM 2