Drama

SUBJECT INTRODUCTION

Dramastudio2ec Head of Department: Jessica Thom

Staff contact details: Jonathan Wise

Drama is all about understanding drama as an ‘art form’ and all the skills and techniques that will help you to learn your art. You will play many parts in different imaginary situations. You will have the opportunity to create your own work as well as look at plays written by other people.

The Drama department at Christ’s is committed to delivering the highest quality of teaching and learning both in and outside of the classroom. It is our aim to deliver a curriculum that challenges all students and stretches the most practically able. This is supported by the variety of extra-curricular activities available.

The department is led by Ms Thom and comprises two additional part time subject teachers.

Drama is taught in two dedicated specialist spaces; the Drama Hall in the main building and in the Drama Studio in the Sixth Form Centre.

We have very high expectations of all our students and challenge each of them to achieve their personal best. 90% of our students achieved A*- C grades in GCSE Drama last year.

The Curriculum

Key stage 5

Building on the philosophy of the GCSE Syllabus, the emphasis is on Drama and Theatre Studies as a practical, intellectual and artistic subject. Students examine the use of theatrical forms and genre in relation to the exploration and performance of plays. Students develop an interest and enjoyment of Drama and theatre as participant and informed members of an audience fostering a critical appreciation of the subject. The students experience a range of opportunities to develop a variety of dramatic and theatrical skills.

Year 12

Unit 1 – Devising

Devise an original performance piece.

Use one key extract from a performance text and a theatre practitioner as stimuli.

Centre choice of text and practitioner.

Performer or designer routes available

Internally assessed via devised performance and written portfolio

Unit 2 – Theatre Makers Practise

A theatre evaluation

Exploration of theatre text

Interpretation of theatre text

Written exam

Year 13

Unit 2 – Text in Performance

A group performance of one key extract from a performance text.

A monologue or duologue from one key extract from a different performance text.

Externally assessed by visiting examiner

ENRICHMENT & EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Clubs:

Stage Make-up

Technical Lighting

Acting

Performance opportunities:

School Production

2 x Drama showcases. One in the winter term and one in the summer term

Theatre trips:

Bi-annual GCSE visit to New York

Careers

Drama degrees combine creative talent with practical aspects of self-promotion, reflective analysis and management. This mix of disciplines is good preparation for entering the world of performance or wider business or management opportunities. Transferable skills that will be learnt by Drama graduate include:

Creative thinking

Critical evaluation

Literacy

Negotiating

Organising

Planning

Presentation

Research

Teamwork

Below are just some opportunities available to drama graduates:
Actor

Community arts worker

Dancer