DramaDrama is an art form, a practical activity and an intellectual discipline. It involves the creation of imagined characters and situations, which are enacted within a designated space. Like all the arts, drama helps us to make sense of the world in which we live.
In our society Drama has become one of the principle vehicles of information and one of the prevailing methods of ‘thinking’ about life, situations, relationships, cultures and the human condition. Drama at Desborough is an important creative subject in its own right and plays a significant role in pupils’ aesthetic, linguistic, kinaesthetic and emotional learning. The development of transferrable life skills such as creative and analytical thinking, problem solving and teamwork make the subject fundamentally important for the global workplace. Pupils are encouraged to gain confidence in their own abilities through the three intrinsic areas of making, performing and evaluating. Through the process of making drama, pupils challenge established ideas and perceptions through the creative exploration of fictional characters and given circumstances. As performers, pupils develop their presentational skills and use a wide variety of theatrical styles and conventions to communicate innovative ideas to contemporary audiences. Robust evaluation enables pupils to understand how their own work, and that of professional theatre, can communicate ideas successfully, including a wide variety of themes and issues most relevant to our time and throughout history; thus embedding historical, social, political, and cultural contexts into their study. Key Stage 3
What will my child learn in Drama? At KS3, pupils are introduced to a range of dramatic forms and conventions such as improvisation, role-play, mime, characterisation, hot seating, thought tracking, still image, forum theatre and script writing. Emphasis is placed on using the drama process to develop character through building confidence, compassion, concentration, communication, cooperation leadership, problem solving and creative thinking. There is also an emphasis on exploring theatre as a holistic art form in its own right, alongside social, cultural, historical and political contexts. Design elements such as staging, set, lighting, sound, costume and props are explored throughout also. Extra-curricular activities are offered through KS3 Drama Club, Whole School productions and whole trust Performing Arts Showcases. How is Drama taught? Pupils are taught in moderately sized mixed ability groups and experience two lessons a fortnight. Lessons take place in our purpose built Drama block, The Jacoby Studios, comprising a theory class room and an auditorium. The majority of lessons are practical, however, students will often complete written analysis and evaluation of their practical explorations. Self and peer evaluation is integral part of pupils’ learning throughout KS3. How is Drama assessed? Pupils are assessed at the end of each short term (6-7 weeks). Levels of attainment are awarded based on their progress in both practical and written assessments. Yr 7 topics Introduction to Drama Conventions Twisted Tales ‘Frankenstein’ play text exploration Physical Theatre Improv ‘Lord of the Flies’ play text exploration Yr 8 topics ‘Face’ play text exploration Pantomime ‘Blood Brothers’ play text exploration Film Acting ‘Metamorphosis’ play text exploration Reinventing Shakespeare Yr 9 topics Crime Drama Commedia ‘DNA’ play text exploration Verbatim TIE Careers (Oracy Projects) What resources will support my child’s learning? www.edmodo.com www.u2learn.com www.nordenfarm.org www.troublemakertheatre.org.uk/youth-theatre www.bitesize/englishliterature Key Stage 4
What will my child learn in Drama? This exciting GCSE course is both practical and academic in content and approach. The focus of the course is the imaginative realisation of theatre, not just academic study. Throughout the course students will be invited to create their own performance approach to a range of texts, explore contemporary staging of plays and devise their own productions and performances. They will be given the opportunity to work with professional actors and directors and see a range of live theatre. Theatre trips are an important part of the GCSE curriculum and visits to local venues and London theatres occur about twice a year. Acting workshops also form a vital part of pupils’ training and the department has strong links with Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, receiving ‘Farm Out’ funding for many events. All trips and workshops help students to appreciate Drama as an ephemeral ‘live’ art form and some of them form compulsory preparation for the written exam or coursework. Emphasis is placed on using the drama process to develop strength of character through building confidence, teamwork, communication, leadership, problem solving, resilience and creative thinking. Specification Overview Component 1: Devising Code: 1DR0/01 Coursework
Component 2: Text in Performance Code: 1DR0/02 Performance Exam
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice Code: 1DR0/03 Written examination
How is Drama taught? Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups and experience five lessons per fortnight. Lessons take place in our purpose built Drama block, The Jacoby Studios, comprising two generously sized rehearsal spaces and a performance arena. Pupils experience a combination of practical and written lessons, adhering closely to the specific demands of the examination specification. Self and peer evaluation forms an integral part of pupils’ learning throughout KS4, as do out-of-hours rehearsals for practical assessments. What examination board does Drama follow? The department follows the Edexcel GCSE Drama Specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/drama-2016.html How is Drama GCSE assessed? Component 1: Devising – 40%
Component 2: Text in Performance – 20%
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice – 40%
What resources will support my child’s learning? Text Books: Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Drama Student Book, Melissa Jones, Phil Cleaves. Pearson Education ISBN-13: 978129215068-0 Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Drama Revision Guide, John Johnson, William Reed. Pearson Education ISBN: 9781292131986 Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Drama Revision Workbook, William Reed. Pearson Education ISBN: 9781292131979 Set Text: An Inspector Calls, JB Priestley. Published by Heinemann ISBN-13: 978-0435232825 Websites: www.edmodo.com www.u2learn.com www.nordenfarm.org www.nationaltheatre.org.uk www.lyrictheatre.org.uk www.readingarts.com www.wycombeswan.co.uk www.southhillpark.org.uk www.troublemakertheatre.org.uk/youth-theatre www.bitesize/englishliterature Key Stage 5
This will be offered in consortium. Curriculum Maps
Studying D&T has developed my skills of problem solving. I enjoy the challenge of figuring things out and am not afraid to fail. Having the resilience to try again feels even better when I succeed and make the product I designed myself. |
Section LinksArt & Photography Business Economics Design Technology Drama English Geography History & Politics ICT Computing Learning Support Mathematics MFL Music Personal, Social & Health Education Physical Education Psychology Religious Education SEND (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities) Science Sparks Teaching Fundementals |
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