DRAMA

Year 7 pupils will have had no formal educational drama lessons.  They will experience in the first half-term lessons which introduce the explorative strategies which will ultimately be assessed at GCSE level.  Although challenging, the work is differentiated by outcome and pitched appropriately for the young pupils.  Importantly, they will be taught the social skills which are essential for success in the drama classroom. In the remaining weeks, pupils will apply their new skills to various themes and topics most of which have direct relevance to today’s world.  Our aim is for pupils to have a serious attitude to drama and to enjoy the experience.

 

In Year 8, pupils are introduced to key skills including group work, experiential drama and spontaneous response to a given stimulus.  The course helps them to understand how people behave in the real world.  A level is awarded to every pupil at the end of each term, based on response, process and presentation, with eventual emphasis on performing skills.

During Year 9, groups produce rehearsal extracts using published scripts, and detailed performances derived from short stories.  Themes such as the supernatural, memories and “growing up” are explored, and knowledge of adult issues is gained. There is an indirect look at career choices and at the process of self-analysis.  Levels awarded are based on degrees of trust, dependency and performing skills, on reactions to adult issues and on the use of imagination.  Some preparation for possible GCSE entry is undertaken.