DRAMA

GCSE Drama candidates use year 10 to complete devised work based both on improvisation and published scripts.  Objects, music, poems and pictures are all employed as stimuli.  Tasks set include changing emotions, confidence-building, character study, themes, comparison between writers, line learning, understanding performance directions and delivery of monologues.  Pupils also study a full play, make a video of their work and complete a portfolio.  For homework there is a series of short tasks designed to inform practical work.  Progress is tested against all four National Curriculum assessment objectives.

The first half of year 11 is devoted to preparation for GCSE Paper I, and involves regular workshops and the completion of an individual portfolio including responses, development of ideas and evaluation.  Portfolios are assessed at regular intervals with specific deadlines.  After the Spring half-term, pupils prepare for Paper II, a rehearsed performance in the presence of a visiting examiner.  This takes place in late April/early May, and completes the GCSE entry.