Welcome to Drama

The aim of Drama at KS3 is inspire pupils to pursue a life enriched by the performing arts industry. Whilst also developing the ability to present to an audience a piece of performance which demonstrates a specific theatrical aim or the exploration of a genre of theatre that entertains an audience. Pupils will explore a variety of topics and stimuli that require them to use theatrical techniques and make decisions on how to use them in performance.

Throughout year 8 the key knowledge and learning is on developing the use of pupils physical and vocal skills to communicate meaning to an audience in a specific genre. The focus is on pupils being able to create characters and storylines that are thought out and communicate knowledge and context of cross curricular subjects using drama techniques accurately and with success. By the end of year 8 drama students will be able to create pieces of drama based on a variety of topics, create melodrama, study a Shakespearean text and be able to communicate meaning on stage, as well as use key terminology to verbally evaluate merit and areas to improve within a performance and begin writing aspects of dialogue. Throughout year 9 the key knowledge and learning is on building on all the skills and techniques learnt throughout year 7 and 8 and introducing practitioners and wider contexts to the topics studied. Scripted texts are learnt in year 9 and text analysis as well as character interpretation is a key feature. The focus is on students being able to create believable characters on stage that are formed based on a practitioner’s theory or scripted interpretation through analysis and wider contextual understanding. By the end of year 9 drama pupils will be able to create pieces of drama based on a refined use of techniques and exploration of social, historical and cultural contexts. Pupils will be able to write about a performance using key terminology to evaluate the merit or areas to improve.

The OCR GCSE specification offers a wide range of opportunities for students to excel and be successful in one or more areas, for example the specification covers devising, scripted performance, study of drama theory and exposure to live theatre/performance.  The specification content provides students with the opportunity to gain experiences in a wide range of professional roles and sub-sectors. The National Theatre’s New Views Programme provides students with the opportunity to write their own script under the tutorage of professional playwrights and producers. Students can attend termly masterclasses/talks with working industry professional to discuss the nuances of different roles and pathways into the creative arts industry. Students are encouraged to take an active role in extra-curricular drama opportunities partaking in the annual school musical and leading on House Drama projects as scholarly experts and facilitators of creative opportunity.  

All Year 11 subjects