Drama

The skills that are learned by studying drama are invaluable in later life. For example, being able to speak and present confidently in front of people, and the skill of planning that is required in any production are useful in many careers

Studying drama enables you to increase your confidence and self-esteem, to employ the skills of problem solving, to improve your creativity and to make knowledgeable decisions.

Drama can be a good basis for a career not only in the theatre, but in advertising, the film industry, law and even in events planning, among many others.

Studying drama also promotes fitness, a healthy lifestyle, team working and creativity.

At Key Stage 3, students will:

• develop critical and creative thinking skills
• adopt a role
• take part in improvisation
• devise scripts and use drama forms and strategies effectively to explore and present ideas
• employ sign, symbol, metaphor and image
• experience live and recorded drama, and respond to a variety of texts
• begin to develop an appreciation of theatre styles, genres and vocabulary
• explore characterisation through use of masks, costume, props, puppets and electronic media
• evaluate their own and others’ work.

Students will also develop the transferable skills of communication, negotiation, teamwork, building confidence, problem solving, time management, use of body language and use of voice.

Topics include– Introduction to drama, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Mime, Devising, Warden X, Stimulus, Genre. 

At Key Stage 4, students studying Eduqas Level 1/2 in Performing Arts take an externally assessed core unit (Performing Arts in Practice), which requires them to work to a brief, with a choice of disciplines- acting, hair and make-up design, costume design, lighting design or choreography. In addition, they take two internal unit that will develop their theatre skills and/or related contextual, historical or theoretical understanding. 

Learners apply a range of skills knowledge and understanding that will be of value to further studies. For example, units provide learners with basic understanding of concepts such as the nature of events, planning, repertoire, rehearsal schedules, health and safety, equipment and reviewing performances, and a solid grounding of practical/technical skills that can then be developed further in qualifications at Level 3, which may require them to take greater responsibility, lead others, evaluate and analyse concepts relating to their studies.  

Internal Units include- Unit 1: Performing and Unit 2: Creating 

At Key Stage 5, students on the Musical Theatre pathway undertake an externally assessed core unit (Performance Preparation), which requires learners to work to a brief, set with input from industry practitioners. In addition to this they take an internally assessed core unit (Planning for a Career in the Creative and Performing Arts) together with five optional units that can develop their acting skills.

Optional Internal Units:

• Musical Theatre Performance
• Vocal Techniques (Music)
• Solo Music Performance
• Audition Techniques
• Choreography
• Vocal Techniques (Acting).