Drama
Drama Vision Statement
The vision for Drama at Hellesdon is to develop pupils' use and application of spoken communication skills, developing confidence, clarity of expression and logistical problem solving in group working scenarios, which are transferable skills to later life post education. KS3 drama does not have a national curriculum as it falls under the speaking and listening for English, with this in mind, our curriculum has been designed with a clear focus on both speaking and listening, but also learning about the rich cultural heritage of the performing arts in the UK, which is the UK's largest growing sector and our third biggest export.
A key goal is to develop pupils' practical performance skills in preparation for pupils taking the AQA GCSE and later A-Level. By embedding key vocabulary into each SOL and building retrieval practice of this into subsequence schemes, pupils' learning is scaffolded. Pupils are able to use key dramatic vocabulary in verbal evaluations of work and in peer feedback which connects to the learning aims at GCSE and above and becomes a transferable skill. If pupils are thinking about and using the language of theatre practically they will be able to transfer this into written feedback at GCSE when they have more contact time.
Drama is the only subject in school where practical problem solving as part of a team is not only encouraged but assessed. With this in mind working in a group and navigating the pitfalls and tensions this entails is a fundamental life skill we aim to develop. We encourage active participation and pride in one's voice, opinions and ideas. We actively encourage respect, patience and empathy as core values in every scheme of work.
Useful Links
KS4 & KS5
Live Theatre Online
Examination Courses
Key Stage 4 - AQA GCSE Drama
AQA GCSE Drama is an exciting practical exploration of performance, literature and communication skills. Students are able to work collaboratively to develop their own theatre as well as studying the work of prominent theatre practitioners. The course is designed for students to do what they like best, participate in performance and is made up of three components:
Component 1: Understanding Drama (Written exam: 1hr & 45mins)
80 Marks
40% of GCSE
What’s involved? This component is a written exam in which students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed, including in connection to a set play and on their ability to analyse and evaluate the live theatre work of others.
Component 2: Devising Drama (practical)
Devising log (60 marks)
Devised performance (20 marks)
80 marks in total
40% of GCSE
What’s involved? This is a practical component in which students are assessed on their ability to create and develop ideas to communicate meaning for theatrical performance, and on their ability to apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performances and analyse and evaluate their own work.
Component 3: Texts in Practice (practical)
Performance of Extract 1 (20 marks) and Extract 2 (20 marks)
40 marks in total
20% of GCSE
What’s involved? This is a practical component in which students are assessed on their ability to apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance.
As performers, students will:
- Learn how to commit dialogue to memory for devised performances and/or learn text they are performing for text-based performances
- Develop the ability to interpret and/or create and perform a character as appropriate to the demands of the performance x develop a range of vocal skills and techniques e.g. clarity of diction, inflection, accent, intonation and phrasing; pace, pause and timing; projection, pitch; emotional range; song and/or choral speaking.
- Develop a range of physical skills and techniques e.g. movement, body language, posture, gesture, gait, co-ordination, stillness, timing, control; facial expression; eye contact, listening, expression of mood; spatial awareness; interaction with other performers; dance and choral movement
- Develop an appropriate performer/audience relationship and ensure sustained engagement throughout the performance
Transferable skills:
You learn to collaborate with others, think analytically and evaluate effectively. You gain the confidence to pursue your own ideas, reflect and refine your efforts. Whatever the future holds, students of GCSE Drama emerge with a toolkit of transferable skills, applicable both in further studies and in the workplace.
Key Stage 5 - AQA Drama and Theatre
AQA Drama and Theatre
The AQA A Level Drama and Theatre course focus, is on the direction and performance of plays throughout history and the critical analysis of live theatre seen on stage. One of the main appeals of the subject is the emphasis on group activities, so the learning takes place through the shared experience of watching theatre and of making drama as part of a group.
A‐level Drama and Theatre Studies is for students who enjoy reading and watching plays, and taking part in them, whether performing, directing or designing sets and costumes. This course will help students to develop their knowledge and understanding of a range of practical drama skills including:
- Acting and performing/ Directing/ Costume/set designing/ Technical design
- Understanding of the major theatrical styles
- Performance techniques – interpretation, voice, physicality, stage relationships with others
- Design skills – interpretation, visual and design impacts, set creation, Lighting and sound design, special effects, technology and appropriate equipment.
- Confidence, team‐building, communication and problem solving
Component 1: Drama and theatre (Written Exam open book: 3hours)
80 marks
40% of A‐level
What’s involved? This component is a written exam in which students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed, including in connection to a set play and on their ability to analyse and evaluate the live theatre work of others.
- Section A: One question from a choice of two from A Servant to two Masters by Carlo Goldoni (25 marks/ 1 hour)
- Section B: Three ten mark questions from the play Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker (30 marks/ 1 hour)
- Section C: One question from a choice of four on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (25 marks/ 1 hour)
Component 2: Creating original drama (practical and coursework)
Working notebook coursework (40 marks)
Devised performance (20 marks)
60 marks in total
30% of A‐level
What’s involved? Process of creating an original piece of devised drama from a stimulus of the pupils selection. Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). Devised piece must be influenced by the work and methodologies of one prescribed practitioner
Component 3: Making theatre (practical and coursework)
Performance of Extract 3 (40 marks)
Reflective report coursework (20 marks)
60 marks in total
30% of A‐level
What’s involved? Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts (Extract 1, 2 and 3) each taken from a different play. Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 3. This is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director). Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts
