Drama & Theatre Studies

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The Curriculum

We are immensely proud of the rich and varied schemes of work that the Drama department provide for our learner’s. We have a thriving, inclusive and innovative department. As experienced practitioners we pride ourselves on creating theatre makers of the future, enabling young people to gain experience in production, performance and design. 

We believe that Drama is a valuable and necessary part of any learner’s journey at secondary school. This subject builds confidence, communication skills, resilience, self-discipline and stamina as well as supporting learner’s versatility, curiosity and global awareness.

We strive to provide opportunities that harness these skills in all of our Drama lessons. Every learner in our care should have the equality to access and achieve within our subject and through our varied extra-curricular programme.

Schemes of work have been carefully crafted to support learner’s understanding of theatre practitioners, devising techniques and script work. We are keen to ensure that each scheme builds on prior learning and supports learners to develop a growing social and cultural awareness of the world around them, ownership and pride in their work and embed social skills that can be utilised across the whole curriculum.

 

Key Stage 5

Course Code: A Level Drama and Theatre Studies Edexcel 9DR01
Exam Board Specificationhttps://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/drama-and-theatre-2016.html

 

WHY DRAMA & THEATRE STUDIES? 

A Level Drama and Theatre Studies is a varied, stimulating and richly engaging course where you will take shared ownership of the theory and practical work that you produce and be committed to do your very best. 

The Devising component is incredibly creative, enabling you to explore stimuli such as George Orwell’s 1984, participate in debates about your interests and beliefs and the way you see the world. Text Performance is studied either as a performer or designer and you will develop your understanding of character, relationships, themes and style. You will be assessed on your practical understanding of a live theatre performance seen during your studies and two thought provoking and challenging texts: Machinal by S. Treadwell and Woyzeck by G. Büchner. 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

  • Grade 5 GCSE Drama or English 
  • GCSE Drama is desirable but not compulsory. Requires discussion with the Performing Arts Department. 
  • Gifted, open-minded performers and technicians with a passion for drama theory and practice. 

ASSESSMENT 

  • 40% – Practical and Written Portfolio – Devising 
  • 20% – Practical – Text in Performance 
  • 40% – Written – Theatre Makers in Practice 

EXTRA AND SUPER CURRICULAR 

  • Theatre visits and workshops with companies like Frantic Assembly, Paper Birds, and Fourth Monkey. 
  • Join the Performing Arts Ambassador team to support KS3 drama. 
  • National Theatre Connections project with performances at professional venues such as The Bristol Old Vic. 
  • Partner with degree courses and drama schools for audition and interview preparation. 
  • Leadership opportunities within whole school productions and projects 

FUTURE PATHWAYS 

University degrees and careers in Acting, Directing, Teaching, Stage Management, Design, Arts, Linguistics, Community Work, Law, Teaching, Social Work, Media, Marketing, Event Management, Drama Therapy, and Counselling. 

COMPLEMENTARY A LEVELS 

Art, Dance, English Literature, Music, Psychology, Sociology, Photography, Business, History, Geography and Economics. 

 

Key Stage 5 Drama & Theatre Studies Curriculum Map