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Drama
“We must all do theatre to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.” Augusto Boal
Our Philosophy
We believe that Drama gives young people the opportunities to reflect on the world around them and develop their social, reflective and communicative skills as well as gain a practical understanding of how to engage an audience.
Our intention is to celebrate and champion diversity by ensuring our schemes of learning reflect this. The impact of studying Drama at LPGS will heighten awareness of and acceptance of all diversity in society.
Drama can be used as a powerful educational tool and theatre and movement have always been central to the development of a community’s identity and how individuals respond to each other. With this central philosophy in mind we have built a dynamic and successful department where our students feel empowered and liberated. We firmly believe in creating an environment where all students feel safe to take risks with their work.
The main function of Drama in a secondary school is to enable students to learn about the world around them and to gain an understanding of the importance of risk-taking. Although we do not train actors we help Sixth Form students with university and drama school applications and auditions when the need arises and many of our past students have undertaken degrees in related subjects and several recent graduates are now working as actors.
What we expect from our students
You need to be curious about issues and ideas and have a creative instinct for communicating your views through drama. You may be keen on acting, writing or on the visual side of theatre and wish to develop your skills in some or all of these areas. You will need to be able to share your opinions, analyse text, work well in a group and be willing to talk about how improvements can be made to work that you perform and see others performing. We expect our GCSE and A-level students to spend a great deal of time rehearsing outside of timetabled lessons, make detailed notes on this process.
Curriculum
Students begin studying Drama in Year 7 and have one double period each fortnight, taught by three specialist teachers. It is a highly successful subject at GCSE and A-level with around 40 students each year opting to study it at Key Stage 4 and approximately 15 students continue to study Drama at Key Stage 5. Results have been consistently high over the last five years.
Staff
The Drama department is staffed by a team of dedicated and highly skilled specialist teachers who have a wealth of subject knowledge and teaching experience between them. We strive to keep up to date with innovative teaching methods and are all qualified solely in teaching Drama. We constantly question our practice to ensure that our students receive the best learning experience possible and firmly believe that they benefit from our many collective years of teaching and professional experience.
Key Stage 3
| Term | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Introduction to Drama Foundation skills in performing and evaluating Drama |
Melodrama Exploration of style and text |
Mask |
| Autumn 2 |
Storytelling |
Melodrama Exploration of style and text |
Mask |
| Spring 1 |
Orpheus |
Evacuees |
Physical Theatre Practitioners DV8, frantic assembly |
| Spring 2 | The Tempest Shakespeare, Verse Choral work |
Evacuees
|
Blackout Studying a full length play. Focus on prejudice |
| Summer 1 |
T.I.E |
Advertising MFL Presentation skills applying language. Collaboration with MFL |
Singing in the Rain |
| Summer 2 |
Perfect Family |
Joe |
Gender Inequality |
Extra Curricular
GetGo sessions. Regular drop in workshops before school to start the day off in a creative way.
After school Drama Groups for Year 7 and 8.
Opportunities to audition for school productions.
Key Stage 4: GCSE Drama
Students are assessed in three components:
- Component 1 – Written paper
- Component 2 – Devised work
- Component 3 – Scripted extracts
Component 1: Understanding Drama - Written paper, 1hr 45mins, 40% of GCSE
- Section A – multiple choice (4 marks)
- Section B – four questions on a given extract from Blood Brothers (44 marks)
- Section C – one two-part question on a live theatre production seen during the course (32 marks)
Component 2: Devising drama – Practical, 40% of GCSE
- Performance of a piece of drama you have created yourself (20 marks)
- Written Devising log – 2500 words (60 marks)
Component 3: Texts in Practice – Practical, 20% of GCSE
- Performance of two rehearsed extracts from one play (2 x 20 marks)
Year 10
- Devised work based on the child migrants of the British Empire.
- Practical exploration of the set text Blood Brothers by Willy Russell
Year 11
- Devised work based on the story of Lizzie Borden in the highly physical style of Steven Berkoff.
- Scripted performance of two extracts from a play of the candidate’s choice, with guidance from the teachers.
Recent GCSE scripted performances:
- Scaramouche Jones by Justin Butcher
- My Mother Said I Never Should by Charlotte Keatley
- Bouncers by John Godber
- Adult Child/Dead Child by Claire Dowie
- Five Kinds of Silence by Shelagh Stephenson
Extra Curricular
GetGo sessions. Regular drop in workshops before school to start the day off in a creative way.
Opportunities to audition for school productions.
Tailored group rehearsals to support practical work.
Theatre Trips
All GCSE students are taken to the theatre during the course.
Key Stage 5: A Level Drama and Theatre Studies
Level of Study:
- A Level
Description of Course
The course provides opportunities for you to pursue particular aspects of study within the context of general knowledge and experience of theatre. The approach for preparation for the examination will be through related theory and practice.
The A-Level Drama and Theatre specification provides
- coverage of 4 main areas of study of drama and theatre
- Preparing, developing and performing your own devised and scripted practical work
- Studying set texts
- Exploring the work of important theatre practitioners
- Responding to live productions you have seen during the course
Skills Required and Explored
The course demands a high level of commitment, concentration and sensitivity. You need to be able to evaluate and appreciate past and current theatrical practice. An ability to reflect on and evaluate the complexity and significance of both content and process is essential. A full commitment to lunchtime, after school and February half term/Easter break rehearsals is also required as is your attendance on a number of trips to experience live theatre.
Entry Qualifications
You should have studied Drama at GCSE and obtained at least a Grade 6. A Grade 6 in English GCSE is also advisable. Students from other school need to meet the above requirements and be successful in a short audition/interview.
Facilities
- Two Drama studios with blackout facilities and lighting rigs and a Dance studio
- An outstanding team of performing arts teachers with skills in many areas and industry experience
Method of Assessment
- All assessment is linear, with practical assessments throughout the course and written examinations taking place at the end of the two year course
- 60% of the A-Level is assessed through practical exploration, which include written reports and 40% through the written examination
Educational Progression and Career Opportunities
This A-Level helps to develop both your critical and analytical skills. You learn to work effectively under pressure, in a group situation. The subject gives flexibility of choice for further study. Candidates have gone on to study such diverse subjects as Law, Art History, French, Psychology, English, Information Technology as well as Drama at University and Drama school.
