Drama and Theatre
Drama is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment, delivering creative and academic training to the highest standard. The subject offers all students a positive and varied learning experience through both performing and technical pathways. Drama students will be given the opportunity to watch and learn, from peers and professionals, exciting and challenging performances both in school and at the theatre.
| Head of Drama | Mr J Anderson |
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KS3
As part of the whole school curriculum, students will be provided with a rich and diverse experience of drama. Students in Year 7, 8 and 9 are taught once a week - exploring a variety of skills and styles such as mime, improvisation, physical theatre, mask work and documentary theatre. The breadth and balance of the drama curriculum aims to teach learners how to create, perform and evaluate drama by working in a stimulating and highly challenging environment. Students are encouraged to collaborate with others in creative and challenging ways.
KS4
Beyond Key Stage 3, students have the option to choose drama at GCSE. This course concentrates on exploring issues, ideas, texts and styles of theatre. Students are examined practically through devising and script-based performances. Students are assessed on creating and developing ideas to communicate meaning through theatrical performances, applying a range of skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance or the design of set, costume, props or sound for a live performance. Students explore society, culture and history through theoretical investigations of professionally published play texts.
KS5
At Key Stage 5, students wishing to specialise in drama or design can do so through the study of Drama and Theatre as an A Level. The course emphasises practical creativity alongside research and theoretical understanding. Students learn through experience, seeing theatre and making theatre for themselves. Students are introduced to a wide range of theatrical styles and contexts as they explore plays and industry practitioners.
Useful Links and Resources
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zbckjxs - GCSE Bitesize (Drama)
- http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261 - AQA GCSE Drama Specification
- http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/a-level/drama-and-theatre-7262 - AQA GCSE Drama and Theatre
FAQs
How does drama benefit the learner?
- Increases self confidence
- Builds communication skills (linguistic, kinaesthetic and interpersonal skills)
- Develops presentation skills (linguistic skills)
- Promotes a positive approach to team work (interpersonal skills)
- Which teaching and learning styles are important in drama?
- Kinaesthetic, Auditory and Visual
KS3
How often do students learn drama at Key Stage 3?
- Twice a fortnight in Years 7, 8 and 9.
Is there any extracurricular drama in Key Stage 3?
- Yes – there is a Key Stage 3 drama club that meets at lunchtime once or twice a week. There is also a whole school play once every two years which involves Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 students.
KS4
Is there much written work in drama?
As of September 2016, all centres running GCSE and GCE drama courses will be required to sit a written examination at the end of Year 11 and Year 13 respectively. At both levels, written supporting documents run alongside practical components and encourage the tracking of skills in both performing and performance support. Evaluation of live theatre is also an integral part of the course.
Will my child be in a play as part of their GCSE course?
Every GCSE drama student can expect to perform extracts from a wide variety of plays.
Does my child choose which play they are in?
Teachers select the plays, or extracts from plays, that best suit individual students. While students will of course have a say in the type of play they perform, the teacher will always use their professional judgement to ensure the choices made play to the students’ strengths.
Why should my child choose drama at Highfield?
Higher education institutions (HEIs) value and respect the skills the drama and theatre qualifications give students and the courses we deliver have been developed with help from them. With this in mind, your child will be really well prepared for the demands of university and beyond. Students of Drama and Theatre develop skills that are not just essential for drama but applicable to a wide range of higher education subjects and in the workplace.
Drama at The Highfield School refines students' collaborative skills, their analytical thinking and their approach to research. Students grow in confidence and maturity as they successfully realise their own ideas. They learn to evaluate objectively and develop a sound appreciation of the influences that cultural and social contexts can have on decision making.
