The Drama Department
Head of Department = Mrs S Owen
Context
The Drama department consists of 1 specialist teacher. The department enthusiastically encourages students to create imaginative and inventive drama. The department has a strong focus that all students develop their skills, talents, abilities and aspirations in a safe and supportive environment.
Curriculum
Students in Year 7 study the fundamental elements of Drama during a weekly lesson. They will explore the use of theatrical skills and techniques to perform improvised and scripted work. Developing the professional values they need to be able to work collaboratively and safely to generate ideas, characters, storylines and imaginative performances.
Year 8 and 9 students have a weekly lesson to develop and consolidate and develop their prior learning, knowledge and understanding of theatrical techniques, stylised skills, themed devised, scripted and performed drama.
Option groups in Years 10 and 11 are studying the ‘Acting’ pathway on the Performance Arts Tech award BTEC course Level 1 and 2
There is a focus on the development of practical skills with reflective written evidence of understanding. Students will experience controlled and practical exams alongside the development of coursework to consolidate their understanding of the theatrical needs of a live performance, the roles and responsibilities undertaken in the theatre, theatre practitioners and the needs of a performer to act characters from a published script.
Assessment
Year 7, 8 and 9 students will have a half termly practical and key knowledge assessment.
Years 10 and 11 students will be following the Pearson set assignments for practical and written focus. All learner progress will be assessed against the exam board objectives (demonstrate knowledge and understanding, apply knowledge and understanding, analyse and evaluate information and ideas
Enrichment Opportunities
There are opportunities to take part in theatre workshops and visits. We also have successful links with The Grange Theatre in Oldham which allows students to carry out their work experience behind the scenes in a professional theatre and NK Theatre Arts in Romiley, who provide excellent theatre productions using key exam plays of study. There has been a recent introduction of an end of year, inspirational theatre visit for Years 8 and 9. We will be able to give students the opportunity to visit a professional production in Manchester; Choice of production and genre will be dependent on the availability.
