Drama

Drama is an exciting, creative and challenging subject allowing students to learn how to explore performance. We aim to help students develop skills in speaking, listening, presentation skills and developing confidence. Drama also helps develop empathy, enabling students to have an understanding for others.

Students will study a range of genres, styles, practitioners and scripts. Throughout each year they will develop their skills in devising from a variety of stimulus materials. They will learn how to work as a group as well as being in charge of writing up their rehearsal notes and personal developments.

Drama is an exciting, creative and challenging course allowing students to learn how to explore performance. The course helps students develop skills in empathy, speaking, listening, presentation skills and developing confidence.

Our students follow the AQA GCSE drama. The specification can be found here: www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261

There are three components to the course:

1. Understanding drama

Students are assessed on:

• Their knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre.
• The study of one set play from a choice of six. (Current year groups are studying ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller or ‘Blood Brothers’ by Willy Russell)
• Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers.

This knowledge is assessed through a written exam taken in Y11.

The exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes and worth 80 marks which is 40% of their GCSE.

2. Devising drama

Students are assessed on:

• The process of creating devised drama.
• The performance of devised drama
• Their analysis and evaluation of own work.

There are 80 marks for this component, 60 marks for a Devising Log and 20 marks for their Devised Performance. This component is worth 40% of their GCSE.

3. Texts in practice

Students are asked to study, select and perform two extracts from one play.

There are 40 marks for this component, 20 for each extract. This will make up 20% of their final GCSE.

All practical exams take place on an evening with an invited audience. We aim to perform at least six times over the three-year GCSE course; showcasing two devised pieces, extracts from our set text and our final text in practice work.

To ensure success in Drama, students will need to:

• Complete their devising logs on time.
• Respond to both written and verbal feedback.
• Learn lines for their productions.
• Source costumes and props.
• Learn about all roles in the theatre.
• Practice exam questions.

Communication and confidence are key skills in any job, and you will develop these skills throughout your Drama studies.

There are no limits to how, who, or what you want to be. Drama gives you confidence; the ability to be able to stand up and say – this is who I am and what I’m capable of. It helps you to understand life from a different view, taking on different characters, emotions and problems. It trains you for the future when you may experience similar scenarios in your own life.

Drama Club

This runs after school on a Friday and is open to all year groups. We explore a variety of themes and create performances for: open evening, Hallowe’en, Christmas, Easter concert and our summer arts day.

Scripted Show

Students in Years 7-9 are invited to audition for our scripted play. Auditions are held at the end of September with a performance date at the end of January.

Our past productions have included:

• James and the Giant Peach
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
• Fantastic Mr Fox
• Tom’s Midnight Garden
• The Witches
• Danny the Champion of the World
• Box of Delights

Musical

Each spring term we hold auditions for our Whole School Musical. Students across all year groups are invited to try out for both main and choral parts.

The show takes place in the second to last week of term across two evenings. Rehearsals are across lunch-times and after school and students are given a schedule of when they are needed.

Past productions have included:

• Dracula Spectacula
• We Will Rock You
• The Wiz
• Little Shop of Horrors
• Bugsy Malone

National Drama: www.nationaldrama.org.uk

The Stage: www.thestage.co.uk

BBC Bitesize: www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zbckjxs 

National Theatre: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

York Theatre Royal: www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Pilot Theatre: pilot-theatre.net/?idno=4 

Kneehigh: www.kneehigh.co.uk 

Subject Lead for Drama is Bex Nicholson who can be contacted by email at b.nicholson@voy.hlt.academy

Follow us on Twitter @ValeOfYorkDrama