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Drama (GCSE)

St Georges083

Subject Vision

SUBJECT VISION’ STATEMENT

The Drama Department at St George’s aims to provide all pupils the opportunity to explore community and what life would be in someone else’s shoes.  Through the planned curriculum we offer pupils the opportunity to be advantageous and curious in their studies through both group work and independent study. All pupils have the opportunity to perform, direct and design.  All 3 roles crucial in Theatre and Drama.  Pupils will experience modern and classic plays as well have the opportunity or create their own original drama.  Through this curriculum pupils are challenged to think beyond their own lives thus supporting their personal growth as well as promoting and buildng resilience.

 

HOW THE DRAMA CURRICULUM FITS INTO OUR WHOLE SCHOOL VISION:

Curiosity - pupils will study play texts from a variety of different cultures and periods in history, they will have the opportunity to place themselves in different people’s shoes to see situations from a different perspective.

Adventurous – pupils will explore a number of different drama stimuli to create their own original dramas and be able to have their say and comment on modern day society, as all good playwrights do!

Challenging – lessons are a combination of practical and theory and so being able to explore the 3 elements of drama; acting, directing and designing! Drama is taught in mixed ability sets, therefore there is challenge each lesson, although work is differentiated, where all pupils are exposed to the full GCSE specification.

Community - the delivery of lessons is interactive and pupils will be required to work with all members of the class in group or paired activities. Pupils will work with a range of stimuli from play texts to photos, from music to poems! They will explore the world we live in and use drama to communicate how they feel we can make the world a better place.

Resilience – Drama is a subject that often requires pupils to leave their comfort zone, it asks them to think about people and situations from different perspectives and it asks them to share practical work in front of their peers.  Drama is often associated with helping to build a person’s confidence and self-esteem.  The subject helps a pupil to develop their resilience in their own lives but also understand how people in different circumstances also become more and more resilient.

Independence – Drama is a collaboration of work; each pupil is required to ensure they independently prepare in order to ensure a piece of drama is successful.  Pupils will be encouraged to develop interpersonal skills to enable them to communicate and work confidently with anyone both in school but also as a life skill to enable them to have the independence to take on life’s challenges.

Motivating - there is nothing better than being proud of yourself, GCSE Drama provides nothing but, classes become a small family like community that all push one another to the very best that they can be, there is no other subject like Drama, there is nowhere to hide and so all support one another at all times.

INTENT

Drama benefits all pupils’ self-esteem, confidence and communication skills, pupils are actively engaged in developing the kinds of life skills that will enable them to become confident, expressive and creative citizens. Pupils will learn how drama is created, including acting and staging skills.  Pupils will learn how to create a character and roles and use performance skills to bring these to life. Practical work is key to all assessment tasks within Drama and pupils will also be required to perform or for a production. The teaching of lower school Drama provide pupils with the grounding to be able to pursue a GCSE in Drama.

IMPLEMENTATION

Attributes and skills gained through studying Drama:

  • Physical expression (encompassing facial expression and body language, mime, still images, gestures and interview techniques);
  • Verbal expression (encompassing voice work, projection, paired conversations, scenes and stories, monologues and group scenarios);
  • Scripted drama (encompassing reading, writing, watching, performing and appraising a range of scripted sketches and plays).

IMPACT

Practical work is key to all assessment tasks. The Key Stage 3 curriculum prepare the pupils to be able to embark of a GCSE Drama Course. The GCSE course requires pupils to perform as well as write about performance and drama exploration. There are three components, each component requires practical exploration which is supported by written work. There is an externally assessed practical exam as well as a formal written exam. 

Staff

Our Learning Journey

Learning Journey Drama

Homework

 

Year Task Time
Year 10

Term 1: Evaluation of live Theatre, weekly task of evaluation all elements of love theatre.

Term 2: Devising, weekly task of preparation and rehearsal for practical

Term 3: Devising, weekly task of preparation and rehearsal for practical

Term 4: Devising, weekly task of preparation and rehearsal for practical

Term 5: The Crucible, weekly task set on developing knowledge of the play and examine writing technique.

Term 6: The Crucible, weekly exam style question

40 mins
Year 11

Term 1: Devising, write up corrections.

Term 2: Weekly preparation and rehearsal for Practical examination.

Term 3: Weekly preparation and rehearsal for Practical examination.

Term 4: Weekly preparation and practise questions for written exam

Term 5: Weekly preparation and practise questions for written exam

40 mins

 

 

GCSE Subject information - KS4

Students studying GSCSE Drama will receive 3 timetabled lessons a week, in Year 10 and 11. Over the course of the 2 years students will study three components, each component requires practical exploration which is supported by written work. There is an externally assessed practical exam as well as a one and a half hour written exam.

Component 1: Devising Coursework 40% (60 marks)

• Create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus

• Performance of this devised piece for and audience.

• Analyse and evaluate the devising process and performance.

Assessment Overview

• Internally assessed and externally moderated. There are two parts to the assessment:

1) a portfolio covering the creating and developing process and analysis and evaluation of this process (45 marks). The portfolio submission recommendations are: can be handwritten/typed evidence between 1500–2000 words

2) a devised performance (15 marks).

Component 2: Performance from Text Coursework 20% (48 marks)

• Students will either perform in and/or design for two key extracts from a performance text.

Assessment Overview

  • Externally assessed by visiting examiner.
  • Group and or solo.

Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice)

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 40% (60 marks)

• Practical exploration and study of one complete performance text.

• Live theatre evaluation – free choice of production.

Assessment Overview

 

Section A: Bringing Texts to Life 45 marks

• One question broken into six parts (short and extended responses)

based on an unseen extract from the chosen performance text.

• Performance texts are not allowed in the examination as the extracts will be provided.

 

Section B: Live Theatre Evaluation 15 marks

• Two questions requiring students to analyse and evaluate a live

theatre performance they have seen.

• Students are allowed to bring in theatre evaluation notes of up to a maximum of 500

GCSE Drama - Course Information

  Term 1 Term 2 Term 3 Term 4 Term 5 Term 6
Year 10

Introduction to Drama Skills

Exploring skills for Component 1

Component 1:

Developing devising skills

Creating their own drama

Component 3:

Exploring play text

How to a performer

How to be a director

How to be a designer

Component 1:

Developing devising skills

Creating their own drama

Component 1:

Developing devising skills

Creating their own drama

Component 1:

Developing devising skills

Creating their own drama

Performing their own drama for an audience
Year 11

Component 1:

Prepare and Perform

Component 1:

Prepare and Perform

Write up portfolio

Component 2:

Practical Exam

Component 2:

Practical Exam

Component 3:

Preparing for the written exam

Section A: Exploring the text for performance

Section B: Theatre Review
 

 

GCSE Revision Information - KS4

Revision materials are available on the pupil SharePoint area for Drama, you are also welcome to purchase the suggested guides below.  Additional sessions will be confirmed at a later date.

Links to purchasing revision guides:

The Crucible Play Guide - Click Here

Drama Revision Guide - Click Here

 

Job Opportunities / Careers

 

What does a cinematographer do?

A cinematographer or director of photograph (also known as DP or DoP) is responsible for the development, look and feel of the images which make up the final film.  Cinematographers work closely with directors, the camera crew and lighting department to get the right frame, lighting and mood for a film or TV programme. Camera angles, shot sizes and lighting are all used to create a certain look for a film. Before filming starts, the cinematographer will discuss with the director how the script will be presented in film, and then typically:

  • visit a location before filming to check  its suitability, access to facilities and lighting and sound potential
  • order filming and lighting equipment
  • test equipment such as lenses and filters to check their effect
  • manage all aspects of the filming, sometimes operating the camera
  • supervise the camera crew to decide on any special camera moves
  • work closely with the lighting team to decide on lighting techniques
  • review film footage with the director
  • You might also work on promotional films and adverts.

 

What does a TV or film camera operator do?

Camera operators record moving images for film, television, commercials, music videos or corporate productions. They operate film or digital video cameras, usually under instruction from the director or director of photography. On a typical job, you'll:

  • set up and position camera equipment
  • choose the most suitable lenses and camera angles
  • plan and rehearse shots
  • follow a camera script and take cues from the director, or floor manager if in a TV studio
  • solve any practical or technical problems
  • work closely with other technical departments, such as lighting and sound

You may be the only camera operator and use a portable single camera, or you could be part of a TV studio camera team. On feature films and TV drama productions, you'll be part of a larger crew with a specific role. This might be:

  • second assistant camera (clapper loader) – loading and unloading film, counting the takes and helping the camera crew
  • first assistant camera (focus puller) – judging and adjusting the focus on each shot
  • grip – building and operating cranes and pulleys needed to move a camera during shooting

You'll normally specialise in either film or television work, as the equipment and techniques can differ. However, with the growth in digital cameras and HD technology, it’s becoming easier for camera professionals to work across all formats.

 

What does a lighting technician do?

Lighting technicians produce, rig and build lighting systems used in live events, like concerts or theatre performances, or on television or film sets. You’ll be interpreting a lighting designer’s plan for a TV, film or theatre set – you’ll need an understanding of complex electrical systems to do this. 

 

What does a theatrical producer do?

Producers raise finances, book theatres, negotiate and issue contracts, and manage how the budget is spent. They organise and manage technical, stage management, and workshop functions, and are responsible for ensuring a successful project all the way through to the first live performance.

Day-to-day operations include:

  • agreeing projects with financial backers
  • sourcing and booking theatres, agreeing production timelines, and setting ticket prices
  • hiring a PR and marketing team
  • scheduling rehearsals and performances
  • recruiting production and technical teams, including backstage staff
  • holding regular meetings with directors, creative teams, and artists
  • ensuring legal compliance such as copyright law, insurance liability, loyalties, payroll, and tax
  • securing rights to future production for film and television

What does a stage manager do?

You would make sure live stage performances run smoothly. You would organise all practical and technical aspects of rehearsals and shows, and make sure all crew and performers are in the right place at the right time. You would typically be supported by a deputy stage manager and one or two assistant stage managers, although on smaller productions you might work alone. You and your team would:

  • organise rehearsals
  • work with staff to plan wardrobe, set design, scene changes, sound and lighting
  • manage the props budget and organise props and set dressing
  • keep the ‘prompt copy’ of the script, which notes the performers’ positions on stage, script changes, and the props, lighting and sound needed for each scene
  • liaise with theatre managers and front-of-house staff
  • supervise the 'get in' and ‘get out’ – the times when sets and equipment are set up before the show and taken down afterwards
  • give cues for the performers to go on stage
  • cue the technical crew for sound and lighting effects

You might also join in with putting up the set and any other practical tasks, particularly in smaller companies or at the start of your career.

 

Useful Websites for further information on careers and apprenticeships :

https://icould.com/explore/categories/subject/drama-and-theatre-studies/

https://artswork.org.uk/our-work-with-young-people/creative-apprenticeships/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhKebuuuL7AIVT-btCh1k9A7IEAAYASAAEgJjcPD_BwE

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/about-the-national-theatre/careers/apprenticeships

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/about-the-national-theatre/careers

Job Opportunities

  • Actors
  • Design Technicians
  • Theatre (front of house)
  • Teacher
  • All careers requiring good communication skills