Drama and Theatre
Overview
Drama is an enthusiastic, busy and successful department. Numbers are increasing, particularly at A-Level, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of both pupils and staff within the department and also our excellent examination results. The department had a fully equipped, purpose built Drama studio with use of lights, sound and projection as well as the use of two further spaces in the school including the use of the hall with stage, sound and lighting.
Productions are a yearly event at the end of the Christmas Term and all pupils from Year 7 to 13 are invited to take part. A Year 7/8 Drama Club is usually run as an extra-curricular activity as an opportunity for those really interested in the subject to expand and explore their talents. A Tech Club is also run once a week on a lunchtime by our technician for pupils who are interested in the production elements of putting on a performance.
Key Staff
Mrs Blazer - Head of Department
Miss Piggott
Miss Carr
Mr Oliver
Key Stage 3
Drama at Key Stage Three should fulfil artistic, intellectual and social needs and our curriculum aims to cover all three areas, some units of work specifically aimed to develop the student’s skills in those areas, some covering skills while studying topics and texts. The work covered in the three years should also prepare the student to take the subject at GCSE if they wish to.
Drama - KS3 Summary
KS3 BandingStudents will follow national guidelines throughout Key Stage 3 to support and prepare them for their Key Stage 4 courses. The school operates a banding system of 1-9 (9 being the highest band). Students will be given a target based upon their Key Stage 2 scores and baseline assessments on arrival at Edgbarrow. The band they are awarded at the end of the Key Stage is intended to be indicative of the grade they may achieve at GCSE.
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Key Stage 4
GCSE Drama
GCSE Drama is not just about acting. The course inevitably covers all sorts of transferable skills that will be useful throughout life: communication, presentation/public speaking, group and leadership skills, problem-solving, time management, initiative and the ability to work to a deadline and get it right the first time (there are no re-runs!). Drama is also a subject to take if you want a job in the entertainment industry, in front of an audience or behind the scenes. It is also relevant and interesting to people who are interested in culture or social issues.
Drama - KS4 Summary
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Performing Arts Level 2 BTEC
BTEC Performing Arts are not just about acting, music and dance. The course inevitably covers all sorts of transferable skills that will be useful throughout life in the two years it runs; communication, presentation/public speaking, problem-solving, time management and initiative. Pupils follow a practical course with no written examination and a small amount of formal written work throughout the 3 different topics. Within units of work designed to explore performance styles, techniques and the Performing Arts business, pupils will develop their skills in working as a team, taking on different roles and responsibilities as well as working independently. Not only do they learn a subject-specific language and key terms, but they will use analysis skills both written and verbal to explore working process, in planning and building a project, with studying scripts, characters and performance. They will also, of course, continue to improve and refine their performance skills.
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Key Stage 5
A-Level Drama & Theatre Studies
Drama & Theatre Studies is a subject to take if pupils would like a job in the entertainment industry, in front of an audience or behind the scenes. It also helps with confidence, public speaking, presentation and group/social/team building skills so it can be useful for pupils wishing to go into business, sales or any areas where public speaking is a key feature of the job. It is also relevant and interesting to people who are interested in culture or social issues.
Drama - KS5 Summary
Level 3 BTEC Performing Arts
The Performing Arts BTEC at Level 3 is equivalent to two A Levels and will be completed over two years. Throughout the two year course, students will study three mandatory units and a further eight optional units.
The mandatory units are:
Performance workshop, Performing Arts Business, Performing to an Audience.
The optional units are:
Rehearsing for Performance, Devising Plays, Auditions for Actors, Developing Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre Performance, Singing Skills for Actors and Dancers, Theatre in Education, Singing Techniques and Performance.
For further information regarding our Drama Curriculum please contact:
Mrs Blazer helen.blazer@edgbarrowschool.co.uk
