Drama

We study Drama to focus on developing skills in performing, analysing and evaluating drama and theatre through exploration of themes, texts and dramatic practices. We promote core skills in team work, communication, co-operation and empathy. 

We also aim to develop cross-curricular links with other subjects so to offer a creative way to incorporate all strands of learning, developing the knowledge, skills and understanding of students while motivating them to learn through stimulating, wide-ranging and interconnected topics.

We aim to inspire our students to become reflective and creative individuals that have the confidence to explore and question the world around them because. after all, “all the worlds a stage and all the men and women are merely players”.

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Implementation

Schemes of learning

Schemes of learning have been developed to reflect student individual contexts. The fundamental skills, techniques and conventions have been embedded throughout the drama curriculum. The schemes of learning demonstrate an obvious progression of the core skills.

Homework is meaningful and relevant and set on a regular basis and encourage an independent attitude to learning. This is in line with the Academy policy.

Timetabling

The optimum amount of time allocated to Drama is one lesson a week at KS3 and four lessons at KS4.

Professional development

Teachers have the opportunity to receive high quality professional development through Federation inset days, strand meetings, Harris on Stage, SharePoint resources, and regular moderation gatherings. Teachers are encouraged also to seek appropriate CPD with professional external bodies such as The Young Vic, London Drama and the relevant exam boards.

Literacy

The fundamental skills, techniques and conventions provide the language for learning for the Drama Curriculum. For some KS4 courses, there is a large amount of written coursework to be completed, and this is embedded in the curriculum planning.

Speaking and listening skills are enhanced through drama strategies, role-play and improvisation and by the exchange of opinions and negotiation that naturally occur in group activities. Drama provides the context to improve writing skills, to develop realistic dialogue and to extend vocabulary.

Student groupings

Drama classes are mixed ability and is often taught in tutor groups at KS3. Group work is an integral element of Drama and consideration should be given to groupings.

Extra-curricular

The extra-curricular provision infuses the curriculum to ensure the fundamental skills, techniques and conventions are embedded and developed to a high level.

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Impact

Due to the vision and content of the Drama curriculum, it is important that we consider both qualitative and quantitative measures of impact. Often impact is implicit through the ethos of an Academy rather than explicitly through exam and assessment results.

Student engagement

A good indicator of successful implementation of the Drama curriculum is the way the students value the subject. This can be evident in;

• Students demonstrating a development in confidence and self-esteem
• Student ability to perform outside of their comfort zone
• Participation in drama activities outside of the classroom and beyond the Federation
• Students participating regularly in drama enrichment activities
• Positive Student voice
• Uptake of students opting to study a Drama based qualification at KS4

Assessment (formative and summative)

• Teachers use formative assessment and verbal feedback during the lesson to ensure all students are developing and making progress.
• Each Academy will have their own assessment policy and summative assessment will follow this structure. There is a federation end of year assessment available to support Drama teachers, if required.
• Assessments will be a combination of practical and written work

Attainment and progress

• Following Academy assessments, data is sent centrally.
• Data is analysed, and intervention is implemented accordingly to ensure that students are making expected progress

Destinations

All students that study Drama at KS3 should have developed transferable skills that will equip them for further study and the world of work. Study at KS4 will ensure students have the fundamental skills to study Drama at a higher level, through university, Drama schools or pursue a career in the profession.

Further details of the curriculum can be downloaded below.