Drama & Theatre

The Middle School Drama curriculum aims to develop an understanding of different styles and genres through exploration of a range of dramatic techniques, mediums, contexts and conventions. It also develops confidence and fosters cooperation skills enabling students to explore and respond to various different stimuli throughout the year.

By the end of Year 8 all pupils will be competent in the use of a wide variety of drama strategies, they will have begun to explore non-naturalistic drama techniques and will be able to evaluate their own and other people’s work, identifying areas for improvement both verbally and in writing. In addition to this, they will also be able to use lighting and sound in their work and the work of others.

Drama & Theatre is taught once a week in the Drama Studio, but there are also opportunities for the students to become involved in productions within the School.

Course materials

We use material specifically created and adapted for each topic. Extracts are used from ‘Cinders’ by Nick Cornall, ’1984’ George Orwell, ’Too Much Punch for Judy’ Mark Wheeller, and ‘The Chrysalids’ by John Wyndham.

Commedia dell’arte

Understanding Status
Learning about the history of Commedia
Devising and Performing a short Lazzi
Understanding the rules of mask in a performance
Devising a piece of theatre using masks.

Cinders

Introducing Stock Characters
Being able to portray a stock character using vocal and physical characterisation
Studying Pantomime as a Genre

Animal Uprising

Spontaneous Improvisation
The use of propaganda
Using improvisation as a starting point for a scene.
Considering character motivations.

Stylisation

Exploring stylised drama
Interpret scripts using stylised techniques
Soundscapes
Lighting

Script Writing

Using a script into performance
Script writing
Drama with a message / genres
Writing and staging a piece of drama for performance

How will I be assessed?

Each half term, students take part in several assessments:

Peer Assessment
Teacher Assessment
Self Assessment.

The peer assessments form part of the rehearsal process and aims to give students ideas on what works and what needs refining.

The teacher assessment is the formal assessment of the term which is through a final performance showing skills and techniques learnt during the topic.

Self assessment is an evaluation questionnaire, where they are able to consider their successes and set targets to move forward.

All students are encouraged that making mistakes is all part of the process, and that sometimes, the best work in Drama comes from an unexpected moment

If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mrs Emma Spires, Head of Drama, Theatre & Media, on ers@farlingtonschool.com