Drama & Theatre

The Senior 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 stimuli throughout the year.

By the end of Year 9, all students will be using a wide variety of dramatic strategies with confidence. They will have explored drama practitioners, Physical Theatre, Mask Work and will be able to utilise their knowledge of drama from different cultures and eras to create polished performances in varying styles and genres. All year 9 Drama students will also learn how to use and programme the Lighting and Sound Desks and create basic set designs. They will have the option to take their Bronze Arts Award as part of the course, and there will be opportunities for theatre visits and workshops with professionals throughout the course. There are also opportunities for the students to become involved in productions within the school. You will be taught over four lessons per fortnight.

Course materials

We use material specifically created and adapted for each topic; however we will be using examples from Frantic Assembly, The National Theatre, DNA and Sparkleshark in addition to clips from movies and DIgital Theatre.

Secret Annexe

Introduction to Comic Book Theatre
Using stylised and symbolic drama
Marking the moment
The use of lighting and music to create atmosphere

Mask and Mime

Introduction to commedia dell’arte
The use of gestures and proxemics
Creating effective mime
Using Trestle masks in Performance

Physical Theatre

What is Physical Theatre and how is it used?
The influence of Frantic Assembly
Professional Workshop
The use of emotions to tell stories

Technical Theatre

How to programme and design for sound and lighting
The role of backstage
A theatre in action

Brecht versus Stanislavski

Looking at 2 of the GCSE practitioners:

the alienation effect, placards and political / social drama which is typical of Brecht
the characters’ emotional response and the role of naturalistic theatre fundamental to Stanislavski
Using text

Devising From a Stimulus

Using puppetry and the work of Emma Rice to devise a piece of theatre from a stimulus in preparation for the style of work at GCSE.
The use of costumes, lights and sound
Verbal and written evaluation of their own work, and the work of others.

Performance

Theatre In Education
Evaluate and Analyse performances
Micro teaching

Bronze Arts Award

Year 9’s will have the option to take their Bronze Arts Award as part of the Performance aspect of Drama.

How will I be assessed?

Pupils will be assessed through a project outcome at the end of each half term.

The Bronze Arts Award is a separate assessment and is an accredited qualification with Trinity College London.

For the Arts Award, students are assessed through a variety of areas which are as follows:

Actively participating in a range of Drama activities
A range of Drama organisations, actors and their work
Experience of an arts event and sharing their views
Sharing their Drama skills

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