This course is designed to foster an ability to make, understand and analyse Drama and Theatre while learning about self, others and the wider world. The course is both challenging and fun. Students may enter the course with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds; they will leave the course having learned many of the skills needed for success in Drama and Theatre. Students will be well prepared for taking the IB Theatre course as well as other options. Throughout the course a range of assessment instruments are used, adapted from the Edexcel GCSE Drama course and the IB Theatre course
Course content
The course starts with establishing the attitudes and behaviours for success in FIB Drama, as well as building trust and mutual respect within the group. From there the course moves on to the exploration of dramatic starting points or stimuli (such as a poem, phrase, image or current affairs issue). This will equip the students with the technical skills to devise their own work. Students will often set their own goals and plan accordingly in these projects; they rely on high level collaboration to make sustained progress. This element concludes with an in- class sharing of work and reflection activity.
Students will also watch a piece of theatre at this stage of the course and learn to analyse and evaluate theatrical productions and directorial interpretation. This element of the course allows the students to begin to explore technical elements and how they may be used in drama performances to enhance tension, emotion, atmosphere and meaning.
Later the course explores working with various script extracts, applying directorial skills to create meaning and transform a text from page to stage. Students work collaboratively and creatively to interpret and shape the dramatic material of the text and using design elements. This aspect of the course results in an in-class sharing of work and some creative and analytical writing.
The course involves an opportunity for parents and friends to attend a public showcase performance, where possible. This culminating event allows students to apply all of the skills they have developed over the course, working collaboratively to produce a full performance using lighting, sound and set design, as well as fine-tuning their acting skills in a more public setting.
At the end of the course students should be ready to take on further challenges in their education. The skills they learn through the FIB Drama course will help them in the IB Theatre course, but will also prove useful in other IB subjects and other options for further study. The course is a rewarding challenge for students that will develop substantial skills as well as a deeper appreciation of the potential of Drama and Theatre
Skills developed
Studying FIB Drama can also help students to develop transferable skills that would help them in any subject area. The skills developed include:
creating original theatre from a range of starting points (stimuli)
creating theatre from a play-text
the foundational skills of acting and performing
technical and design skills including working with lighting and sound
developing set design choices and an understanding of the use of space
collaborative skills and group-problem solving
critical-thinking skills and reflective writing skills
research skills
analytical skills in approaching creative problems and research material
communication skills and a sense of confidence
Assessment
The assessment tools used in FIB Drama are based on both the GCSE Edexcel Drama course and the IB Diploma Programme Theatre course. Assessment is composed of reflective and analytical writing, as well as practical assessment that consider students’ ability to contribute to the group work processes of creating pieces of drama.
Some units include an assessment of performance skills and choices made in the final performances. All assessment in FIB Drama is designed to help students deepen their knowledge and understanding of the subject.