Drama



For further information about Drama at St John's please contact N Rose ([email protected])


Curriculum information pages:

Year 10 Drama

Year 11 Drama

KS3

MADD group is open to all key stages for extra-curricular Drama

KS4

Course Specification: New spec starting Sept. 2017. AQA GCSE Drama
http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261

Outline of Course:
3 components: 1 exam (worth 40%) on a set play and live theatre, 2 pieces of practical work (worth 40% and 20%), one devised drama and one script work.

Units of Study:

Component 1: Understanding Drama

What's assessed

  • Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre

  • Study of one set play from a choice of six

  • Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers

How it's assessed

  • Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes

  • Open book

  • 80 marks

  • 40% of GCSE

Questions

  • Section A: multiple choice (4 marks)

  • Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (46 marks)

  • Section C: one two part question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (30 marks)

Component 2: Devising Drama

What's assessed

  • Process of creating devised drama

  • Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)

  • Analysis and evaluation of own work

How it's assessed

  • Devising log (60 marks)

  • Devised performance (20 marks)

  • 80 marks in total

  • 40% of GCSE

This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.

Component 3: Texts in Practice

What's assessed

  • Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer)

Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1

How it's assessed

  • Performance of Extract 1 (25 marks) and Extract 2 (25 marks)

  • 50 marks in total

  • 20% of GCSE

This component is marked by AQA.

Drama encourages and fosters enthusiasm, creativity, confidence, self esteem and social skills. The course has a great deal of scope for freedom and personalisation in specific areas of study, allowing students to pursue specific interests and strengths including:

  • Improvisation Costume

  • Physical Theatre Make-up

  • Set Design Stage Management

  • Text Interpretation

Drama can enrich students’ educational experiences, support other subjects, particularly English, and provide a strong foundation for further progression to Drama courses. It is also well-suited to any student who has a talent or interest in the Performing Arts.

Here are some student comments (taken from a recent student voice):

  • "Drama is a fun and creative subject which really helps you discover the real you!"
  • "Drama is the best lesson; it's fun, has the best teachers and helps you gain a lot of confidence and charisma which you wouldn't get from any other subject!"
  • "Drama is an escape from the reality of everyday life; a subject in which you can become someone else. It's a way to express yourself and have fun doing something you love."
  • "There is such a great atmposphere within lessons and you get a real self-esteem boost from lessons."
  • "Drama is such a fun lesson. There is a brilliant learning environment and a great group dynamic. I genuinely enjoy these lessons."