Performing Arts
We have an annual School Production which is open to all year groups and is a good way of developing wider school friendships for pupils.
The department offers trips to local theatres as well as London’s famous West End whenever possible.
Drama provides a varied curriculum which deals with age-relevant, historical and social issues and topics. We have a dedicated studio and workshop area as well as access to the main stage in the school hall.
Close links with other ‘Arts’ subjects within the school means lots of collaborative work between departments such as Art, Music and English, resulting in the three Artsmark Gold Awards from the British Arts Council, testimony to the school’s commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.
Subject staff
Mrs E Bott - Curriculum Leader
Curriculum Overview
Through practical and theoretical study, learners develop an understanding and enjoyment of drama, developing group and individual skills and studying ways to communicate ideas and feelings to an audience. They learn how to discover the performance possibilities of a text and other stimuli, and devise dramatic material of their own. Learners also develop their performance skills.
While studying Drama, KS3 students will:
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Develop practical skills in performance, both as an individual and within a group.
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Understand the artistic choices made by actors, directors and designers in presenting performances for an audience.
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Learn about theatrical styles and genres.
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Explore how to develop their own ideas in creating original drama.
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Explore the elements of practical drama.
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Learn how to work with extracts from published plays as an actor, director and designer.
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Learn how to devise, develop and structure their own original dramatic material.
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Learn how to evaluate their contribution to the devising process and the success of their performance.
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Explore how to use staging and design as part of a dramatic performance.
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Understand what individual and group performance skills are and how they are applied to create a character and communicate meaning to an audience.
In Key Stage 4 students, who select Performing Arts as an options subject, study: BTEC award Level 2 Performing Arts.
During the course students study:
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The requirements of being a performer.
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The work of professional directors and theatre companies.
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Musical Theatre.
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Respond to a brief.