Drama

I believe drama is an essential part of child development. It provides the key skills, confidence, discipline and imaginative freedom that is becoming increasingly essential in this day and age. From Greek amphitheatres, to Shakespeare, to Hairspray: I love every part of what is has been, is now, and will be.

Ms Williams (Head of Drama)

Students in Key Stage Three study Drama for one lesson a week. Over the two years they study a range of topics including Matilda, Characterisation, Romeo and Juliet, Physical Theatre and Blood Brothers. Within these topics students learn drama skills such as script work, devising, abstract drama and performance as well as studying professional works. The curriculum at KS3 prepares students for the demands of GCSE however as well as learning subject specific skills, students also learn the value of group work and co-operation, and build their confidence.
In addition to timetabled lessons there are many opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular drama activities, including the whole school musical, Dance Journeys with The English National Ballet and going to see the Pantomime at The Lyric. This year in collaboration with The Lyric Theatre, students in Year 7 will have the opportunity to gain their Bronze Arts Award, a nationally recognised qualification.

@DramaatHA

 

Drama

 

GCSE

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Qualification: GCSE Drama

Assessment breakdown:

  • Coursework: 40%
  • Performance Exam: 20%
  • Written exam: 40%

Students study three components for GCSE Drama – Devising, Performance and Theatre Text in Practice. For the written exam students study the play DNA by Dennis Kelly and The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatrat. For the performance exam students have performed plays such as Blue Remembered Hills, Five Kinds of Silence and Two as well as exploring a range of different styles and forms of drama such as naturalism, physical theatre and Epic Theatre.

 

Skills Gained

  • Working collaboratively to create an original piece of theatre
  • Gain depth of understanding of how texts are performed
  • Analyse and evaluate own performances as well as those watched performed
  • Technical knowledge of lighting, design and costume used within a performance
  • Study and practically explore a wide range of play texts as well devising own work

 

Supporting Trips

  • Theatre trips to various theatres in London including the Lyric, Hammersmith

 

Potential Careers and Courses

  • Actor
  • Arts administrator
  • Teacher
  • Writer
  • Stage manager