Drama

What do students study?
Drama is taught as part of the Core Curriculum at Key Stage 3. Every student in Years 7, 8 and 9 has a one hour lesson per week. High standards of work are expected and students develop self-awareness and self-confidence in an environment where success is recognised and valued.

At KS3 lessons are heavily practical and involve a variety of stimulus material.

The Year 7 syllabus is designed to give students the opportunity to acquire a fundamental  understanding of key theatrical and performance concepts, including vocal projection, use of space, status, structuring a piece of theatre and performance objectives.

The Year 8 course builds upon these skills whilst using theatre to approach contemporary or historical issues such as wartime evacuation and transportation.

Lessons strike a balance between teacher-led workshop activities and greater creative freedom, thus ensuring that students have a wide range of skills upon which to draw when putting together a piece of theatre. 

In year 9 all of the skills acquired in the first two years are reinforced whilst introducing many new rehearsal techniques to create practical performances that prepare students for the rigour of GCSE. There are high expectations and through performance and evaluation, students will get accustomed to creating more developed and complex characters and dialogue, no longer relying on two-dimensional character types in their work.

Drama enhances the cultural knowledge and personal development of the students in our care. Opportunities exist for students to take part in extra curricula activities which include performances, Sidmouth Youth Theatre, Workshops and many varied Theatre Visits.

How are students assessed?
At Key Stage 3, students are assessed for their ability to create, perform and respond.  At the end of each topic they respond to their assessment by setting themselves a target to improve their work in one of these specific areas. They are encouraged to reflect on their input in the devising process, their ability to perform and to evaluate their work and the work of others. 


Contact Miss Angela Davies, Director of Performing and Creative Arts for further information: