KS3 Overview

• Throughout KS3 Drama all students will learn key Drama skills as well as transferable life skills such as;

Exploring and researching ideas, issues, plays and other texts such as diary entries, poems, photographs, films and paintings, using a variety of drama skills and techniques

Devising, improvising, shaping and structuring dramas of different kinds

Using drama skills and knowledge to interpret a range of text, for example play-scripts, pictures or stories
Preparing and performing both scripted and devised dramas for various audiences, using a selection of media
Using and developing their knowledge of drama from different times and cultures, as well as classic and contemporary practice
Reflecting on, evaluating and analysing the structure, meaning and impact of their own work and the work of others as both participant and audience.
Working independently and as part of a group
Developing understanding of physical theatre and its effective use in performance
Understanding the world around us by exploring different topics
Being able to speak aloud to an audience in a clear and loud voice

Year 7 Drama

In Year 7, pupils are taught in mixed ability groups and have one lesson of Drama per week where the aim is to provide pupils with a range of teamwork, communication and performance skills. The Drama topics in Year 7 introduce some key concepts in drama that are designed to set a foundation for development and progression during the rest of Key Stage 3 and feed directly into the course offered at Key Stage 4. We begin work in Year 7 through an introductory topic where pupils are given the opportunity to get to grips with drama as a subject, practise their performance skills and undertake a live theatre evaluation. This introductory topic is taught for the first half term and is designed to best prepare the pupils for the academic year ahead.

Year 8 Drama

In Year 8, pupils are again taught in mixed ability groups and have one lesson of Drama per week where the aim is to provide pupils with a range of teamwork, communication and performance skills. The Drama units in Year 8 develop the skills taught in Year 7 and continue to combine skills and knowledge for different purposes and for target audiences. Again, key concepts in drama are taught that are designed to set a foundation for development and progression during the rest of Key Stage 3 and feed directly into the course offered at Key Stage 4. We begin work in Year 8 through an introductory topic where pupils are given the opportunity to assess their practical work, perfect their performance skills and undertake a live theatre evaluation. This introductory topic is taught for the first half term and is designed to best prepare the pupils for the academic year ahead.

Year 9 Drama

In Year 9, pupils who have opted to continue with Drama are taught in mixed ability groups and have one lesson of Drama per week where the aim is to focus on demonstrating a greater depth and development of their practical work. The Year 9 topics provide the bridge between Key Stages 3 and 4 and are in a sense, a preparatory year for the BTEC Tech Award course offered in Years 10 and 11. We begin work in Year 9 through an introductory topic where pupils are given the opportunity to explore more in depth topics, challenge ideas and undertake a live theatre evaluation. This introductory topic is taught for the first half term and is designed to best prepare the pupils for the academic year ahead.

Drama at Key Stage 4 overview

BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts

The 2 year syllabus is a comprehensive scheme that allows students to gain relevant skills, knowledge and understanding that can be applied to the required work in the assessment units. The content of the Programme of Study is designed to cover all of the main requirements that contribute to the drama form and allows students to appreciate what is needed to communicate meaning through drama.

Component 1 – Exploring Performing Arts

Pupils will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining three existing repertoires and the processes used to create performance. This component is designed to help pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of a range of performance styles. Pupils will develop transferable skills, such as research and

communication. Pupils will produce a written document to reflect their knowledge and analysis of these three repertoires.

Component 2 - Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

Pupils will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting repertoire. Pupils will communicate intentions to an audience through a variety of methods and will develop performance skills and techniques. Pupils will take part in workshops and classes where they will develop technical, practical and interpretative skills through the rehearsal and performance process. Pupils will work from existing performing arts repertoire, applying relevant skills and techniques to reproduce the work.

Component 3 - Performing to a brief

Pupils will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to create a workshop performance

in response to a given brief and stimulus. The brief will outline the performance requirements and pupils will be asked to consider their target audience and to start the creative process by using the given stimulus included in the brief. Working as part of a group, pupils will develop ideas for a workshop performance and apply skills and techniques to communicate their creative intentions to an audience.

Curriculum Overview