Drama - Central Foundation Boys' School

About the Course

Students are introduced to the process of drama and the elements of making theatre throughout Year 7-9. Core skills and knowledge are developed through practical exploration. Students will learn how to give and receive constructive criticism in order to develop and improve their work and become well practiced in understanding how to give work meaning.

In KS4 the course focuses on developing the students’ ability as actors, directors and designers, creating and examining theatre through a combination of practical work, written controlled assessment, and an examination of a set text and review of a live performance seen.

A Level drama and theatre studies builds on and develops the students understanding and passion for drama and theatre. The course provides a diverse yet in depth understanding of how theatre is made across our shared history and cultures developing skills of empathy, critical thinking and imaginative exploration.

Educational opportunities include a pathway to humanities degree at University or Drama School which could include acting, directing, design or stage management. An A-level in drama can also lead on to a degree in many other subject areas that are not performance based such as law, teaching, marketing, business etc.

KS3

What they will learn

Students learn a series of skills initially focussing on team work and communication in relation to shaping and developing drama. This includes improvisation, role play, movement and physical theatre. As the course progresses students develop their ability as performers and directors developing communication skills through focus on physicality, facial expressions, spatial awareness, voice and imagination, combined with text, improvisation and devised work. Students will develop confidence, analytical, evaluative and critical thinking skills whilst learning to work as part of a team building the foundations for GCSE drama.

How it will be assessed

Students are assessed on their practical work in class, combining their skills as a performer, their ability as a critic and their conduct as a student.

KS4

What they will learn

Students will focus on three different units throughout the course. In the first component students will explore a variety of stimuli in order to devise an original piece of drama that will be performed to a live audience. A portfolio will accompany this detailing the process of the devising from conception of idea through to final practical creation. In the second component, students will explore a range of extracts from plays building towards their second practical examination that is externally examined and where students will be assessed solely on their practical skills. The final component is a written exam in which students will used analytical and evaluative skills to answer questions on a set text that has been studied and explored, in the role of the actor, director and designer. In the second section students will answer review style questions, making critical judgements on a live performance they will see as part of the course. Students will learn to be analytical and critical thinkers, able to understand and interpret performance, as well as evaluate it constructively. Students will develop key skills such as communication, delegation, team work, time management, public speaking, leadership and confidence. GCSE drama encourages students to use their imaginations but also to be able to fully understand how the decisions they make creates meaning in their work.

How it will be assessed

The course comprises of three units of work.

Component 1 is a devised performance that is internally assessed on performance and is 10% of the overall GCSE. Students then create a written piece of coursework in this component which is worth 30% of the overall GCSE.
Component 2 is 20% of the GCSE and is an externally assessed performance comprising of two extracts from a selected play.
Component 3 is the written examination and is worth 40% of the GCSE. This will focus on questions based on the set text and the live production seen as part of the course. The written exam element is also explored practically throughout the course.

Exam board

Edexcel

KS5

What they will learn

Students will develop a multitude of transferable skills that will help them with both further study and in the work place. Students study: two play texts in depth with focus on language, plot, structure, character, social and historical context, a performance of monologue or duologue, devising a piece of original theatre and exploring a play text in its original context.

How it will be assessed

A combination of practical assessment and written coursework assessed internally and externally – 60% and a written examination at the end of the course worth 40% of the overall A Level grade.

Exam board

Pearson Edexcel

Head of Department:

Ms Russell

Email:
RussellK@cfbs.islington.sch.uk