Drama

Drama

Key Stage 3

All students in years 7 – 9 will take short courses in Drama at Emmanuel. In Year 7 students will develop their verbal and visual communication skills, working on their voice and facial and physical expression when performing. Year 8 will explore Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet from a performance perspective, and Year 9 will take a short course in developing character and approaching script. All years will improve their acting skills and their ability to engage with an audience with confidence. Emmanuel College is committed to supporting students to develop their speech and drama skills.

 

Key Stage 4

GCSE Syllabus: AQA Drama 4240


Course Description and Organisation

The drama course is an exciting, creative and challenging course for young actors. During the course, students will learn how to use their voice and facial and physical expression to create character and engage with an audience. They will study improvisation, devising theatre techniques, physical theatre, script work and theatre history. All of their practical coursework must be performed to an audience and is assessed internally by college staff and externally by an AQA Drama Moderator. Drama GCSE requires a commitment to performance, excellent group-work skills, a passion for being creative and an ability to meet deadlines.

 

Assessment Arrangements

Coursework: 60% practical coursework

Students must perform two scripted and two improvised pieces based around a theme. Taking part in the annual college production is also recommended and can be assessed as part of the coursework. Coursework is assessed in two parts:

  • Preparation, understanding and rehearsal process: 15%
  • Final performance for an audience: 45%

Examination: 40% written paper (One hour 30 minutes)

The written paper is divided into three sections:

  • A — Practical work completed during the course
  • B — Study and performance of a scripted play
  • C — Study of a live theatre production seen during the course.

Students must answer section A, and then choose one further question from section B or C.

 

Project/Coursework Details and Deadlines

Up to four performance pieces of controlled and assessed coursework take place during the two years. The two highest graded pieces are submitted to the board. Deadlines are set during the course and every student must perform their work on the designated performance date. In order to prepare for the written paper, students are expected to attend all theatre visits organised as part of their ongoing coursework.

 

Career Opportunities

Drama GCSE illustrates to an employer an ability to be creative and work with other people as part of a productive team. Universities recognise GCSE Drama and A Level Theatre Studies as valuable subjects. With the addition of further training, careers include: performer, actor, director, producer, teacher, drama and theatre workshop leader, youth worker, and children’s entertainer. Also, all roles within theatres require an interest in drama from dressers to stage managers to theatre administrators.

 

In addition, Drama GCSE encourages students to develop their self-confidence and speaking skills. Students will improve their communication skills and their ability to work effectively in a team. Therefore all jobs that involve working with the public or direct contact with the public, such as the forces and the police service, recognise the skills developed during drama work.