Drama
Drama is a way of expressing the real concerns people have about themselves and the society in which they live. It is also a way of embracing different cultures and beliefs. All students are encouraged to appreciate as wide and as varied a selection of Drama genres, periods, and practitioners, to experience as much live theatre as practicable and to view drama as a part of the whole school curriculum, looking for links between their drama studies and those in other subjects. Drama can also be seen as a tool with which to allow students to develop general social skills as well as self-confidence. Drama can further be used in a multi-modal context to allow understanding of kinaesthetic learners by practically exploring context and sources.
KS3 (Years 7 to 9)
A variety of areas of knowledge in Drama are studied, from the following: comedy, tragedy, melodrama, ritual, documentary theatre, naturalism and the work of Stanislavski, Brecht and Political theatre, Commedia de l’Arte.
Skills explored include mime, improvisation and spontaneous improvisation, script development and writing, creating dramatic tension, rehearsing from a script, direction, physical theatre, mask, monologue, use of light and sound, use of props. A variety of explorative strategies are used, such as: still images and tableaux, slow motion, role-play, flashback, narrating, thought tracking, role-on-the-wall, hot-seating, using pace, tension, climax and anti-climax, movement, use of levels, use of space, voice and gesture.
Exploration includes a variety of elements of Drama, from the following: pace, tension, climax and anti-climax, movement, use of levels, use of space, voice and gesture, use of conventions/symbols, contrasts, rhythm.
KS4 (Years 10 and 11): IGCSE
During the GCSE Drama course, students will learn how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills that are needed to put a piece of drama on to the stage. They will learn how to create a character and play this character in a performance. They will also be equipped with many other skills that are highly valued in any walk of life. These include teamwork and confidently presenting yourself in public. The course is around 50% practical and 50% theory.
What will I learn?
You will learn how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills that are needed to put a piece of drama on to the stage. You will learn how to create a character and play this character in a performance. You will understand and appreciate different styles and genres of theatre and will have the opportunity to experience high quality National Theatre London productions which have been professionally filmed and broadcast in theatres in Cyprus. 3-4 production visits per year are arranged for all drama students in Y10-13 in order to expose students to as much professional theatre as possible.
For those of you interested in design skills and options, this route is available provided that you have sufficient knowledge or experience in your design area. Opportunities are available within each component, for you to select Lighting, Sound or Set/Costume design as an alternative to acting. You will be assessed on your chosen skill in all (or some) practical work.
How is the course assessed?
Component 1 Devising
Students devise an original piece of theatre, inspired by a stimulus, while working in a group. This component forms the coursework part of the course, and includes a written portfolio of 1500/2000 words, reflecting on the process and results of this project, alongside a live performance in front of an audience.
Component 2 Scripted Performance
This involves a group performance of two key extracts from a performance text and a monologue and/or duologue performance from one key extract from a different performance text. This is performed in front of a live examiner in the UK.
Component 3 Written examination
This comprises of a Live or recorded theatre evaluation with a choice of performances. Students study the written text of the performance and then answer questions on both in their written examination of 1hour 45minutes. There is a designer option for those who do not want to take part in the acting element, this includes sound, set and costume design.
What sort of homework will I be set?
Homework is split between practical and written work. You may be asked to learn lines, prepare characters/costumes/set or rehearse with your group for a short piece.
You will also be given essays and research work, as well as practice exams later in the course.
Sixth Form: AS and A level
This is a two-year linear course, both years must be completed to achieve an A level in Drama
PEARSON EDEXCEL Drama & Theatre 9DR01
Studying Drama in the Sixth form will enable you to develop the following skills:
- The ability to form judgements about live theatre based on their understanding of drama and theatre.
- Use of subject-specific terminology in a range of contexts.
- Performance and/or production skills appropriate to the creation and realisation of drama and theatre.
- The ability to work creatively and collaboratively to achieve shared dramatic intentions.
- The ability to respond to plays imaginatively conveying ideas clearly and coherently
Curriculum Content
Component 1 Devising
Students create their own original piece of theatre working in a group, inspired by a given playtext and the style of 1 drama practitioner. This piece it then performed in front of an audience, and students write a portfolio of 2500-3000 words, analysing the process and results of the project.
Component 2 Scripted performance
Students perform a group extract from a scripted play as well as a monologue of their choice from a different play. They perform these pieces in front of a live examiner from the UK.
Component 3 Written Exam
Student study 2 written texts and watch a live production, in the UK. This is then followed by an exploration of the 3 texts from the point of view of an audience member, actor, designer and director, both academically and practically. They then answer questions on these texts, in a 2 hour20 minute examination. This component also involves the study of 1 drama practitioner.
What are the GCSE requirements for this course?
There are no requirements for this course, though a background in theatre-related activities and/or GCSE Drama are strong recommendations.
Future Career Choices
A wide variety of career opportunities are opened from the study of Drama and Theatre, not only those in the field of performing arts. Students interested in any job/profession that requires interactions with people, presentation skills; and the skills of collaboration and teamwork, will benefit from studying Drama and Theatre
