Drama and Performing Arts
Overview
Drama and Performing Arts is a strong and thriving subject within the academy. Drama is delivered to students in Years 7 and 8, GCSE Drama is an option for students in Years 9, 10, and 11. Students at Key Stage 5 are currently taking BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts which is worth the equivalent of one A Level grade. Extra-curricular activities are an important part of the Performing Arts department.
Key Stage 3
Students in Years 7 and 8 study Drama as a distinct subject for one lesson a week. They learn key skills in dramatic play such as working with others, creating devised pieces and learning short extracts from plays such as ‘Goggle Eyes’, ‘Kes’ and ‘Millions’. Students work from stimuli, in small groups, similar to the stimulus outlines given to students studying GCSE Drama. Students are assessed every half-term through teacher and student appraisal. Drama is a fulfilling subject, which enables students to work with others, gain confidence and develop critical skills.
Key Stage 4
All students studying GCSE Drama follow the Eduqas specification. The exam board is linked closely to WJEC, the Welsh examining board. Students study three components: Component 1 – Devising Theatre, Component 2 – Performing from a text, and Component 3 – Interpreting Theatre. Over the three years studying this course, students will devise a piece of drama from a set stimulus, perform extracts from published plays and study a full length play and live performances for the written exam component. Students were fortunate to experience the set text; ‘War Horse’ on tour in Liverpool, in November 2017 and will see the stage performance again on the 2019 tour at Sunderland Empire.
Post 16
Students in Key Stage 5 study BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (in Year 13) and BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (in Year 12). The course provides students with the opportunity to specialise in an art form, where they can expand their understanding, experience and knowledge. This course is a practical based course with a mix of internal and external assessment over the two years. Students are encouraged to watch live theatre/dance outside of the classroom environment to enhance their understanding of their specific art form. Students in Year 13 have recently showcased their talents in productions such as, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Play On’.
