In Drama, students explore a range of techniques and skills under the broad headings of group work, creating, performing and responding.  The duality of Drama is important to the department; we encourage the study of the subject as an art form through developing a strong set of performance skills and looking at specific theatrical histories, genres, the work of notable playwrights and theatre companies, whilst also embracing the role Drama plays in developing young people’s confidence, self-esteem and social skills.  Students have access to an extensive range of live theatre and opportunities to participate in workshops facilitated by theatre professionals. We greatly value our links with professional theatre companies and organisations including, amongst others, the Almeida Theatre, Islington Community Theatre and The Central School of Speech and Drama.  These partnerships enhance students’ accomplishments in Drama both inside and outside the curriculum.  Students have the opportunity to rehearse and perform plays through participation in our extra-curricular Drama clubs catering for all ages and abilities.

 

Key Stage 3

 

In year 7 students begin with an introductory unit using games and exercises to develop co-operation skills, voice and movement foundation skills to build on in future work. They then explore the story of the haunted house, Darkwood Manor, dramatising elements of the story and developing specific drama techniques. In the character & conflict unit students use foundation skills to develop character and conflict – using scripts and newspaper articles as stimuli. In the Dramatic Stories unit students use practical work to explore how dramatic stories are structured.   In the final term of year 7, students are introduced to an important element of Theatre history: Greek Theatre and some of its conventions.

 

In year 8, students begin with the mask, mime & movement unit, developing more abstract styles of performance with the use of music, mime and masks.  Next students look at scriptwriting, developing their skills in writing scripts – from completing unfinished scripts to writing their own for staging. In the Genre unit, students will explore different genres of Drama in order to be able to recognise and use the elements of each chosen genre.  The final unit in year 8 is Voice and Text where students look at various abstract and unusual texts and develop vocal, physical and non-verbal communication skills necessary for a final polished performance.

 

In year 9, students begin with the topic, Power of Women, using the theme of women as role models for devising original drama.  Next students further explore theatre history studying Greek Theatre and Shakespeare through Oedipus and Romeo and Juliet.  As a final project, year 9 work towards a performance developing Drama based on a stimulus – a photograph, quote or question and using various performance styles.

 

Students at Key Stage 3 also have the opportunity to attend extra-curricular Drama clubs and trips to the theatre.

 

 

Study at Home for KS3

 

Often homework is set to learn lines or prepare for a performance.

 

BBC bitesize Drama is an excellent resource. It defines different Drama techniques and gives video examples:

 

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/drama

 

 

 

Key Stage 4

 

Drama is a popular option at GCSE.  We have developed an exciting and dynamic course which allows students to develop a wide range of skills including leadership, confidence, interpersonal and performance skills.  Students’ individual opinions matter in Drama and there are no right or wrong answers but the opportunity to explore a range of views on different themes and play texts.  Students learn key acting techniques from a wide range of theatre styles and histories.  GCSE Drama students frequently visit theatre productions and take part in an extended project with the Almeida Theatre working alongside theatre professionals to devise a play and perform on the Almeida stage.  The course prepares students for further study of the performing arts at A-level or BTEC and fosters the development of key life skills like independent learning, teamwork and confidence.

 

 

Study at Home for KS4

 

Students are set various tasks for homework including research and preparation for practical assessments. They are also encouraged to view live theatre, take part in outside youth theatres and develop an understanding of emerging theatre practice.

 

The following websites are useful:

 

www.rsc.org.uk

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk

www.royalcourttheatre.com

www.barbican.org.uk

www.artscouncil.org.uk

www.solt.co.uk

www.nyt.org.uk/

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/drama

 

 

 

Recent Events

 

Trip to the Unicorn Theatre:

Thursday 5th May, 10 Drama students from across years 7-10 were selected to watch and write a review of The Three Musketeers performed at the Unicorn Theatre. It was a great afternoon out and it was great to see students of all ages enjoying the show.

 

 

Year 10 students working alongside Almeida Theatre:

21 students from GCSE Drama performed their own original work at the Almeida Theatre. For 8 weeks in their Drama lessons they worked with three facilitators from Almeida Projects to devise their own plays inspired by the Almeida’s recent production of Becky Shaw.  Amongst the audience was Artistic Director Michael Attenborough. The Almeida staff praised the students for their performance saying they were really impressed by the students’ characterisation and energy onstage. Special congratulations should go to Migena Rexhepi 10E and Assya Touitha 10H who confidently performed solo monologues to the packed audience.

 

 

 

Key Stage 3 Drama Club 

Drama club performed Roald Dahl’s The Witches to staff, parents and students from Thornhill Primary school. It was an excellent production and a great achievement for all involved.