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In Drama pupils are taught set of techniques and skills to enable them to produce creative work in a series of different genres.

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All projects are based on the four assessment areas, strands that run from year seven to year eleven at GCSE. These are to Create and Develop, Skills, Knowledge and Understanding and to Analyse and Evaluate.

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Students are also encouraged to develop life skills during their lessons. There is an emphasis on empathy, team work, improvising or thinking on your feet, performing in front of others and listening attentively.

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Key Stage Three students study a different topic each half term. Projects are marked on a half termly basis. Verbal feedback is given each lesson.

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The Drama Hall is equipped with a sound system and a lighting rig. There is a stage with black curtains to create the black box effect. There are also black surround curtains in the body of the Drama Hall and a set of blocks to create a stage elsewhere or to extend the existing stage.

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Lessons are generally held in the Drama Studio, a lovely light space in which we can make noise without disturbing the rest of the school.

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Curriculum Overview

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Year 7 

Students will start with an Introduction to Drama, in which they will begin to learn the skills and techniques. These are revisited and added to in subsequent years. Topics will include a physical theatre project, a text based project, a devising project, a comedy project and one based on a historical event.

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Year 8

They will add to their list of skills and techniques. Topics will include a Shakespeare based project as well as a similar range as those offered in Year Seven.

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Year 9 

Students will work through some GCSE style projects as well as a similar range as those offered in Year Eight.

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GCSE Course

The GCSE board used is currently AQA. There are three components. Component 1 is Understanding drama. This is a written exam which lasts for 1 hour and 45 minutes. It carries 40% of the GCSE. Component 2 is Devising drama. It is a devised performance and a devising log and carries 40% of the GCSE. Component 3 is Texts in practice. Students perform two extracts from one play. This carries 20% of the GCSE.

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Homework/Independent Learning

A small amount of homework is set at Key Stage Three and will generally be to research, look for or write about techniques or skills. There might be a piece of evaluative writing.

At GCSE homework is set weekly. It might be to learn some vocabulary or to carry out some research, to learn lines or to do practice exam questions.

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Extra-curricular and Enrichment Opportunities

There is a popular lunchtime Year 7&8 Drama Club which meets once a week. We perform once or twice a year, possibly with some Year 7&8 Music and a display of their Art.

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Each year there is either a school play or a school musical. Auditions are open to students from Year 7 through to Year 11.

There are Gifted and Talented workshops each year to stretch the more able. We work with several other local schools and invite professional practitioners to lead sessions.

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Parents and friends are invited to attend GCSE performances.

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