What matters most in Drama and Performing Arts?
Drama and Dance fosters an environment of creativity. Everywhere we look in the world around us there is elements of performance whether that be TV, Film, adverts or even social media, learning to perform and present is crucial to many future careers. What matter most in the classroom is that we build a sense of growing confidence in the students and provide a safe environment for exploration of emotions, situations and expression. The subjects provide a practical angle to school that allows students to get up on there feet working on communication both physically and vocally. Drama and Dance has been shown to improve memory, contraction and literacy as we work on different methods of learning content to be recited, while also practising written skills from a practical angle. If you have an interest in the performance industry Drama and Dance is the course for you whether that is the shining star on stage or the crucial tech crew looking at, make and costumes, we study a mix of both! Practically we will look at how to create theatre through ideas generation working from concepts to produce brand new pieces. We will also look at how to adapt pre-existing work to make it our own. Taking a holistic approach, we will also develop make up and costume designs.
Prior Learning
- For KS3 no prior learning is needed although any experience of watching theatre or performing is very welcomed.
- For KS4 we offer 2 courses GCSE Drama and BTEC Performing Arts (Dance):
- For GCSE Drama no prior learning other than that occurred in KS3 is needed
- For BTEC Performing Arts (Dance) outside of school dance training is greatly encouraged to be able to access the course to the highest level.
Key Stage 3 Curriculum Concepts
What we study in KS3 Drama
- Year 7: Term 1 – Introduction to drama, Term 2 – Pantomime, Term 3 – Shakespeare (A midsummer night’s dream), Term 4 – Cabinet of Curiosity (Cirque du Soleil), Term 5 – Murder Mystery, Term 6 – Costume Design
- Year 8: Term 1 – Horror, Term 2 – Vignette, Term 3 – Blood Brothers, Term 4 – Mischief theatre, Term 5 – Brecht, Term 6 – Set Design
- Year 9: Term 1 – Stanislavski, Term 2 – DNA, Term 3 – Curious incident (Physical Theatre), Term 4 – Make up design, Term 5 – Devising, Term 6 – Musical Theatre
Key Concepts throughout – creativity, collaboration, storytelling, performance, audience engagement, themes, characters, plot, emotions and so much more.
Subsequent Study
- After KS3 students have the choice to continue with either GCSE Drama or BTEC Performing Arts (Dance).
- GCSE Drama – This course allows students to delve a lot deeper into the world of theatre analysing and reviewing theatre, producing shows and performances, working to create new ideas and concepts while developing a stronger acting skill level.
- BTEC Performing Arts (Dance) – This course focuses on dance looking at reviewing productions, replicating professional work and developing new routines. The lessons will help develop technique and chorography skills.
- After KS4 students can opt into KS5 Sixth form to further study in more depth following the same structure as the KS4 classes or they can be supported to follow into either an acting or dance course at collage level.
Beyond Study
After KS5 level students could go onto university level drama or dance or use the skills developed in these courses to peruse and alternative career for example teaching, advertisement, social media, management and so many more.