Curriculum information
KS3
MADD group is open to all key stages for extra-curricular Drama
KS4
Course Specification: New spec starting Sept. 2017. AQA GCSE Drama http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261
Outline of Course:
3 components: 1 exam (worth 40%) on a set play and live theatre, 2 pieces of practical work (worth 40% and 20%), one devised drama and one script work.
What's assessed
- Knowledge and understanding of drama and theatre
- Study of one set play from a choice of six
- Analysis and evaluation of the work of live theatre makers
How it's assessed
- Written exam: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Open book
- 80 marks
- 40% of GCSE
Questions
- Section A: multiple choice (4 marks)
- Section B: four questions on a given extract from the set play chosen (46 marks)
- Section C: one two part question (from a choice) on the work of theatre makers in a single live theatre production (30 marks)
Component 2: Devising Drama
What's assessed
- Process of creating devised drama
- Performance of devised drama (students may contribute as performer or designer)
- Analysis and evaluation of own work
How it's assessed
- Devising log (60 marks)
- Devised performance (20 marks)
- 80 marks in total
- 40% of GCSE
This component is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.
Component 3: Texts in Practice
What's assessed
-
Performance of two extracts from one play (students may contribute as performer or designer)
Free choice of play but it must contrast with the set play chosen for Component 1
How it's assessed
- Performance of Extract 1 (25 marks) and Extract 2 (25 marks)
- 50 marks in total
- 20% of GCSE
This component is marked by AQA.
Drama encourages
and fosters enthusiasm, creativity, confidence, self esteem and social skills. The course has a great deal of scope for freedom and personalisation in specific areas of study, allowing students to pursue specific interests and strengths including:
- Improvisation Costume
- Physical Theatre Make-up
- Set Design Stage Management
- Text Interpretation
Drama can enrich students’ educational experiences, support other subjects, particularly English, and provide a strong foundation for further progression to Drama courses. It is also well-suited to any student who has a talent or interest in the Performing Arts.
Here are some student comments (taken from a recent student voice):
- "Drama is a fun and creative subject which really helps you discover the real you!"
- "Drama is the best lesson; it's fun, has the best teachers and helps you gain a lot of confidence and charisma which you wouldn't get from any other subject!"
- "Drama is an escape from the reality of everyday life; a subject in which you can become someone else. It's a way to express yourself and have fun doing something you love."
- "There is such a great atmposphere within lessons and you get a real self-esteem boost from lessons."
- "Drama is such a fun lesson. There is a brilliant learning environment and a great group dynamic. I genuinely enjoy these lessons."