Drama

Head of Department: Mr R Marsh

Context

The drama department consists of two teachers of drama. We have a fully equipped drama studio with full lighting rig and tiered seating for 80 people. In drama we seek to ensure students achieve at the highest level whilst developing the whole child.

Curriculum

Student have the opportunity to complete each unit of the GCSE course each year but the stimuli and texts increase in challenge. Students take part in devised and scripted drama and learn a variety of different genres and theatrical practitioners.

The drama curriculum develops students SMSC with a strong focus on embedding strong oracy skills and collaboration.

For curriculum guides for Drama, please visit Curriculum Guides

Learning Journey

Assessment

Students are assessed each half-term in years 7 and 8 by a practical assessment which is either scripted or devised. They also have a written examination each year to mirror the new GCSE.

For GCSE students are assessed at the end of each component of work. They are frequently formatively assessed and receive written feedback at the end of each component of work using the 1-9 grading.

Homework

In years 7 and 8 students receive a piece of homework 3 times per half-term. This is either written, revision of lines or content, and can be a request to bring in costume/props.

GCSE students receive a written home learning activity fortnightly. Other homework includes research, learning lines and revision.

Afterschool Sessions

There is always coursework catch up and rehearsal sessions after school for GCSE.

Enrichment Opportunities

The drama department is very passionate about enrichment opportunities. There is a school production for students to get involved in from years 7-10.

In previous years this has included Alice in Wonderland, Oliver – The Orphan Boy, The Shadows and Midsummer Night’s Dream. In 2018 we performed the Enchanted Rose and for 2019 Land of Oz.

We have taken part in the Shakespeare for School’s Festival as well as performing at Oldham Coliseum and as part of the One-Act-Play Festival.

The department offer a wide range of theatre trips for students to attend at professional theatres such as The Lowry, Royal Exchange and The Contact Theatre in Manchester. GCSE students must attend these as part of the course for evaluating live performance and there are other opportunities for KS3 students to attend as reward trips for excellent attitude to learning in Drama.