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Drama

Head of Department:  Chris Jackson

Members of Department:

  • Lizzie Gunning (Head of Tull House)
  • Anna Messides (Deputy Headteacher)

The Drama curriculum is designed to build on our pupils’ creative thinking.  Our aim is to engage pupils in various topics over both key stages using the medium of drama so that their overall experience supports them to become confident, sociable, collaborative and articulate adults in the future. We want the pupils to feel enriched whilst learning about the craft and essential transferable life skills, our aim is to “learn through the drama about the drama”. 

At all key stages drama as a subject is exciting, inspiring, promotes independence and allows pupils to progress and develop their thinking both in written and practical ways. Our curriculum promotes the involvement in and enjoyment of drama as performers, directors and designers and there is a clear thread/pathway of progression and knowledge as we work through each of the key stages.  

At both key stage’s pupils are required to reflect upon and evaluate their own work and that of others’ as well as continuously develop an awareness and understanding of both role and processes. This is evident through both the written and practical elements of the curriculum.

Key Stage 3

Drama is a valued part of the creative curriculum at Key Stage 3. Pupils are introduced to key performance techniques and Dramatic Conventions. Our curriculum introduces pupils to a broad range of Dramatic Devices, Theatrical Styles and Genres and to the practical application of the Dramatic Mediums. Script work as well as theatrical design elements are also part of the schemes of learning for both years at key stage three.  Many of these concepts are key elements explored in depth at Key Stage Four and therefore act as a foundation of knowledge and spring-board to support pupils who choose to study this subject at GCSE. Homework, both written and visual, is a fundamental part of the curriculum at key stage three and is essential in promoting pupils’ understanding, independence and knowledge of the subject.

In Years 7 and 8 pupils can expect to receive one timetabled Drama lesson per week, or fortnight depending on the carousel timetable we follow. KS3 Y7 and Y8 pupils are  invited to be part of our extra-curricular offer which is a drama club.

Key Stage 4

At KS4 the curriculum offers two options, one is a pathway course and the other GCSE drama. Both courses further develop a range of theatrical skills and allows pupils to apply them to creative performances where they work collaboratively to generate, develop and communicate their ideas to target audiences. In doing so pupils develop as creative, effective, independent and reflective learners making informed choices in both process and performance.

KS4 Pathway Foundation Drama - Trinity College Qualification

Trinity’s graded Acting exams and Performance Certificates are designed to support candidates to develop a range of transferable 21st Century skills that can have a positive impact on both their education and future employment prospects.

At Morpeth we currently enter students for either the Grade 3 or Grade 4 group performance exam. For this exam pupils work in groups to devise a performance from a starting stimulus provided.

Assessment:

The exam assess the following skills through a range of contexts:

  • Performing audibly, clearly and accurately
  • Using vocal variations in pace, pitch and volume to create character and support narrative
  • Using physicality and space to create character and support narrative
  • An understanding of the material created, it’s connection with character and how the characters relate to each other
  • Communicating meaning and mood with an awareness of the audience

This is a nationally recognised qualification that will help you when applying to college or university or even getting a job.

KS4 GCSE Drama

The department follow the Eduqas GCSE Drama syllabus. Delivery of this curriculum is in accordance with the terms and regulations stipulated and upheld by the examination board. It has a three-component structure and students are assessed in practical performances, documented coursework and a public exam.

Pupils have the option to work practically as performers and/or designers for Component one and two of the GCSE course.  Pupils investigate a practitioner or genre of drama, they work collaboratively to develop ideas to communicate meaning and experiment with dramatic conventions, forms and techniques to produce and realise a piece of original theatre. They will also have the opportunity to participate in the performance of an extract from a play text. Pupils also demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of drama including their ability to interpret texts for performance, in a written examination for component three. Additionally, the GCSE provides opportunities to attend live theatre performances and to develop skills as informed and thoughtful audience members.

Assessment

  • Component One: Practical examination of a devised performance, based on the exploration of a stimulus provided by the exam board. This is supported by a written portfolio exploring the process of creating their final piece - Teacher assessed (40 %)
  • Component Two: Practical examination of a performance of a play text - External examiner assessed (20 %)
  • Component Three: Written examination on a set text and evaluation of a live performance. The current set text is The IT by Vivienne Franzmann - Public exam (40%)

Extracurricular

Extracurricular

Every year, there are two main Drama productions that take place. In the Autumn Term this will be a play and will involve a small cast creating something to challenge as well as entertain its audience. In the Summer Term, in collaboration with the Music and Art departments, there will be a musical production which will be open to a much larger cast of students as well as providing opportunities for the non-performers to get involved in the design and promotion of the show. Our last production was the hugely successful 'Brainstorm'. Over the years we have also taken many performances to the Barbican and Shaw Theatre. Alongside the KS3 Drama Club, there are also regular opportunities for pupils to go to the theatre and enjoy London’s top productions.