Drama

"I regard the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being." Oscar Wilde

Drama is a dynamic department with significant links to the creative industry. Underpinning all of the work within the department is a commitment to developing skills, confidence, imagination and understanding through performance. Drama and Theatre Studies are compulsory in Key Stage 3 but are popular choices at both GCSE and A Level. For Year 7 and Year 8 students Drama is compulsory and a yearlong subject. In Year 9 students opt to study 3 of the 4 Creative Arts subjects and will receive one lesson per week.

Knowledge and Skills developed in Key Stage 3 Drama:

Year 7

• Pupils learn to work confidently in groups using a range of drama techniques to explore situations and devise dramas for different purposes.

• Plan and structure plays that make use of techniques and forms to express their ideas.

• Actively interpret the work of playwrights.

• Write and perform their own simple scripts.

• Select and operate a range of simple theatre technologies.

• Learn lines, collaborate with others and organise simple presentations.

• Experiment with their voices and movement, to create or present different characters in performance.

• Demonstrate an awareness of some theatre traditions from different times and places e.g. Greek Theatre

• Discuss the themes or issues in the drama and the way they are presented.

• Reflect on and evaluate their own and other pupils’ work, suggest improvements and use basic theatre terminology.

Year 8

• Pupils explore and interpret ideas, issues and relationships and turn it into drama using appropriate forms.

• Combine their skills and knowledge of drama to devise new plays.

• Sustain a defined character for the full length of a performance.

• Interpret and rehearse extracts from a range of scripted plays.

• Write scripts or short plays based on devised work, using appropriate theatre conventions

• Improve and refine their acting, directing or technical contribution to the rehearsal process.

• Relate, compare and contrast their work with drama from other times and cultures.

• Discuss the way that ideas are presented and represented, how plots are developed and characters portrayed

• Compare different interpretations of the same text.

• Use technical terms when talking about dramas they have seen or in which they have participated in.

Year 9

• Analyse scripts for the best way of interpreting the most comedic approach

• Devise dramas in various forms based on a range of challenging issues and themes.

• To be an active member of a team and learn to collaborate and compromise.

• Make plays which employ symbolic representations or effects to communicate meaning.

• Create and represent clearly defined characters from the written word and consider motivation.

• Organise and present performances in a range of styles (e.g. melodramatically, naturalistically).

• Select and control appropriate vocal and physical skills, with some subtlety.

• Discuss and justify their choices in Drama, based on a knowledge of theatre past and present.

• Use correct terminology to describe their work and begin to analyse how actors, technicians and directors have achieved specific effects or communicated ideas, emotions and feelings.

Outside the classroom

In addition to the core curriculum we offer private LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) lessons for students who want to develop their skills further with individual or small group tutelage. As well as our Christmas and summer showcases. Those interest in lead roles are required to audition. Additionally, a range of workshops from industry professionals are programmed throughout the year including the RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) Shakespeare Schools Tour. Each week there is also a Year 7 and 8 Drama club, where under supervision students play Drama and team building games for fun.

Progression pathways and careers

Drama prepares students for all walks of life as it builds confidence, team building skills and problem solving. Many Hendon Students have gone on to successful careers in the Creative Industry. The creative sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the UK. It currently accounts for 6% of the UK’s GDP, with further growth predicted for the next decade. The creative industry and has proven to expand despite recent economic crisis. Studying Drama and Theatre provides a fantastic platform for students who wish to continue on to study any Performing Arts degree at University be that onstage or behind the scenes. The career prospects are many and varied within the Arts Industry. For example: Actor, Director, Stage Manager, Presenter, Artistic Director or Stage Crew. However, A Level Drama and Theatre Studies develops important skills that will aid students in any career path they choose that might involve public speaking and/or critical thinking.

Useful links

www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
www.nyt.org.uk
https://www.rada.ac.uk
www.shakespearesglobe.com 

Contact

Mr Chappel - Teacher of Drama chappelp@hendonschool.co.uk