Although a small department was established in 2002 to develop
the subject for examinations at GCSE level, Drama within the
curriculum at our school has always been taught within the time
allotted for English. This policy is based on a commitment to drama
which stems largely from the enthusiasm of a highly experienced
staff and our belief that drama is of great benefit to the
personal, social and academic development of our pupils. In an
otherwise fairly traditional academic environment it allows a space
for the pupils to learn new practical and creative skills and,
perhaps most importantly, develop new kinds of understanding about
trust, tolerance, confidence, empathy and compassion. Although our
Schemes of Work are linked closely to the requirements of drama set
out in the National Curriculum for Key Stage Three, we are aware
that we are teaching a performing art and always try to combine the
development of creativity with the teaching of practical and design
skills including lighting, sound, make-up, mask and dance. We also
hope the course we offer at our school reflects the significant
shift in attitude towards drama over the past twenty years. Not
only is the subject firmly established within the examination
curriculum at the highest level but the skills it fosters are taken
very seriously by university admissions officers and employers. The
latter, especially, value highly the creativity, good organisation,
self-discipline, communication and presentation skills and ability
to work in a team that the subject demands.
GCSE Drama
AQA 3241
Course Content
The course has two assessed components: coursework, which
carries 60% of the final mark, and a written paper, which carries
40%.
Coursework
The coursework is internally assessed and moderated by the
examination board. All candidates study the theory and practice of
MAKE-UP, LIGHTING, ACTING, IMPROVISATION and DEVISED THEMATIC WORK
FOR PERFORMANCE.
Written Paper
This consists of two sections. The candidates must answer two
questions, one from each section. The answers take the form of
essays on the set plays the students have studied during the
course. In Drama, plays are studied, not as literature, but as
performance art. The approach is quite different and involves
plenty of practical work.
Boys with a genuine and enthusiastic interest in drama will
enjoy this course. The work involved is exciting, creative and
great fun; it is quite different from the traditional academic
study. Although the coursework is performance based, prospective
candidates do not need to be great actors; all they need is
enthusiasm. Their teachers will give them a thorough grounding in
all the other skills they need.
Head of Department:
M Shewan, MA
Members of the Department: