Drama
Members of the Department
Ms McManus (Leader of Drama)
Mrs Smith
Aims
Students study drama through a wide range of practical activities e.g. script work, improvisation, movement/dance drama. With the aim of developing confidence, working with others, problem solving and increasing knowledge of the Performing Arts industry.
KS3
All pupils study Drama in Years 8, 9 and 10 for one hour a week. During their time pupils are taught basic skills and drama strategies which are required for further development at GCSE.
Year 8
Students develop an understanding of vocal and movement skills, improvisation and the style of musical theatre.
Year 9
Students develop previous skills with the use of Macbeth as their Stimulus understanding Elizabethan theatre, working from a script and using recordings to create short films as a marketing tools.
Year 10
Skills are further developed exploring text, through context, research, page to stage performances using ‘Blood Brothers’ as the stimuli.
KS4
At GCSE students follow the CCEA syllabus developing skills in a chosen discipline, these are:
Actor
Lighting Technician
Multimedia
Costume/ Set design
In one of these disciplines they complete two performance units, a scripted performance from a published text and a devised performance they create in small groups.
Pupils study the set text of ‘Blood Brothers’ for their final exam, developing knowledge of production elements, directorial interpretation and rehearsal strategies.
Post 16
At A Level, students follow CCEA Performing Arts syllabus developing practical and theoretical skills in their chosen discipline, these are:
Actor
Stage Management
Set/ Costume Design
Lighting Technician
The course aims to give a practical insight into the Performing Arts industry, as students learn how to promote themselves, develop discipline specific skills and work with others as a theatre company creating performances for public viewing. They also develop interview and audition techniques in preparation for a future career within the industry.
They complete the course through a variety of practical and theoretical tasks such as individual presentations, scripted performance, practical application of production skills and devising an original piece of theatre.
Drama Club
Drama Club is on Mondays (Junior) and Fridays (Junior) after school in the Assembly Hall and currently has over 80 members. Drama Club is a great way to make new friends in all year groups, develop confidence and performance experience.
The school produces a whole school production biannually and partakes in the Shakespeare school festival Biannually. We also produce performances for open nights and other public forums throughout the year. Recent successes include:
‘Hairspray The Broadway Musical’- St Joseph’s College
‘The Tempest’- Shakespeare Schools Festival (MAC Theatre)
‘The Addams Family Musical- St Joseph’s College
‘Macbeth’- Shakespeare Schools Festival (MAC Theatre)
The taming of the Shrew- Shakespeare School Festival (MAC Theatre)
WE are currently working towards our next project which will be performed in November 2022.
Career opportunities
Actor
Dancer
Singer
Musician
MakeUp Artist
Teacher
Costume Designer
Set Designer
Director
Choreographer
Lighting Designer/ Technician
Photographer
Prop Maker
Producer
Location Finder
Front of House
Presenter
Special FX’s
Computer Graphics/ Designer
PR
Events management
Stage Manager
Sound technician
Camera Person
DJ, Promotions
Model
Radio Presenter
Comedian
Script writer
Composer