School Life
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Drama
The Drama curriculum at Ernest Bevin Academy aims to develop students' creativity, confidence, and performance skills through a varied program of practical and theoretical work. Our curriculum encourages students to explore a range of theatrical styles, techniques, and texts, while developing their ability to collaborate, communicate, and express themselves effectively.
Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Year 7
Autumn Term
- Introduction to Drama: Basic skills and techniques
- Tableaux and still images
- Voice and movement exercises
Spring Term
- Storytelling: Creating narratives through drama
- Character development
- Script work: Introduction to dialogue
Summer Term
- Mime and physical theatre
- Comedy and status play
- End of year showcase
Year 8
Autumn Term
- Genre study: Melodrama and Commedia dell'arte
- Vocal techniques and projection
- Stock characters and masks
Spring Term
- Script work: Understanding structure
- Staging techniques
- Theatre history: Greek theatre
Summer Term
- Devising from stimuli: Images, music, objects
- Improvisation skills
- Performance project
Year 9
Autumn Term
- Theatre practitioners: Stanislavski and naturalism
- Building a character: Physical and psychological approaches
- Monologue work
Spring Term
- Theatre practitioners: Brecht and epic theatre
- Non-naturalistic techniques
- Script analysis and interpretation
Summer Term
- Contemporary theatre and devising
- Issue-based drama
- GCSE preparation: Introduction to component requirements
Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Students who choose Drama as a GCSE option follow the Edexcel GCSE Drama specification, which consists of three components: devising drama, performance from text, and theatre makers in practice.
Year 10
- Component 1: Devising - Creating and developing a devised piece from a stimulus
- Exploration of performance techniques and theatrical styles
- Portfolio development: Documenting the creative process
- Study of a set text: Section A preparation
- Theatre visits and evaluation skills
Year 11
- Component 2: Performance from Text - Interpreting and exploring two key extracts from a play
- Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice - Practical exploration of a set text
- Live theatre evaluation skills
- Revision and examination preparation
- Final performances and external examiner visits
Assessment
- Component 1: Devising (40%) - Performance and portfolio
- Component 2: Performance from Text (20%) - Performance examination
- Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (40%) - Written examination
Key Stage 5 (Sixth Form)
In the Sixth Form, students can study A-Level Drama and Theatre Studies. We follow the AQA specification, which provides a challenging and engaging curriculum that combines practical work with academic study.
Course Content
- Component 1: Drama and Theatre - Study of two set plays and analysis of live theatre
- Component 2: Creating Original Drama - Devised performance influenced by a practitioner
- Component 3: Making Theatre - Practical exploration of three extracts from different plays
- In-depth study of theatre practitioners, including Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, and Frantic Assembly
- Regular theatre visits and workshops with professional practitioners
Enrichment Opportunities
- Annual school production
- Drama Club for all year groups
- Technical Theatre Club for lighting, sound, and stage management
- Theatre trips to West End and local productions
- Shakespeare Schools Festival participation
- National Theatre Connections program
- Workshops with visiting theatre companies and practitioners
- Inter-school performances and competitions
How Parents Can Help
- Encourage attendance at theatre performances
- Support line learning and rehearsal outside of school
- Provide opportunities to watch varied theatrical performances (live or recorded)
- Encourage participation in local youth theatre or drama groups
- Help with research for portfolio work and written assignments
- Support school productions by attending performances and helping with costumes, props, or front-of-house activities
Useful Resources
Reading and Resources
- GCSE Drama Revision Guide (Download PDF)
- Theatre Practitioner Information Sheets (Download PDF)
- Drama Techniques Glossary (Download PDF)
- Recommended Plays for Young Performers (Download PDF)