Welcome To Drama!

Our goal in the Drama department is to inspire our pupils to be creative, confident and collaborative learners. Here is our Drama learning journey.

CONTACTS

Dept extension; 5605

Mrs Naomi Akielan (Head of Department) nakielan@hbk.acesmat.uk

Mrs Elicia Alexander ealexander@hbk.acesmat.uk

Ms Katie Toone ktoone@hbk.acesmat.uk

KEY STAGE 3

Students in Key Stage 3 have two hours of Drama a fortnight in mixed ability groups. In Key Stage 3, students have the chance to develop skills in team work, problem solving, creativity and performing. Students learn about key dramatic techniques and how to apply them effectively in their work. In addition to this, students have the chance to study for a LAMDA exam, a bronze Arts Mark, opportunities to come with us to exciting theatre trips or get involved in the school production.

KEY STAGE 4

In Key Stage 4, we study the BTEC Level 1/2 Tech Award in Performing Arts. You can find the specification here. This qualification is equivalent to one GCSE.

Students in Key Stage 4 have the chance to study three Units (called Components) where they have the chance to build on the knowledge and skills they have developed in Key Stage 3.

Here is our video all about the Key Stage 4 course.

Component 1 Exploring the Performing Arts

In this internally assessed Unit, students will watch three exciting live performances and have the chance to recreate them in class time. In addition to exploring these 3 live pieces of theatre, they will create presentations and portfolios all about what they’ve learnt and what it is like to be a professional performer in the modern day.

Component 2 Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

In this internally assessed Unit, students get the chance to explore a range of dramatic styles. This Unit culminates in a group performance of an abridged script with an accompanying diary and exploration notes.

Component 3 Responding to a Brief

In this externally assessed Unit, students get the chance to create their very own performance work. To be successful in this Unit, they need to collaborate effectively and apply the skills they have developed to produce an original performance piece.

KEY STAGE 5

In Key Stage 5, we study the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Performing Arts. You can find the specification here. This qualification is equivalent to one A Level.

Sixth form students study four Units in which they have the opportunity to learn about and explore the development of theatre through history, key theatre practitioners and an even broader range of styles. On this course, students ultimately build on the breadth and depth of their theatrical expertise from Key Stages 3 and 4.

Here is our video all about the Key Stage 5 course.

Unit 1 Investigating Practitioners’ Work

This Unit requires students to explore a range of practitioners and styles. They will watch a range of live theatre in preparation for this Unit and analyse it’s key conventions, social relevance and impact against a given theme. This unit is externally assessed and culminates in a written assessment.

Unit 2 Developing Skills and Techniques for Live Performance

This Unit involves the practical exploration of different theatre styles. Students lead their own workshops and have an input in the final performance of a play text. This internally assessed unit culminates in a performance with accompanying notes and videos.

Unit 3 Group Performance Workshop

Year 13 students complete their BTEC with a performance of their own work. They get the chance to apply the skills, styles and techniques they have been learning about since year 7 to their own piece of performance work that is inspired by a given theme. This is an externally assessed Unit.

Optional Unit

All students will study one further internally assessed Unit which will enrich their sixth form experience. This Unit is chosen from a list of options and informed by the interests and make up of each new year 12 class. In the past we have studied classical texts and the relevance of movement in performance but we leave this Unit open to choice depending on the development potential it offers each new intake of students.