Townley Drama Teaching & Learning Curriculum Drama

Year 7

• Term 1:  Introduction to Drama Skills, Dance and Drama Showcase
• Term 2: Spear Sport, Mr Fox
• Term 3: Myths and Legends, Shakespeare

Year 8

• Term 1: Commedia, Melodrama
• Term 2: Mental Health, Wreck of the Mignonette
• Term 3: Musical Theatre, Showcase Performance

Year 9 

• Term 1: Stage Craft, Non-naturalism, Joyriding
• Term 2: Devising from Stimulus, Joyriding, Elephant Man
• Term 3: Forum Theatre, Creating Characters through scripts, Documentary Drama Showcase

Students taking Drama at GCSE can expect a course which is varied and stimulating as well as challenging.  The syllabus tests a number of skills: besides acting ability students must demonstrate that they can research a role or topic, work well in a group, manage their time effectively, reflect upon and evaluate their own work and that of others, and analyse live productions.  Because the course is so varied no two lessons are the same and homework will be similarly diverse – writing up practical work, researching a character, learning lines, finding props and costumes, developing ideas, and so on. Drama is not an easy GCSE, but it is extremely rewarding and students can expect to gain much in terms of self-confidence and teamwork skills, as well as developing their dramatic ability and understanding of theatre and performance.

Assessment Structure

We follow the AQA GCSE Drama syllabus, based on the following structure:

• Practical Component (60% of final mark)
  This is based on two different elements of practical work, One of these will be a scripted piece of work (an extract from a play or short piece of drama, not written by the candidates), and the other will be Devised. For both aspects of practical work marks are awarded equally for preparation (including a written response) and performance. This has the advantage of rewarding hard-working and enthusiastic students as well as strong performers. The practical component is assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.
• Written Paper (40% of final mark)
  In the written examination candidates are required to answer four questions on set plays and one on live productions. Because of this there may be one or two compulsory theatre trips over the two years, as well as additional, optional trips, and students will be expected to make the most of the opportunities they are given. Those who are unable to attend compulsory trips will need to make arrangements to see the production themselves. The written paper is externally set and marked.

Theatre Studies is a life enhancing subject; it offers you rare opportunities to develop as a performer and a communicator. At Townley you will be able to take part in large and small scale productions. You’ll be working with people who are talented and well - motivated. You will become experienced in the interpretation and direction of plays through performances and workshops.

Course Requirements

You will need a 6 grade in GCSE Drama and English to progress to A Level, or attend a practical audition to assess suitability.

Exam Board: AQA

Assessment Structure

There are three components

• Component One – Students will study two set plays and analysis and evaluate the work of live theatre makers. This is a written exam worth 40% of the A Level
• Component Two – Students will devise a performance and write a reflective journal on the process. This is worth 30% of the A Level.
• Component 3 - Practical exploration and interpretation of three extracts each taken from a different play. Methodology of a prescribed practitioner must be applied to Extract 3. Extract 3 is to be performed as a final assessed piece (students may contribute as performer, designer or director. There is also a written Reflective report analysing and evaluating theatrical interpretation of all three extracts. This is worth 30% of the A Level

Skills

Students can pursue their interests and develop their skills in a range of practical drama elements including acting, directing, costume, setting, mask and technical design. However, the requirements of the specification, with its 60% written paper weighting, also enable students to gain an entry qualification for courses in higher education, whether in the area of drama and theatre studies or in a host of other subjects.