Welcome to the Drama Department at Waddesdon Church of England School

Head of Drama

Sue Johnston

Teachers

Caroline Gulliver

Subject Overview
Teaching Aims and Objectives
Course Information
Marking and Assessment
Homework Policy
Examinations
Department Resources
Department Policies

Subject Overview

In Key Stage 3, all students follow a Drama course which they enjoy. In Years 7 and 8, one lesson a week is dedicated to lower-school Drama. Year 8 students can opt to take Drama as a GCSE course which they begin in Year 9 as part of the school’s Accelerated Flexible Learning Programme. Students are entered for the examination in Year 11.

Performance Studies is offered as an AS / A Level course and is very popular with Year 12 and Year 13 students. Sixth Formers are well supported in their studies and many choose to further their studies in Higher Education.

The Drama Department is lively and active throughout the school and supports exciting opportunities ranging from school productions to specialist workshops.

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Teaching Aims and Objectives

Students are encouraged to develop their confidence and ability to present their ideas effectively. The Year 7 programme of work encourages students to think, to share ideas and to create imaginative performances. Initially, students work in groups on themed topics; this enables them to develop confidence whilst studying dramatic techniques. As progress is made, these techniques are partnered with an evaluation and appreciation of dramatic forms and theatre studies.

Students are taught to understand that drama and theatre are art forms and they are guided to appreciate and evaluate live performances. The ability to analyse and discuss live performance is important and this is supported through the teaching programmes. At GCSE Level, theatre visits are an integral part of the course and work in this area is examined through a written paper.

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Course Information

Lower School Drama

A thematic approach is used and students are introduced to the practices and disciplines of working in this subject area. It is important for students to develop high levels of concentration. Confidence as a group member and presenter is developed. Critical thinking, creativity and presentation skills are nurtured throughout the lower school Drama course. It is regarded enthusiastically by many of the students and is a popular option for GCSE in Key Stage 4.

GCSE Drama AQA 3241

Coursework 60%
Written examination 40%

The GCSE coursework grade is based on the student’s preparation and performance; each student is required to perform as a member of a group but is marked individually.

The practical coursework falls into three main categories: Improvisation, Scripted Performance and Technical Theatre.

The written examination focuses on the student’s ability to review live theatre performances and discuss the impact of a performance on the audience.

AS / A Level Performance Studies OCR 3873 7873

The course combines work in Drama, Dance and Music and is examined through written coursework, written examination, and a live performance in front of an audience and an examiner.

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Marking and Assessment

Years 7 and 8

Assessment of practical work takes place at regular intervals during the lower school course. Students are assessed on their ability to contribute to preparation and performance work. This is recorded by the teacher and reflected in the full report to parents.

GCSE

The Examination Board mark scheme is followed and marks are recorded. Students are permitted to see the official record of their marks; parents receive a report, which reflects student progress.

AS / A Level

Written work is marked regularly and tutorials are offered. Final marks for coursework are discussed with the student before submission to the Examination Board for moderation.

The Board marks examinations taken throughout the year and results are reported at the end of the academic year. A final grade is awarded at the end of Year 13.

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Homework Policy

Lower School

Students in Year 7 and Year 8 may be set a small amount of homework occasionally. This could involve a simple research task or learning a short section of script.

GCSE

Students are set short tasks on a regular basis. These may involve research for a theme, learning lines or completing written assignments in the Drama Diary. During the course, written coursework will be required which will involve submitting a 500-word essay based on a work review and comparison; on average four such essays are written. The coursework essay must be of a high standard to fulfil the demands of GCSE.

Students are expected to hand in work on time; a date is set and recorded by the student in the Student Planner or Drama Diary.

Examinations

GCSE Drama AQA 3241
AS / A Level Performance Studies OCR 3873 7873

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Department Resources

The Department has one Drama Studio and a Movement Studio and also has the use of the Hall.

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Department Policies

Students are expected to treat the studios with respect and care.
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing for dramatic activities as guided by the teacher.
Technical equipment may only be used with the permission of a Drama teacher.
Students following examination courses must be prepared to commit to extra rehearsals after school.
Respect for others and sensitivity towards fellow students is expected at all times.
Entry to studios must be with teacher permission only.
Drama students working at Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 are expected to develop high levels of organisation and must demonstrate that they can work independently.
When working in groups, Drama students must appreciate the importance of loyalty and commitment to their fellow students: the actions of a disaffected student can be injurious to the high standards and examination grades of the rest of the students within the group