The Importance of Drama in the Curriculum
The importance of Drama within the curriculum is significant. Providing the opportunity to be imaginative and expressive offers a creative alternative to academic subjects, as well as allowing pupils to develop a sense of self.
At Goldington Academy, our aim is to:
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Stimulate an interest in the creative arts;
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Enable pupils to gain important life skills such as: critical thinking; problem solving; responsibility and independence;
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Cultivate an environment of challenge where pupils learn resilience;
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Develop confidence and self-esteem;
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Expose pupils to a range of performance styles, techniques, vocabulary and knowledge, related to the incredibly versatile Performing Arts industry;
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Offer opportunities that inspire and promote lifelong learning;
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Motivate pupils to achieve in school and beyond.
Key Stage 3
Pupils in Key Stage 3 will be introduced to foundation Drama skills; study a range of practitioners and styles, and experience a range of performance opportunities in a safe environment. We use Drama at Key Stage 3 to develop confidence, creativity, team work and social skills.
In each year group, pupils will develop skills and knowledge, incorporating these into an end of topic project. Pupils in Year 7 are formally assessed three times a year and given clear marking criteria in order for them to be able to manage their own aspirations. The same applies for pupils in Year 9, however they are only assessed at the end of a full term as per the arrangements of the Arts rotation.
Year 7
In Year 7, we explore various social issues using Drama as a conduit, as well as studying topics including Greek Theatre and Shakespeare.
Year 8
In Year 8, pupils will investigate further the history of theatre and discover how to perform in a variety of styles, focusing on Brecht and Stanislavsk.
Year 9
In Year 9, pupils study drama for half of the academic year, spending the other half studying music. In their drama lessons, pupils will focus on key aspects of the GCSE drama course, such as exploring a set text and evaluating live theatre.
Key Stage 4 – GCSE Drama
At Goldington we offer the AQA course as our GCSE option. The qualification is split into three components:
Component 1: Understanding Drama
This component is a written exam in which students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of how drama and theatre is developed and performed (AO3), including in connection to a set play and on their ability to analyse and evaluate the live theatre work of others (AO4).
The paper constitutes 40% of the GCSE. Students have 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer the paper.
The paper is divided into three compulsory sections:
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Section A: Theatre roles and terminology
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Section B: Study of set text
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Section C: Live theatre production
In the exam students are expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the subject content.
Component 2: Devising Drama
This is a practical component in which students are assessed on their ability to create and develop ideas to communicate meaning for theatrical performance (AO1), apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance (AO2) and analyse and evaluate their own work (AO4).
Component 2 constitutes 40% of the GCSE. It is marked by teachers and moderated by AQA.
For this component students are required to complete the following two assessment tasks:
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Produce an individual Devising log documenting the devising process
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Contribute to a final devised duologue or group performance
The Devising log is marked out of 60. Each student's contribution to the final devised performance is marked out of 20.
Component 3: Texts in Practice
This component is a practical component in which students are assessed on their ability to apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance (AO2).
Component 3 constitutes 20% of the GCSE. It is marked by AQA.
For this component students must complete two assessment tasks:
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Study and present a key extract (monologue, duologue or group performance)
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Study and present a second key extract (monologue, duologue or group performance) from the same play
Each student's contribution to each key extract performance is marked out of 20.