Drama

Here at Golborne High School, within Drama lessons we aim to provide memorable experiences and expect our pupils to work with creativity and passion.  We want to develop articulate and confident young people who are able to approach differing situations with determination and self-belief.  In Drama our strong moral compass guides every decision we make as well as each decision we expect our pupils to make; we will consider others and communicate confidently and clearly. The Drama department thrives as an inclusive place, allowing all pupils to access practical lessons; inclusivity is at the heart of our curriculum.

Throughout our ambitious curriculum, pupils will explore the fundamental building blocks of Drama, which will then allow for complex and highly creative stories to be told through performance. Essential elements, such as Performance Skills, Devising Skills and Characterisation will be applied to a wide variety of contexts, increasing in complexity.  

Key Stage 3

We hold high expectations for engagement and performance across Key Stage 3, this ambition drives every lesson. Within KS3 pupils will explore a wide range of genres and theatrical plays, balanced alongside creative devising projects. These vary from theatre history, including Shakespearian characters and Greek Theatre alongside, for example the vibrant Musical Theatre unit.  Pupils will engage with full play texts to encourage depth of understanding and high ambition, these include A Monster Calls and A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime; these plays are examples of successful modern theatre, where a wide range of theatrical conventions are displayed. 

Essential building blocks of Drama will be revisited through KS3; each time building in complexity and creativity in their application to performance. At the end of KS3 pupils will be equipped with a wide range of skills; each of which can then be applied to KS4 with confidence, flair and creativity. Pupils will be exposed to a wide variety of genres of theatre including Naturalism, Physical Theatre and Verbatim Theatre. 

Homework: 

Homework within KS3 supports a high academic understanding of theatrical vocabulary. This will be assessed through Component Knowledge Quizzes, where powerful knowledge linked to each project is revisited. Alongside this, the Drama Department passionally support the Golborne High School wider reading agenda. We recognise the power of words and how reading fluency is an essential performance skill when handling script. Each project is supported by a reading homework, the reading extract allows for a wider exploration of the themes explored within a scheme of work. 

Oracy: 

Across all Drama lessons we focus on the confident use of spoken word. Oracy within our classrooms is an essential element that allows pupils to communicate with both staff and peers alike. Pupils are expected to SHAPE their answers and spoken word is highly valued and actively encouraged within each Drama lesson. Discussion and clarity of communication is a fundamental aspect of Drama. 

Key Stage 4:  BTEC Tech Award Performing Arts 

Pupils opting to continue studying Performing Arts have access to BTEC Performing Arts. The BTEC Tech Award in Performing Arts allows for a highly practical exploration of theatre and performing. Pupils will explore a variety of different theatre practitioners and performance styles.

Within Component 1 pupils will explore in detail a genre of theatre, for example Stanislavski's Naturalism. An accompanying play text is then explored such as Arthur Miller's All My Sons. Pupils build a written portfolio that explores the chosen performance and highlights understanding of the style of theatre. Within Component 2 pupils perform a scripted performance and create a written portfolio that reflects upon their skills development. The application of performance skills are essential to success within this Component, pupils have the exciting opportunity to perform an extended performance, perfected over extended rehearsals. Finally, within Component 3 pupils apply all of the knowledge gained to a unique and original devised piece of theatre in response to a given brief.

Additional Performance Opportunities: 

Alongside our weekly Drama lessons we have regular performance opportunities. These include the Drama Club, where pupils engage in exciting performance projects. We also run the Dance Club, where pupils with a special interest in dance and choreography have the fantastic opportunity to work directly with a Dance specialist teacher. The Whole School Musical Production is also another fantastic opportunity to explore any love of performing and is a sell-out success each and every year. These productions are well respected amongst the local community and provide truly unique and memorable experiences for all pupils involved.