Drama
Subject Leader: Ms Sterran
The Drama Department at Coppice Performing Arts School gives students the opportunity to explore a creative subject developing devising, performance and evaluative skills. Students are encouraged to be responsible for their own learning through the promotion of independent learning and rehearsal.
Learning Environment & Resources
All students have access to a variety of performance spaces including a black box studio and large theatre. The students also have access to production elements including, set, costume, lighting and sound. Students are also able to access play texts from a variety of styles and eras to develop their knowledge around drama and theatre. As well as access to live and recorded production via Drama Online to develop their performance repertoire.
Drama teachers are available to students who want extra support/tuition before school, at lunch times and after school. Intervention takes place after school where students are encouraged to rehearse independently as well as complete work towards their theory. Drama groups are of a mixed ability at KS4.
Key Stage 4
Key Stage 4
Students at Key Stage 4 study Eduqas GCSE Drama.
Eduqas GCSE Drama
Student’s study three components during this course. There are 2 practical exams, a written exam and controlled condition coursework activities. The assessments are weighted 30% practical and 70% written, however theory is explored through practical exploration and students can expect an even amount of written and practical lessons. The course is worth one GCSE grade 9-1.
Course Breakdown
Component 1: Devising Theatre (40%)
Students create, develop and perform a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus set by the exam board.
Students will make—
- A devised piece of theatre
- A portfolio of supporting evidence in 3 sections (750-1000 words)
- An evaluation (1 hour 30 minutes)
Component 2: Performing a Text (20%)
You will study 2 extracts from one text and perform these to a visiting examiner.
Students will make—
- An artistic intentions form
- A scripted piece of theatre
Component 3: Interpreting Theatre (40%)
Section A – Students will answer a series of questions on a set text.
Section B – Students will answer one question from a choice of two, giving analysis and evaluation of a given aspect of a live theatre production you will have seen on the course.
Post 16
Post 16
Post 16 students study A-level Edexcel Drama & Theatre Studies.
Edexcel A-level Drama & Theatre
Student’s study three components during this course. There are 2 practical exams, a written exam and coursework activities. The assessments are weighted 30% practical and 70% written, however theory is explored through practical exploration and students can expect an even amount of written and practical lessons. The course is worth one A-level grade.
Course Breakdown
Component 1: Devising (40%)
Students create, develop and perform a piece of devised theatre using either the techniques of an influential theatre practitioner or a genre, in response to a stimulus.
Students will make—
- A devised piece of theatre
- A portfolio of supporting evidence (3000 words)
Component 2: Text in Performance (20%)
You will study 2 extracts from one text and perform these to a visiting examiner.
Students will make—
- An artistic intentions form
- A scripted group performance
- A scripted monologue performance
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice (40%)
Section A – Live Theatre Evaluation. Students will respond to a piece of live theatre in relation to a given statement.
Section B – Page to Stage. Students will answer two questions on a set text. This includes design and performance questions.
Section C – Interpreting a Performance Text. Students will explore a set text to reimagine the performance as production for a contemporary audience.
Extra Curricular
Extra-curricular activity, trips, events, clubs, community links
It is encouraged that students have access to as many extra opportunities as possible within the drama department.
Trips to theatre and other arts establishments take place throughout student’s time studying drama. This includes professional theatres, creative hubs, community events etc.
