Sir William Robertson Academy’s (SWRA) Drama Curriculum offers our students wonderful opportunities for personal development that has a focus on nurturing confidence. Our students become articulate and self-assured communicators – essential attributes for success in whatever profession they choose to pursue. As they progress in their Drama experience at SWRA, students will develop skills in devising original work, performing, and also in deciphering the semiotics that communicate meaning to an audience.
The fundamental concepts in drama are skills-based and are successful in the cultivation of a range of personal skills, which are vital in allowing students to succeed in their drama lessons and beyond. Skills such as communication, creative thinking, refinement, clarity of expression, independence, skills in leadership and collaboration.
The chosen Drama Curriculum is structured upon the expectations for GCSE Drama whereby relevant skills and knowledge required by the end of Year 11 & Year 13 are filtered down into schemes of work in Key Stage 3. We provide our students with a comprehensive set of scripts to explore both practically and theoretically. Scripts cover social, historical & cultural themes that offer students a varied outlook of the world.
Within Key Stages 3, 4 & 5, students will be exposed to three components within the Edexcel Drama specifications: Component 1 Devising, Component 2 Performance from Text and Component 3 Theatre Makers in Practice, designed to ensure that drama knowledge is being understood both practically and theoretically at each stage. Students will explore the roles and responsibilities of the performer, director and designer.
Post GCSE Drama, students can continue further study within the subject by taking the A-Level Drama and Theatre course. There are a wide-ranging number of career paths that students can embark upon relating to drama and theatre, such as becoming an actor, stage manager, arts administrator, drama teacher, drama therapist, television production assistant, radio presenter, theatre director, lawyer, managing director etc.
As a department we believe that the best way to promote a love of theatre, and also to develop knowledge and understanding of key terms, is to visit the theatre on regular trips to see shows. Whether it be at the local University, the West End in London or Broadway in New York, it is a joy to see our students captivated and inspired on these outings.
We also provide the students with the opportunity of taking part in SWRA’s Annual Production. Here, students can apply and develop the performance skills learnt in lessons. Students can also look at how to control the production elements for the production. We are so proud of all students in the production each year. Their courage, professionalism and sheer talent exceeds each year.
KS3
In years’ 7 & 8 we teach students how to create their own pieces of drama using the strategies and theatrical conventions that make up the building blocks of performance. Students will work collaboratively in groups in order to produce small pieces of practical work.
KS3 students are offered the chance to be part of a Drama Club at lunchtimes where fundamental performance skills are developed, with an emphasis on fun.
In the summer term, we provide the opportunity of a KS3 Production where the younger students in the school have their time to shine.
In Year 9 we aim to give the students an abridged version of the current GCSE specification.
KS4 - Edexcel
The aim of the GCSE course is to introduce students to the basics of theatre craft and performance. Students will gain an understanding of what is dramatically effective and how to convey meaning on stage. It is a very exciting course, full of opportunities to explore complex ideas and to learn how to communicate meaning through drama.
Component 1: Devising (Coursework) 40% –
• Students will create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus
• Performance of this devised piece.
• Portfolio – Students will analyse and evaluate the devising process & performance. (2000 words)
Component 2: Performance from Text 20% –
• Students will perform two key extracts from a performance text. (Monologue/Duologue and a Group piece)
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice Written examination: 40% –
• Practical exploration and study of one complete performance text.
• Live Theatre Evaluation.
KS5 - Edexcel
Component 1: Devising (Coursework) 40% –
• Students will create and develop a devised piece from a stimulus in the style of a theatre practitioner– an extract from an existing play.
• Performance of this devised piece.
• Portfolio – Students will analyse and evaluate the devising process & performance. (3000 words)
Component 2: Performance from Text 20% –
• Students will perform two key extracts from 2 separate performance texts. (Monologue/Duologue and a Group piece)
Component 3: Theatre Makers in Practice Written examination: 40% –
• Section A Live Theatre Evaluation.
• Section B – Page to Stage - Practical exploration of a contemporary play – students write about how to bring a moment to life using both performance skills and production elements.
• Section C Practical exploration and study of an older play – students write about how they would bring a moment to life for a modern audience and in the style of a practitioner.