What will students study in Drama this year?

In Year 12, students will deepen the level with which they make connections between dramatic theory and practice. This will be exemplified within the devised unit in which they will create a devised performance in a response to a play extract and the methodology of the theatre company Frantic Assembly. Students will also explore the Section B and Section C written exam texts.

In Year 13, students will attend a production of a play and put together a set of preparation notes to support their evaluation in Section A of the written exam. Students will also develop their ability to perform or design scripted drama. Finally, students will develop their ability to interpret and realise the performance texts That Face and Woyzeck.

What are the major assessments this year?

Year 12:

COMPONENT 1: DEVISING - PRACTICAL PERFORMANCE AND WRITTEN COURSEWORK (40%).

Students devise an original piece of theatre using one key extract from a performance text and a theatrical practitioner as a stimulus.

Year 13:

COMPONENT 2: SCRIPTED PERFORMANCE- ASSESSED BY VISITING EXAMINER (20%)

Students prepare and perform a key extract from a performance text as a group. Students also perform either a monologue or a duologue of a key extract from a second, different performance text.

COMPONENT 3: WRTTEN EXAMINATION – 2 HOURS AND 30 MINUTES ON SET TEXTS AND LIVE PERFORMANCE (40%):

Section A - Live Theatre Evaluation question.

Section B - Page to stage- practical exploration and study of a complete play text – students will be examined on their response to an extract of the play in examination conditions.

Section C - Interpreting a Performance Text- practical exploration and interpretation of another complete play text in light of a chosen practitioner and thinking about how the text could be reimagined for a contemporary audience.

What do assessments test?

Year 12:

Devised performance – This is testing a student’s ability to apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance (AO2)

Devising portfolio – This is testing a student’s ability to create and develop ideas to communicate meaning as part of the theatre-making process, making connections between dramatic theory and practice (AO1) and their ability to analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others (AO4)

Year 13:

Scripted performance - This is testing a student’s ability to apply theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions in live performance (AO2)

Written exam:

Section A – Live Theatre Evaluation - This is testing a student’s ability to analyse and evaluate the work of others (AO4)

Section B – Page to Stage (That Face by Polly Stenham) – This is testing a student’s ability to demonstrate knowledge of how drama and theatre is developed and performed (AO3)

Section C- Interpreting a Performance Text (Woyzeck by Georg Buchner / Practitioner: Brecht) – This is testing a student’s ability to demonstrate knowledge of how drama and theatre is developed and performed (AO3)

What are the expectations of my child in Drama?

In Drama, students will regularly be expected to work in groups and as such will be expected to engage with others’ ideas and contribute their own suggestions. Students will be expected to be attentive and responsive audience members. They will also be expected to perform in different roles and to present their ideas to the rest of the class. Even if students choose to be assessed on design options instead of as a performer, they will still be expected to explore the exam text through performance. Students will be expected to rehearse outside of lesson times and will be expected to attend a compulsory theatre trip as a part of the Live Theatre Evaluation aspect of the course.

What should students do if they feel they are struggling in Drama?

I would encourage students to speak to their teacher, as we are here to help and support. It is important that students feel comfortable and relaxed in drama lessons so that they can work creatively and confidently.

How can I best support my child in Drama?

Taking students to see live performances is an effective way to foster a passion for the subject. Reading a range of plays can also obviously help to extend a student’s subject knowledge. Another way parents could help is by testing students on their lines and/or on their subject-specific knowledge, by using resources provided.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

Head of Drama & Music, Mr Boulter: on hboulter@carshaltongirls.org.uk