Drama at KS4

chair and spotlight

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If you require any further information about the curriculum we are following in this subject, please contact the Head of Department.

Course ID
AQA 8261
Faculty
Expressive Arts
Department
Drama
Level
Key Stage 4 (GCSE)
Head of Faculty
K. Eustace
Head of Department
K. Messios

Students follow the AQA Drama GCSE specification (9-1); refining skills introduced in KS3, and developing new theatre techniques including components 1 to 3, Understanding Drama (exam), Creating Original Drama and Texts in Practice.

There is a focus on the written elements of the course, and giving students the independence to create work that is relevant to a modern audience. Analysis and evaluation of their work and the work of others needs to be strong in order to ensure success is coursework and the final exam.

Curriculum Termly Breakdown by Year

Year 10

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Component 1: Study of set text – The 39 Steps. Practice exam / essay questions.
Autumn 2 Component 1: Study of set text – The 39 Steps. Practice exam / essay questions.
Spring 1 Component 1: Study of set text – The 39 Steps.
Component 1: Response to live theatre.
Component 2: Creating Original Drama (Devising).
Practice exam / essay questions.
Spring 2 Component 2: Creating Original Drama (Devising). Assessed exam performance.
Devising log.
Summer 1 Component 1 – The 39 Steps and Response to Live Theatre. Practice exam./essay questions.
Summer 2 Revision / Exams. GCSE mock exams.

 

Year 11

Term Unit of Work Assessment
Autumn 1 Component 2: Devising log and mock exam feedback.  
Autumn 2 Component 3: Texts in Practice.
Component 1: mock exam revision.
Practice exam / essay questions.
Spring 1 Component 3: Texts in Practice.
Component 1: Response to Live Theatre.
Practice exam / essay questions.
Spring 2 Revision/Preparation for GCSE exam. Practice exam / essay questions.
Summer 1 Revision. Practice exam / essay questions.
Summer 2 GCSE Examination. GCSE Examination.

 

Extended Learning

Year 10

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA GCSE Drama; National Theatre Resources; Digital Theatre; Whats on Stage. The 39 Steps (John Buchan) Visit the theatre, read plays. Take part in school productions, take leadership opportunities in the Drama Department.

 

Year 11

Websites Read Visit or Watch Extra
AQA GCSE Drama; National Theatre Resources; Digital Theatre; Whats on Stage. The 39 Steps (John Buchan) Visit the theatre, read plays. Take part in school productions, take leadership opportunities in the Drama Department.