Drama
Curriculum Vision
‘It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge’
- Albert Einstein -
The drama department embraces all students at Chapel High School, whatever their previous experience or talent. We believe all young people should experience the joy of performing under the limelight, be given the opportunity to watch live theatre and to explore classic and contemporary texts. We are fortunate in having a creative space for our students to help us make this vision a reality.
Knowledge and skills
Our students know it is important to study drama as its own discrete art form with a rich and varied history. We want our students to gain a sound understanding of theatre and its origins, from Ancient Greece through to Shakespeare and Victorian Melodrama. We also see drama as an effective tool for wider learning; students explore themes and issues in role with the aim of answering some of life’s bigger questions. Our students are taught to value drama as a skills-based practical subject which requires team work, communication, time management, self-direction and self-confidence.
We believe that drama and theatre should be accessible to all. Our curriculum includes a drama club and a proudly inclusive annual musical. We organise local theatre trips as well as an annual visit to London, and visiting performers include local sixth formers and theatre companies such as Frantic Assembly. We utilise a wealth of digital performances online and use them to develop students’ experience of theatre evaluation skills. We are passionate about inclusivity and ensure that Drama within the Learning Support community is both engaging and supportive.
Context
We aim to widen the cultural experience of our students beyond the hills of the High Peak by exploring scripts such as ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, ‘Macbeth’, ’Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’, ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’. We examine poetry and real life events that develop our students’ empathy skills through role play. Our curriculum is flexible and evolving; we adapt to the needs of our students, their lives and the complex issues of the day.
You can find our year 7 to 9 curriculum here.
You can find our year 10 and 11 curriculum here.
Years 10 and 11
Drama is offered as an option subject for GCSE. As well as the practical elements of the course, students are required to learn theatrical terminology, explore a range of texts and stimuli and apply their knowledge in the production of a written portfolio and examination.
Examination Information
| Qualification | GCSE Drama |
|---|---|
| Board | AQA |
| Syllabus number | 8261 |
| Website link | http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/drama/gcse/drama-8261/subject-content |
| Assessment details |
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| Coursework details | Parents can support students by visiting the theatre regularly and watching a range of plays and performances. Youth theatre and Drama Clubs also provide extra relevant experience. |
| Recommended website | http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/subjects/zbckjxs |
