Welcome to the Drama Department

“Theatre is a form of knowledge; it should and can also be a means of transforming society. Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it.

We must all do theatre – to find out who we are, and to discover who we could become.”

Augusto Boal

 

Drama at Limehurst Academy

Drama is a practical, engaging and creative subject and it provides opportunities to understand and create drama as a practical art form. Drama in the curriculum helps to create independent learners, critical thinkers and effective decision makers—all personal attributes that can make students stand out as they progress through their education and into employment.

Curriculum

At Key Stage 3 students begin Year 7 by learning basic performance and group skills. The remainder of Key Stage 3 works to build on students’ ability to explore a plot, build and perform a character, share knowledge of theatre styles and history, interpret a text and incorporate a range of dramatic techniques into a performance.

Year 7 Topics: Physical Comedy & Physical Theatre and Narration

Year 8 Topics: Darkwood Manor & Othello

Year 9 Topics: 'Teechers’ & War

At Key Stage 4 students follow the OCR Drama GCSE course. This course has been selected for its broad range of study with emphasis on both performing published texts and devising new work. Students are now also challenged to complete a written exam at the end of the course which allows them to further demonstrate their understanding of a studied play text and a live theatre performance. GCSE Drama prepares students for the further study of Drama or Performing Arts courses as well as developing transferable skills desired by further education, higher education and employers in all sectors of industry. Students studying GCSE Drama will develop a wide range of skills: organisation, communication, co-operation, confidence, concentration, problem solving, research, management of time and people.

Component 1: Devising Drama (30%)

Students choose a stimulus and create a piece of drama with an intention in mind, alongside completing a written portfolio of evidence including: planning and research, creating and developing ideas, analysis and evaluation.

Component 2: Presenting and Performance Texts (30%)

Students perform two extracts from a play for a visiting examiner. They are assessed on their ability to communicate meaning through performance and their physical and vocal skills.

Component 3: Drama Performance and Response (40%)

Students sit a written exam at the end of Year 11. Section A assesses their ability to answer questions on a selected play text (we study Blood Brothers). Section B challenges students to evaluate a piece of live theatre.

 

Extra-Curricular

Having a thriving extra-curricular offer is an extremely important part of Drama at Limehurst Academy. We believe that, while high standards must be maintained in the curriculum, extra-curricular opportunities should be accessible to those of all ages and abilities and are not limited to performing. Our annual school production has proved to be most successful. Recent performances include ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘High School Musical’. The production to be performed this Christmas will be announced soon.