DRAMA

Subject: Edexcel GCSE Drama

Number of lessons per fortnight: 5

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

Pupils have had experience of drama during Key Stage 3 in drama lessons. Pupils will also have an opportunity to be a member of a drama club. Any of these experiences can help if pupils choose drama as a GCSE subject.

Pupils will develop their improvisation and acting skills to a higher level. They will also look at plays in more detail and at different ways of bringing a script to life on stage. If pupils are more interested in the technical aspects of drama (for example set design or lighting) they may focus on these for part of the course.

What will pupils learn?

Pupils will learn:

• how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills

that are needed to put a piece of drama on to the stage

• how to create a character and play this character in a

performance

• many skills that are highly valued in any walk of life including

teamwork and confidently presenting yourself in public.

How will pupils be assessed?

Almost all assessment is practical. There are no written examinations although pupils will be required to keep a written record of their practical work.

Pupils will explore themes, ideas and plays in a wholly practical way and the teacher will assess how well pupils have done.

Pupils will also be required to perform in a play or contribute a form of design to a production such as costume, lighting or sound. Pupils will perform the play with a visiting examiner in the audience.

Personal, Learning and Thinking Skills

The personal, learning and thinking skills (PLTS) provide a framework for describing the qualities and skills needed for success in learning and life. The framework comprises six groups of skills:

independent enquirers
creative thinkers
reflective learners
team workers
self-managers
effective participants.

For each group of skills, a focus statement sums up the range of skills and qualities involved. This is accompanied by a set of outcome statements that describe the relevant skills, behaviours and personal qualities.

Through the Performing Arts curriculum, pupils are encouraged to develop these skills. They are taught to recognise the behaviour and thinking related to each skill and to recognise how this thinking can be applied to other areas of their learning.

For more information on PLTS please see http://curriculum.qca.org.uk/key-stages-3-and-4/skills/plts/index.aspx

What can pupils do after they have completed the course?

After completing GCSE Drama pupils can go on to higher levels of study.

These include:

• GCE Drama and Theatre Studies at AS and A2 Level

• BTEC National Performing Arts (Acting).

Equipment:

Writing equipment as listed in school prospectus.

Uniform:

Pupils should wear your correct school uniform. Short skirts or tight trousers that restrict movement should not be worn.

Contact:Mr Pinch

For more information visit the Edexcel website at: