Ratcliffe-College-Key-Stage-3-Handbook-2016-2017

Drama
What you will study:
In Year 7 the work starts with the training of mime skills, and these include
movement, gesture, body language and facial expression. These are vital tools in
conveying characters, feelings and emotions. The voice work is then developed
with vocal exercises and script reading. Use of pitch, tone, pace and timing are
also important to enable these characters to come to life. You will finish the
year with a short presentation of your work.
In Year 8 script work is now developed to include writing your own scripts where
you will be asked to think about a number of issues such as homelessness or
being alone. The strategies and techniques learnt in Year 7 will be incorporated
within these scripts and performed during class lessons. The devising process
will be more challenging and be a combination of scripted and improvised work.
You will also study a Shakespeare play using a variety of dramatic techniques to
explore characters and themes. Script work or a full length play, where you have
to interpret characters through voice and movement, will be the final
presentation of the year.
In Year 9 you will look at presenting Drama in different forms and medium, i.e.
television, pantomimes, global issues such as bullying, terrorism, war etc. Stimuli
from photographs, films, poetry and scripts will be used in this context. This will
involve research, developing a script, rehearsing and performing. This will bring
you to an understanding of history, as well as broaching subjects that are
relevant to our times. You will create and design your own pantomimes for
performance to the Junior School. You will also study a full length script and
interpret characters through voice and movement techniques as well as using
staging strategies learnt in Years 7 and 8.
Teaching approaches:
Drama is obviously a very practical subject. Therefore, it is really important to
have the discipline to listen carefully to instructions and directions from the
teacher. Drama involves team work, sharing and offering ideas and supporting
each other during the devising process. Also, you will require the discipline to
work through rehearsals and improve and develop your performance skills
further. There will be workshops on lighting, make-up, and physical theatre for
most groups and the opportunity to perform in front of an audience as well as
the chance to see live theatre.
How you will be assessed:
Whilst learning important skills for putting on plays, Drama is vital in helping you
to increase your confidence and communication skills. This is achieved with small
presentations in class and to students and parents. During the course, you will be
very active in the lessons. Your homework will be based on the skills learnt and
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