Drama
Theatre is the capacity possessed by human beings... To observe themselves in action.
Augusto Boal
Teaching styles
Drama is taught using a wide range of resources, and written and practical work. This includes discussion, mime, physical theatre, improvisation, directing, and vocal and movement skills.
Homework
Homework is a mixture of written and practical preparation, research, recording, analysis, evaluation and, of course, rehearsal.
Extracurricular
Theatre trips and visits from theatre companies are an important part of the GCSE and A Level courses. The Drama teacher also supports students applying for drama schools and drama companies. There is a Junior Drama Club.
Grouping
All drama, like life, consists of mixed-ability groups.
Key Stage 3
Aims and rationale:
To enable students to use voice, movement, gesture and facial expression in a positive and confident manner. Through the methods of improvisation, acting, mime and physical theatre, supported by a range of drama strategies, pupils will develop personal and social skills, and grow in insight and understanding.
Key Stage 4
Drama is an optional and popular subject at GCSE level. The course covers responding to, developing, performing and evaluating ideas dramatically - both the student's own work and that of others. You will learn how drama is created, including all the acting and staging skills that are needed to put a piece of theatre onstage. You will learn how to create a character and play this character in a performance. You will also learn many other skills that are highly valued in any walk of life. These include teamwork and confidently presenting yourself in public.
The current GCSE course is mainly practical, assessed through a mixture of practical and written exam, and some written coursework.
Further details of the course content, method of study and assessment structure can be found in the Key Stage 4 Options booklet.
Key Stage 5
Drama and Theatre Studies at A Level develops an understanding of how theatre works, and gives opportunities to be a performer, a designer and an active audience member. Full details of the courses offered by the Hitchin Schools Sixth Form Consortium can be found here.
Teaching staff
Mr Kieran Balfe