Drama
Subject Overview
The study of Drama and Theatre Studies prepares students for life- long learning. At KS3, the curriculum is geared around developing both Drama and employability skills; such as teamwork, creativity and problem solving.
At KS4 and 5 students can pick from a variety of career pathways including a performance and technical theatre route, or a combination of both. Students are encouraged to question, lead and be proactive in lessons. Drama allows students to communicate and understand others in innovative ways. Drama students are less likely to have problems speaking in public and in turn, we hope, will have a more positive self-image. Drama develops emotional intelligence; it provides an outlet for emotions, thoughts and dreams and encourages students to be analytical and question the world around them
Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
|
Mrs K Foulder |
Head of Drama |
| Mrs A Noon | Acting Head of Drama |
| Miss G Mc Kevitt | |
| Miss J Edwards |
Facilities
We are very lucky to have state of the art facilities at OBA. We have two Drama spaces; which both have technical theatre capabilities. The Drama Theatre features a contemporary End on theatre setting with retractable seating and lighting rig. The Hall Theatre features a raised proscenium arch stage, also with retractable seating and a full lighting rig. We have the Titan 1 lighting software in both spaces which students use to programme and manage the lighting for productions and experiment with in classes.
KS3
Year 7
Autumn term:
Silent Movies
Ghost Stories
Spring term:
‘Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations’ By Alan Ayckbourn
The Lost Valley
Summer term:
‘Millions’ by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Exploring play extracts
Year 8
Autumn term:
Scripts
Physical Theatre
Spring term:
The curious incident of the dog in the night time adapted by Simon Stephens
Exploring Drama practitioners
Summer term:
Devising theatre
Technical theatre in practice
KS4
At KS4 students can opt to study the Edexcel GCSE Drama examination specification or the AQA Technical Award. Both courses are centred on students exploring the world of theatre, analysing how theatre is created and how technical theatre enhances the audience’s enjoyment and understanding. Students must create, evaluate and analyse theatre. Students devise their own plays using current political, social and historical issues and evaluate their process. Students sit a written exam; multiple choice for the AQA Technical Award and extended writing questions for the GCSE, whereby they respond from the point of view of a Director, performer and designer.
Enrichment
We offer an extensive range of enrichment opportunities throughout key stage 3-5. Students have the opportunity to take part in the annual school production in December. There is also a KS3 Drama enrichment club where students take part in devising, script writing, stage make up and technical theatre. Students also have the opportunity to gain LAMDA qualifications from the prestigious ‘London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.’ At KS4 and 5 enrichment is offered to students to rehearse for upcoming performance examinations and have one to one/ whole group coursework and revision sessions
Support
No student is left behind in Drama. Staff endeavour to differentiate lessons, tasks and resources to ensure everyone achieves well in lessons. We offer an extensive trips programme which the school heavily subsidises meaning every student has the same opportunity; to see outstanding professional theatre productions to enhance their enjoyment and learning of Drama and Theatre Studies
