Drama

KS4 Exam Board: Edexcel

At Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Drama is important because:

1.      Develops Communication Skills
Drama helps students improve their speaking, listening, and non-verbal communication skills. Through acting and performance, they learn how to express ideas clearly and confidently.

2.      Builds Creativity and Imagination
Drama encourages students to think creatively, explore different perspectives, and use their imagination to create characters, stories, and solutions to problems.

3.      Enhances Confidence and Teamwork
Participating in drama activities helps students gain self-confidence by performing in front of others. It also teaches collaboration, as students must work together to rehearse, plan, and present performances successfully.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed to:

• Develop communication, confidence, and collaboration skills
  Drama enables students to express themselves effectively, work successfully with others, and build the confidence needed for both performance and everyday life.
• Foster creativity, imagination, and critical thinking
  Through devising, improvisation, and performance, students learn to generate ideas, solve problems creatively, and reflect on their work and the work of others.
• Prepare students for the demands of GCSE Drama
  A well-sequenced curriculum develops the practical, analytical, and evaluative skills required for GCSE success. Students gain experience in performance, devising, script work, and theatre analysis, building the knowledge and confidence needed to meet examination and coursework requirements.

In Drama, we deliver the curriculum so:

• Learning is active and experiential
  Drama is learned through doing. Students develop knowledge and skills by participating in practical activities, rehearsing, performing, and reflecting on their experiences rather than primarily through written work.
• Collaboration is central to success
  While teamwork is important in many subjects, drama relies heavily on students working together to create, rehearse, and perform. Communication, trust, and cooperation are essential parts of the learning process.
• Assessment combines practical and analytical skills
  Drama requires students to demonstrate learning through performance as well as written analysis and evaluation. Students must apply creative, technical, and critical thinking skills simultaneously, making it a uniquely balanced subject.

Curriculum Overview

Assessment

• Performance Assessment
  Students are assessed through scripted or devised performances, demonstrating skills such as characterisation, vocal and physical techniques, communication of meaning, and audience engagement.
• Observation of Practical Work
  Teachers assess students during rehearsals, improvisations, workshops, and group activities, focusing on participation, creativity, collaboration, and the application of drama techniques.
• Written Assessment
  Students complete evaluations, reflections, theatre reviews, and exam-style responses that assess their understanding of drama concepts, performance skills, and live theatre.
• Self-Assessment and Peer Assessment
  Students reflect on their own work and provide feedback to others, helping them develop critical thinking, evaluative skills, and a deeper understanding of success criteria.
• Questioning and Discussion
  Teachers use verbal questioning, class discussions, and performance critiques to assess students' knowledge, understanding, and ability to analyse drama.

GCSE Assessment

The Edexcel GCSE Drama course is assessed through three components:

1.      Component one;  (Devising Theatre) Students create and perform an original piece from a stimulus and complete a devising portfolio. 40%

2.      Component two; (Performing from a text) Students perform two extracts from a published play to a written examiner. 20%

3.      Component three; (Theatre makers in practice) This is the written examination on a set text and evaluation of a live theatre performance. 40%

We know our curriculum is successful when students develop the following:

• Confidence and communication skills
  Students will become confident communicators who can express ideas clearly, perform effectively, and engage with a range of audiences.
• Creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills
  Students will develop their ability to create original work, work successfully with others, and analyse and evaluate performances.
• The knowledge and skills required for GCSE Drama success
  Students will gain strong foundations in devising, scripted performance, theatre analysis, and evaluation, preparing them for the demands of GCSE Drama and further study.

Revision

English Literature / Drama GCSE: Plot Overview: DNA by Dennis Kelly - BBC Teach